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 forced to sit three rows back at Coronation next to very distant royal

Prince Harry has found himself sat back in the third row for Coronation of his father King Charles.

The Duke of Sussex rocked up at Westminster Abbey on his own, as wife Meghan Markle has stayed behind in the US with their children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

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

Harry has been sat next to Jack and Princess Alexandra - the cousin of the late Queen, who hasn’t had a working royal engagement in a decade.

It is believed that seating arrangements had been one of the sticking points that had caused a delay in Harry responding as to whether he would attend the historic event.

Harry is sat next to Jack Brooksbank and Princess Alexandra (BBC)

And it had previously been claimed that up until recently, Harry still had no idea what the seating arrangements would be on the big day, but now we know he is back in the third row.

The Coronation marks he 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.

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.

Prince Harry arrived alone at the Abbey (Daily Mirror/Andy Stenning)

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."

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.