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Daily Record
Daily Record
Entertainment
Jennifer Newton & Tasha Hall

King Charles' Coronation rule changes that see senior royals miss out on historic traditions

As the historic ceremony crowning King Charles as monarch looms around the corner, organisers of the event are now in a "race against time" to finalise plans.

Next month, Charles will officially be crowned King alongside his wife Camilla who will in effect become Queen. But it has caused chaos among the royal family so far over seating plans and roles, with Charles keen to have a "slimline" ceremony.

The event will feature all the traditional elements, including the anointing, crowning and oath as several senior royals will be given a role, including the King's oldest grandchild Prince George, who will be the page of honour for his grandfather.

In past Coronations, royal dukes would kneel before the sovereign to pay homage to them. Traditionally, the Mirror reports, they would also touch the crown and kiss the monarch's right cheek.

Prince Edward, following his recent promotion to the Duke of Edinburgh, would have been among those in line to carry out the task similarly to Prince Harry.

Other leading figures in the ceremony would have been Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, the Duke of Gloucester and the 87-year-old Duke of Kent.

Prince Edward was promoted to Duke of Edinburgh following the royal shake-up. (Getty Images)

However, the Sunday Times has previously reported that the only royal that will pay homage to him on the day of the Coronation next month is the heir to the throne Prince William.

A source told the paper: "Prince Harry has been written out of the script for the Coronation, with no official role in the service if he attends.

"Breaking with tradition, Charles will scrap royal dukes kneeling and paying homage to the monarch. Only William will perform that role. As things stand, there is no role for Harry in the service."

The news comes as the King's Coronation has been plunged into chaos after rehearsals overran significantly, sparking fears that people across the nation will switch off and pile more pressure onto Charles in his new official reign as monarch.

A source said royal aides are working around the clock in their determination to ensure everything is perfect for the big day on May 6, despite having only 25 days left.

A feeling of panic has reportedly gripped the royal household as the clock ticks down for the once-in-a-generation event next month, causing tensions between members of the royals amid all the ongoing background drama.

However, royal sources attempted to dampen down the anxiety, saying on Tuesday: "It's fair to say it will go down to the wire, but there is huge confidence everything will go to plan on the day.

"This is naturally a huge event and the important point is everyone is pulling in the right direction.

"The King and Queen Consort want it to be perfect as does everyone involved which is why everything is being done to make it so."

Meanwhile, Prince Harry has confirmed he will be at the King's Coronation on May 6. The event at Westminster Abbey will welcome the Duke of Sussex - but Meghan Markle will stay at home.

The Duke of Sussex will attend the King’s Coronation but the Duchess of Sussex will remain in California with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, Buckingham Palace announced.

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