While the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are expected to be invited to the Westminster Abbey ceremony, the couple have given no indication about whether they will attend.
The Telegraph understands that the duke is in a “predicament” over his attendance, as both he and his wife have no idea how their appearance would be received by the British public or even other members of the royal family.
The most likely scenario is that Harry attends alone, with Meghan remaining in the US to celebrate Archie’s birthday, which coincides with the same date as the Coronation ceremony.
Harry told ITV last month: “There’s a lot that can happen between now and then, but you know, the door is always open, the ball is in their court.
Both the duke and duchess are expected to be invited to the ceremony and other members of the royal family are understood to have been told that will be the case.
Invitations have not yet been sent out, but guests are due to start receiving them within days.
Despite much private discussion in recent weeks, the Sussexes have not personally received any confirmation that they will be invited, let alone the role they might play.
“They’ll cross that bridge when they come to it,” a friend of the couple said. “They do not have any insight. They’re in limbo.”
The duke and duchess will not make any decision until an invitation arrives at their home in Montecito, California.
They will then have to decide whether Harry would attend alone or with Meghan. The most likely outcome is the former, leaving Meghan to care for their children in the US and celebrate Archie’s birthday.
If either of them does attend, it is understood the visit will be brief.
The King is believed to have scrapped the tradition of royal dukes kneeling and 'paying homage' to the monarch. That role will now be performed only by the Prince of Wales. Photo / AP
What role would they play in the ceremony?
If the duke does attend, he is not expected to play any official role in the ceremony. He would likely watch the investiture alongside other members of his family in the Royal Gallery.
The King is believed to have scrapped the tradition of royal dukes kneeling and “paying homage” to the monarch. That role will now be performed only by the Prince of Wales.
Buckingham Palace has not yet revealed who will be in the procession to and from Westminster Abbey, or who will appear on the palace balcony for the RAF flypast.
That honour is likely to be reserved solely for working members of the royal family, as was the case during the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations last June.
Separately, the Regency Act was amended in December last year to add Princess Anne and Prince Edward as Counsellors of State, allowing them to deputise on behalf of the King.
The move was designed to ensure Prince Harry and Prince Andrew would never be called upon to act as official stand-ins, in a sign of the duke’s dwindling role within the family.
It is possible that the couple will also be invited to the Coronation concert. Photo / Getty Images
Will the couple attend other events?
It is possible that the duke and duchess will also be invited to the Coronation concert, which is set to take place at Windsor Castle on Sunday, May 7, the day after the ceremony.
But given the low profile they kept at the Platinum Jubilee - when they only made one public appearance at the service of thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral - they may opt out.
Talks between Buckingham Palace and the couple are understood to have been going on for some time, but have picked up pace recently.
A friend of the Sussexes suggested the decision to move them out of Frogmore has not been welcomed by the couple, noting that “they made that place their home”.
They are understood to view the cottage as “the only place left that’s safe” for them and their children in the UK, not least given the ongoing row between Prince Harry and the Home Office over its decision to withdraw his security detail.
Harry was unable to wear military uniform to the Queen’s funeral last year, after losing his military titles when he gave up life as a working royal. Photo / Getty Images
Would Harry be allowed to wear his military uniform?
We don’t know for certain, but it is thought unlikely.
Harry was unable to wear military uniform to the Queen’s funeral in September last year, after losing his military titles when he gave up life as a working royal.
The duke returned the titles of Captain General Royal Marines, Honorary Air Commandant, RAF Honington and Commodore-in-Chief, Small Ships and Diving, Royal Navy Command to the Queen in February 2021.
“Following conversations with the duke, The Queen has written confirming that in stepping away from the work of the royal family it is not possible to continue with the responsibilities and duties that come with a life of public service,” the Palace said at the time.
“The honorary military appointments and royal patronages held by the Duke and Duchess will therefore be returned to Her Majesty, before being redistributed among working members of the royal family.”
However, Harry was permitted to wear military uniform for the vigil of the Queen in Westminster Hall.
Andrew was also permitted to wear uniform for the event, despite being stripped of his military titles in January 2022, two years after he was accused of sexual assault.
