11 February 2023 , 11:45
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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are set to be invited to King Charles III's coronation but officials have reportedly demanded a quick RSVP from them.
According to Whitehall sources, the pair have been put "on the list", Buckingham Palace officials will require the royal couple to make a decision on attending quickly.
This comes despite relations between the Sussexes and the royal family remaining strained in the wake of Prince Harry's memoir release last month.
It has been claimed that the board at the palace are putting together a plan to ensure that the royal couple do not overshadow the ceremony, which is due to take place at Westminster Abbey on May 6.
King Charles III's coronation is set to take place on May 6 (PA)
Meghan and Harry's attendance at the coronation has been labeled a 'PR move' (PA / Kirsty O'Connor)A source told the Express that planning is "well underway to make sure the proceedings run as smooth as possible - without any drama".
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Meanwhile, a royal expert has suggested that the couple attending the coronation is only a strategic move to avoid further PR headaches for the King.
The To Di For host, Kinsey Schofield, said: "Public relations wise, this is a requirement. If Charles does not invite Harry and Meghan, the pair will weaponize the slight."
The official 2,000-strong final guest list has yet to be confirmed, as Buckingham Place is working with No.10 and the Foreign Office to finalise it.
The first day of the coronation will be marked by two grand processions (PA)It is understood that the couple will receive an invitation to the ceremony in the coming weeks, after months of speculation about their attendance and reports of no movement toward reconciliation between the families.
However, those who want to attend the event will need to RSVP to the invitation by the start of April.
If Harry and Meghan do attend it's expected they will take part in a similar way to how they attended the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June 2022.
They entered the cathedral alone, and then sat on the opposite side of the aisle to the Prince and Princess of Wales in the order of the line of succession.
According to Whitehall sources, the royal pair have been put 'on the list' (PA)King Charles III's coronation events:
- May 6 - The first day will be marked by two grand processions and a religious service where the King and Queen Consort will proceed to Westminster Abbey for the coronation ceremony.
After, they will take part in a second procession to Buckingham Palace, before appearing on the balcony. - May 7 - A Coronation Big Lunch will take place where Britons have been invited to take part in street parties and garden get-togethers.
A special concert will take place at Windsor Castle, featuring an exclusive performance from the Coronation Choir, which will be broadcast by the BBC. - May 8 - An extra bank holiday has been scheduled for May 8.
The Big Help Out will also be held this day, which has been organised by The Together Coalition, which highlights the positive impact volunteering has on communities across the nation.