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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Jennifer Newton

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's 'stage-managed' Coronation plan to avoid awkward curtsey

As the Coronation of King Charles looms ever closer, the guest list for the historic event is said to be 2,000 strong and close to being finalised.

And reports suggest that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will definitely be scoring an invitation for the day at Westminster Abbey on May 6.

The pair sensationally quit as working members of the royal family in 2020 and have since carved out a new life for themselves in the United States with their children three-year-old Archie and Lilibet, who turns two in June.

However, Harry's bond with his father and brother Prince William has been on extremely shaky ground with him and Meghan making several allegations about the royals in an interview with Oprah Winfrey and a docuseries on Netflix.

Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle (Getty Images)
King Charles's Coronation is on May 6 (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Meanwhile, last month Harry released his controversial memoir Spare, where he alleged William physically attacked him and claimed he begged Charles not to marry his wife Queen Consort Camilla.

No official announcements have been made about Harry or Meghan's attendance or if indeed they will accept the invitation.

But according to reports, a plan is being put together so if they do decide to attend, they will not "overshadow" the event - and there will be no awkward encounters.

Quick reply

The couple together at a gala at the end of last year (Getty Images for 2022 Robert F.)

According to the Express, one way to ensure there is no question mark hanging over their attendance is by requiring a quick RSVP.

It is said that once invitations go out later this month to dignitaries and world leaders, they will be required to confirm their attendance by the start of April.

A source told the paper: "They’re [Harry and Meghan] on the list and planning is well underway to make sure the proceedings run as smooth as possible - without any drama."

But even if they are invited and do attend - as non-working royals, they will not be given any formal roles or appear on the Buckingham Palace balcony after the service.

Jubilee blueprint

William and Kate together with Harry and Meghan in the aftermath of the late Queen's death (PA)

Meanwhile, there are also reports that if Harry and Meghan do attend, their arrival at Westminster Abbey will be "meticulously crafted" to avoid any awkward public reunions with the Prince and Princess of Wales.

The couple has also made several claims about the pair, with Harry even alleging in his memoir Spare that his brother physically attacked him in a heated row.

According to the Express, planners will use the blueprint for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations last year, which saw the Sussexes turn up alone for a service at St Paul's Cathedral.

They were also given seats away from William and Kate, which meant they did not have to interact - and it is said this would happen again for the Coronation.

Edward and Sophie

Harry, Meghan, Sophie and Edward at Royal Ascot in 2018 (PA)

Another added complication planners are said to be dealing with to avoid is Harry and Meghan coming face-to-face with Prince Edward and his wife Sophie Wessex.

Both Edward and Sophie are working members of the family so could get roles in the ceremony - and most likely will appear on the Buckingham Palace balcony.

However, as it stands they have the titles of Earl and Countess of Wessex - and have not been awarded a Dukedom, although this could change in the future.

According to the Mail on Sunday, this would mean Edward and Sophie would have to bow and curtsey to Harry and Meghan, who do have duke and duchess titles.

But it adds that the day will be planned so the two couples would not be publicly put in this position.

Archie's birthday

Meanwhile, the date of the Coronation, May 6, is a very important one for Harry and Meghan - it is the birthday of their oldest child Archie.

On the day of the Coronation, he will be turning four and no doubt his parents will want to spend time with him.

But according to the Mail On Sunday, that day was partly chosen so it could happen before the State Opening of Parliament later that month.

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