Prince Harry and Meghan forbidden to 'stand out' at the coronation because of 'royal hierarchy'
By Natalie Oliveri|
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be forbidden to "stand out" at the coronation of King Charles, a ceremony that's "all about royal hierarchy".
Prince Harry and Meghan are yet to confirm their attendance for the May 6 event after being in "email correspondence" with the King's office.
But if they do travel to the UK, the couple will be put in their place with all the focus to be on the King and Queen Consort, and the Prince and Princess of Wales.
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Author and historian Dr Tessa Dunlop says Prince Harry and Meghan's presence will be low key.
"Like it or not this state occasion is all about royal hierarchy," Dr Dunlop told The Mirror.
"Visual messaging through both costume and carriage will remind us who the future King and Queen are – whether the Sussexes like it or not."
The royal family are expected to be dressed in their finest and while the King's outfit is yet to be revealed, Camilla will wear a new gown designed by Bruce Oldfield who created more than 100 pieces for the late Diana, Princess of Wales.
They will also wear a number of historic jewels and royal regalia, all seeped in tradition.
Prince William will be in uniform while his wife Catherine will wear a gown and a tiara.
Dr Dunlop believes Prince Harry and Meghan will be dressed in more simple attire if they accept the King's invitation.
"Expect to see Harry there but minus a coronet and robe," she said.
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"With the exception of Prince William, at this coronation peers of the realm will not be paying homage to the new King so it is unlikely that Harry will have to go down on bended knee.
"Likewise if Meghan attends, any coronation finery will be entirely her own. Expect very few to stand on ceremony for the Duchess of Sussex.
"In contrast history suggests working royals will stand out."
She points to the example of Princess Margaret who wore a specially designed Norman Hartnell gown for the coronation of her sister Queen Elizabeth II in 1953.
Princess Margaret wore the Cartier Halo tiara (later seen on Kate Middleton when she married Prince William), paired with a small coronet – a metal ring adorned with ornaments varying with the rank of the wearer.
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She was seated between the Queen Mother and a young Prince Charles, watching the proceedings below.
"A similar scenario for the Princess of Wales and her three children is likely," Dr Dunlop says.
"William and his offspring are next in line to the throne and coronations deliberately emphasise the order of precedence and succession."
After the coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey, the King and Queen will travel back to Buckingham Palace in the Gold State Coach, followed by the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children.
A third coach will bring the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and Princess Anne and Sir Timothy Laurence.
The senior royals will then appear on the palace balcony.
If Harry and Meghan do attend the coronation, they are not expected to join the royals on the balcony which is strictly reserved for working members only.
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