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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Jennifer Newton

King Charles' top issues to solve before Coronation - Harry invite and Andrew comeback

In just 100 days time all eyes will be on King Charles on one of the biggest days of his life - his coronation day.

The spectacular event will take place on May 6 at Westminster Abbey in London and will be followed by two days of celebrations that will include a star-studded concert at Windsor Castle.

The coronation day itself will feature processions to and from Buckingham Palace, the solemn and religious coronation ceremony as well as an appearance on the palace balcony by Charles, Queen Camilla and other members of the royal family.

But with just over three months to go until the big weekend of pomp and pageantry, there are several issues that the King seemingly needs to deal with before any celebrations can begin...

Should Prince Harry and Meghan Markle be invited?

King Charles with his sons Prince William and Prince Harry as well as his daughter-in-law Meghan Markle (PA)

Thousands of people are likely to be inside Westminster Abbey when King Charles and Queen Camilla are crowned - but the question remains if Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will be among them.

Since taking the throne in September, much attention has been focused on the King's relationship with his younger son and daughter-in-law.

Last month in their Netflix docu-series, the couple levelled several criticisms against the monarchy, with Harry even accusing his dad of lying at the so-called Sandringham Summit in January 2020.

And earlier this month, there were even more attacks on the royals in Harry's tell-all memoir Spare.

Among the claims made in the book were that he and Prince William pleaded with Charles not to marry Camilla.

Harry and Meghan quit as working royals three years ago (Getty Images)

At the moment, it is unclear if Harry or Meghan will be in attendance at the coronation - or even whether they will be invited.

During an interview with Tom Bradby on ITV earlier this month, Harry was asked if he will come to the coronation if he is invited, and he said: "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.

Harry during an interview with ITV's Tom Bradby (ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

"There's a lot to be discussed and I really hope that they can - that they are willing to sit down and talk about it, because there's a lot that's happened in six years. And prior to that as well."

However, if the couple do decide to come to the UK along with their children Archie and Lilibet for the event, there is one part of the coronation day they will reportedly miss out on.

According to the Mail on Sunday, the Buckingham Palace balcony appearance will be limited to working royals only - which will mean that Harry and Meghan will miss out.

Prince Andrew saga

King Charles' younger brother Prince Andrew (UK Press via Getty Images)

Meanwhile, another family issue threatening to overshadow the coronation is that concerning his younger brother Prince Andrew.

It has been reported that a memoir by Virginia Giuffre, the woman who accused Andrew of sexual abuse, could be published.

Ms Giuffre, 39, has reportedly signed a deal for a book that has been 12 years in the making and is set to detail her alleged meetings with the Duke of York. He has denied all allegations against him.

Last year, Andrew, 62, settled her civil rape claim against him with a reported £3million out-of-court settlement. As part of the agreement, both parties consented to a one-year gag clause, which prevented her from publicly repeating the allegations against the royal.

The brothers together in 2012 (Getty Images)

That expires in March, weeks away from Charles’s coronation on May 6.

A publishing insider told the Mirror plans have been drawn up to "maximise" Giuffre's book's release "with no bigger occasion than the crowning of the king". The insider said: "All eyes will be on the royal family in the weeks leading up to Charles's coronation.

"Book releases are all about timing, and while there is speculation about whether Andrew will be seen at Westminster Abbey or on the Buckingham Palace balcony, what is certain he will be seen on every bookshelf around the world.

"For the money the publisher has spent signing Virginia, they want to maximise their return.

"There will be no bigger occasion for her book than the crowning of the king."

Anti-monarchy protests

Protesters hang a polling station sign from the railings of Buckingham Palace (PA)

One issue outside his family that Charles will have to consider are the growing anti-monarchy protests being planned to coincide with the coronation.

Yesterday, campaign group Republic tried to turn Buckingham Palace into a polling station – the first in a series of protests against the King's coronation.

The group, which campaigns for an elected head of state, is vowing to stage further stunts in the run-up to Charles’s May 6 coronation, as well holding a large demonstration on the day.

Graham Smith, Republic’s spokesman, said: "We want to drive home the need for a vote on the future of the monarchy. We should be able to decide, do we want Charles or a choice?"

King Charles at the State Opening of Parliament in May 2022 (Getty Images)

The group also branded the coronation a waste of taxpayers’ money on its petition page.

"An outdated, pointless coronation that will cost tens of millions of pounds of taxpayers’ money during a cost-of-living crisis does not serve the people of Britain," it said.

"It’s time for a public vote on the future of the monarchy.

"With the coronation of Charles in May, this is the moment to have a serious conversation about the future of this country."

Security concerns

King Charles reacts as a crowd member throws eggs at him during a recent visit to York (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Meanwhile, security concerns will no doubt play on the minds of Charles and those organising the coronation.

There have been a string of incidents lately, including eggs being hurled at Charles.

And last month, royal security chiefs ordered a review of the King’s safety amid fears his Christmas walkabout may be hit by protests - although thankfully the walkabout passed off without incident.

A source with knowledge of the discussions previously said police chiefs are "concerned" at the possibility of further disturbances.

The insider added: "This isn't just about individuals with eggs at their disposal, everyone is extremely aware it could be far worse.

"A full-scale review is in place to make sure the right ­evacuation procedures are in place."

The police's Royal and VIP Executive Committee, responsible for security, met up to re-evaluate plans to ­evacuate the King and Camilla if they are targeted again in public. Palace ­officials also held ­emergency talks.

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