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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Antony Thrower

Meghan Markle and Harry ARE included in official Coronation programme with awkward photo

The souvenir programme for the King’s Coronation contains a somewhat awkward picture of King Charles, Queen Camilla and William with Harry and Meghan - despite her skipping the event.

The 84-page official souvenir, which costs £20, went on sale on Monday ahead of the event on Saturday May 6.

Among its pages is a full-page photo of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex alongside Charles, Camilla, the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children.

The photo, taken in 2018 to mark the King’s 70th birthday, is included despite the fact Meghan is to stay at home in California on what will be her son Archie’s birthday.

In the programme, Archbishop Justin Welby said Charles will swap his "robes of status and honour" for a simple white shirt for the private anointing during the May 6 ceremony.

Meghan is staying in California for the event (Getty Images)

The Archbishop said the King will come before God as a servant "in the full knowledge that the task is difficult and he needs help".

He added: "In the full knowledge that even as a King, he is one of the people and that even if he has a particular role to fulfil, he shares in our human frailties and vulnerabilities".

The service will move to the moment of crowning as the mood turns to one of celebration, he added.

The Archbishop described how coronations "often carry with them the hopes and prayers of nations for peace, justice and the common good".

It was earlier announced Prince Harry will be part of the congregation inside Westminster Abbey to witness King Charles and Queen Camilla being crowned.

Meghan did receive an invite to the Coronation, but decided to stay at home.

It was announced Harry will be attending alone (Getty Images)

The Palace said in a statement: "Buckingham Palace is pleased to confirm that the Duke of Sussex will attend the Coronation Service at Westminster Abbey on 6th May.

"The Duchess of Sussex will remain in California with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet."

It is expected Harry will make a whistle-stop trip to the UK for the big event, where he will be reunited with other members of the Royal Family.

Royal sources revealed how organisers were "exasperated" with the couple, who have spent two years railing against the monarchy after they decided to leave in favour of earning millions in the corporate world.

Last week, it was revealed that the King and Queen will celebrate the Coronation by appearing on the Buckingham Palace balcony with just the working royals.

The official coronation programme went on sale today (PA)
Harry will be in the UK for the event (UK Press via Getty Images)

His Majesty’s decision to appear in the historic moment with just his closest and most loyal family members will show his vision of a slimmed-down monarchy, royal sources said.

A percentage of the sales of the souvenir programme will be split between two charities - the Royal Collection Trust and SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.

Meghan's decision to stay in the US comes after months of speculation if either of the pair would arrive for the event.

The Duchess of Sussex has been notably absent from events this year, including Prince Harry's promotional tour for his memoir, Spare, which was released earlier this year.

She is said to have been "stung" by backlash to the book, including an episode by satirical comedy South Park which eviscerated the pair, dedicating an entire episode to the "Worldwide Privacy Tour'.

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