Princess Anne asked to move seat at Coronation before awkward Harry issue

18 January 2024 , 10:15

765     0

Princess Anne asked to move seat at Coronation before awkward Harry issue

The Coronation of King Charles III and his wife Queen Camilla was a huge moment for the couple, but also for rest of the Royal Family. The Monarch's loved ones - including his siblings, sons, and grandchildren - were there to offer support on the historic occasion.

They stepped out in all their finery to watch the well-rehearsed events unfold, and many royal fans were particularly interested in Princess Anne's hat. The dramatic piece was of a military style featuring a very tall red feather, and while fashion watchers loved the design others were more distracted by it's positioning. During most of the ceremony, the feather completely blocked Prince Harry's face. As the Coronation came after months of drama between the Royal Family and Harry and his wife Meghan Markle, many fans joked it was intentional.

But now, a new royal book has claimed that Princess Anne expressed concerns about the size of her hat - and actually asked to move seat.

The position of Princess Anne's hat was unfortunate (BBC)

Writing in his new book King Charles III: The Inside Story, royal author Robert Hardman claims Anne was never actually meant to sit in front of her nephew. Describing claims it was intentional "nonsense", he writes: "Not only do the Lord Chamberlain's Office not think like that, but the Princess Royal has only switched to that seat following her request for a speedy exit."

Hardman also recalls a comment Anne made about the hat. He claims she asked organisations if they were sure they wanted her to keep the hat, saying she warned them it was "quite a decent-sized hat". She reportedly said: "The answer was yes. There you go. Not my fault".

Kate Middleton swears by £19.99 rosehip oil that helps 'reduce wrinkles & scars'

It was a very striking hat (UK Press via Getty Images)

Harry ws briefly reunited with his family for the Coronation (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

The positioning of Anne's hat left fans in stitched on the big day last year, with those watching the Coronation on TV taking to social media to discuss. One person tweeted: "Princess Anne's hat blocking views of Prince Harry during God Save The King… I AM SCREAMING."

Another added: "Prince Harry is hidden behind the feather on Princess Anne's hat... last time it was a candle" "Did they make Harry sit behind Anne on purpose so her silly hat would hide him," asked a third.

While a fourth tweeted: "In the good old days on Twitter. Princess Anne’s hat would have its own account by now - running handy interference on Harry, too"

Zoe Forsey