29 January 2023 , 01:50
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King Charles has reportedly asked the Archbishop of Canterbury to help reach a deal with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle for them to attend his Coronation.
The King is thought to have approached Justin Welby over a potential agreement that would pave the way for the Duke and Duchess to attend despite the recent fallout from Harry's memoir Spare.
Speculation over whether the pair would be present for the Westminster Abbey ceremony in May has been present since Charles' ascent to the throne last year.
Harry and Meghan stood down as working royals two years ago and the former's book, which was released earlier this month, contained a number of damaging revelations about senior members of the Royal Family.
The Archbishop of Canterbury has reportedly been asked to negotiate a deal (Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
It is thought that Prince William has reservations over his brother's attendance (UK Press via Getty Images)However, it is thought that the King feels that the couple’s absence would be a greater distraction than their presence and is prepared to offer concessions in order to persuade them to attend.
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While the King is keen to have the couple present for his Coronation, the Mail on Sunday reports that Prince William has reservations about their attendance.
It is thought that William is concerned that his sibling will overshadow the event by using it as a “stunt”.
The paper cited a senior Lambeth Palace source as saying that the Archbishop of Canterbury has been approached with a view to finding an amicable solution for all parties.
Sources say Harry could be offered informal assurance that he will be able to keep his titles and a high-profile seating position in the Abbey in order to tempt him to attend.
However, it is claimed that William is keen for Harry’s visit to be tightly scripted to prevent him from stealing the limelight.
A source said: “The issue of substance is whether they attend the Coronation, and if they do, under what terms and conditions.
The King and Prince William have not responded to allegations made by Harry in his memoir Spare (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)“The family is split, and all the indications are that Harry is being advised to agree to nothing at this stage and 'play it long' right up to the last minute, which is making negotiations with him very difficult.
“Harry’s camp made clear that the idea that he would just attend the Coronation and behave himself but then be stripped of his titles was a total non-starter.”
The source added that Harry resents being presented as a 'problem Prince' alongside Prince Andrew, given the differing circumstances of the pair.
Welby, who will officiate at the ceremony at Westminster Abbey, previously had to clarify that the Sussexes' wedding was their legal marriage after Meghan claimed that he had secretly wed them beforehand during a TV interview.
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While senior royals have not responded to any of the allegations made by Harry in Spare, insiders sat the King was “livid” about the nature of attacks on Queen Consort Camilla, who the Duke described as “dangerous” and a “villain” in TV interviews to promote his book.
Harry did say that he was keen to reconcile with his family – should they apologise to him.