Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Kyle O'Sullivan & Jennifer Newton

Prince Harry arrives at Coronation - and awkwardly walks alone behind other royals

Prince Harry has arrived at Westminster Abbey to take his seat ahead of the Coronation of his father King Charles.

He turned up at Westminster Abbey this morning alone without wife Meghan Markle, who has stayed behind in the US with their children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

Harry was seen walking behind Princess Eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank, but in front of Princess Beatrice and her partner Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi.

was determined to attend, with insiders saying he was cutely aware that the historic occasion will be "pretty much the most important day" of the King's life.

The Duke of Sussex, known to now have a frosty relationship with his father and brother Prince William, wore a suit rather than military uniform.

It is the first time Harry has been in a public setting with his royal relatives since he criticised many of them in his memoir, Spare, which was published in January.

Prince Harry arriving at Westminster Abbey (Daily Mirror/Andy Stenning)

It included claims that William physically attacked him, and that the King put his own interests above his and was jealous of Meghan and the Princess of Wales.

Harry also branded Camilla the "villain" and "dangerous" in interviews, accusing her of rehabilitating her image at the expense of his.

However, is believed that Harry won't be hanging around after the Coronation service as he is not thought to be taking part in the procession back to Buckingham Palace or appearing on the balcony with the rest of the royals for the RAF flypast.

An insider claimed Harry will be "in and out of the UK in 24 hours" and that he won't attend the Coronation Concert at Windsor Castle tomorrow night either so he can get back to son Archie, who turns four today.

The ceremony is expected to end at 1pm today so it is believed that the Duke could head to the airport straight after, possibly leaving the country at around 2pm or 3pm.

Earlier this month, a royal source told The Mirror : "After much back and forth, Harry said that he would be returning for the King's Coronation but it will only be a fleeting visit.

"Organisers have been told Harry won't be attending the concert with the rest of the Royal Family, which is a great shame as it will be such a spectacular event."

While walking in, Harry gave greetings to some of the other guests, with our lip reader revealing he said "hello", "morning" and "nice to see you" to various people.

It's also claimed the duke said "look at that" while noticing the grandeur of the occasion and added "delightful".

Organisers are reportedly keen to make sure there aren't any public rows on the big day by keeping him separated,

But Harry has reportedly been invited to lunch at Buckingham Palace after the Coronation

It's believed Harry will be sat next Princess Eugenie's husband Jack Brooksbanks and Princess Alexandra - the cousin of the late Queen, who hasn’t had a working royal engagement in a decade.

The King and Queen on their way to be crowned (PA)

He is due to be seated in the third row, meaning he will be two rows back from brother Prince William and sister-in-law the Princess of Wales.

A source told the Sun : "There were discussions that the seating could be arranged on line of succession. But that would have put fifth-in-line Harry front and centre — and with William and Kate.

"Instead the decision was working royals only at the front and work back from there. Harry will be a long way from his father."

After Harry confirmed he would attend the Coronation, an insider said King Charles was "delighted" despite their rocky bond.

The source said: "The King has previously spoken of loving both his sons and that remains the case.

"Harry would have deeply regretted not attending the ceremony.

"Archie's birthday has provided the perfect excuse for Meghan to stay behind and, with all things considered, it's probably the right thing to do."

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.