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National
Antony Thrower & Aaron Morris

Prince Harry and Meghan feature in 'awkward' King Charles Coronation photo

A souvenir programme for the coronation of King Charles III contains a relatively awkward photograph of the King, Queen Consort Camilla and Prince William with Harry and Meghan Markle - despite the latter opting to skip the event.

The 84-page special went on sale Monday ahead of the May 6 event - and is priced at £20 should you want to snap a piece of history up.

And among the litany of photographs in the literature sits a full-page snap of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex alongside Charles, Camilla, William, Kate and their children.

Read more: Prince Harry will stay just yards from Prince of Wales when he returns for Coronation

The Mirror reports that the photo, taken in 2018 to mark Charles' 70th birthday, is included despite Meghan's choice to stay in California with the children on what will mark son Archie's fourth birthday. Prince Harry, though, will attend the event in the UK at the start of May.

In the programme, Archbishop Justin Welby says that Charles will swap out his traditional 'robes of status and honour' for a simple white shirt during the private anointing ceremony. He added that King Charles will come before God as a servant 'in the full knowledge that the task is difficult and he needs help'.

Justin continued: "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 Sussexes appear in a photo in the coronation's official programme (AP)

The service is then set to move to the official crowning ceremony, with the mood turning to one of celebration. The Archbishop also described how coronations 'often carry with them the hopes and prayers of nations for peace, justice and the common good'.

Both Meghan and Harry were reportedly invited to the mammoth event, with the Prince accepting while the Duchess has opted to stay home instead. 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 that Harry will make his visit to the UK a short-trip solely for the event, where he will come together with other members of the Royal Family. Royal sources revealed that organisers had become 'exasperated' with the couple, who have spent the best part of two years rallying against the monarchy after leaving.

It was also last week revealed that the King and Queen will celebrate the Coronation by gracing the Buckingham Palace balcony with other working royals. His Majesty's decision will show a vision of a slimmed-down monarchy according to royal sources.

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

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