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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
National
Kyle O'Sullivan & Abbie Meehan

Prince Harry makes seven Coronation 'demands', with only three met so far

When Prince Harry was questioned on whether he would attend the King's coronation in 2023, he noted that the ball was in the Royal Family's court in this regard.

The Duke noted that discussions were to be had, and it was later reported that he had made a list of demands to his father, if they expected he and Meghan Markle to attend the ceremony.

The Mirror reports that the pair made their decision last week, as Prince Harry will travel back to the UK attend the coronation.

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Meghan has opted to decline her invitation, staying in the US with the couple's kids - Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

The Sussex' kids were also excluded from King Charles plans for his big day.

While some of Harry's alleged 'demands' are reasonable and have been agreed by the Palace, others weren't so simple, and the Prince didn't get his own way.

Talks with his father, King Charles

Prince Harry requested a face-to-face chat with his father, and brother Prince William, before he agreed to come back home.

According to insiders, the Prince wanted a summit with the pair to discuss their obvious issues. An insider told The Mirror: "He's said he wants to reconcile with his family and it’s their call, but so far nothing has changed."

During an interview on ITV earlier this year, Harry was asked if he would attend the coronation, and he replied: "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.

"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."

And while this discussion hasn't happened in person, Harry has reportedly had a heart-to-heart with his father, and wants to show "support for his father" by attending the Coronation.

There was a "willingness and wanting to mend on both sides" following the revelations in Harry's autobiography, claimed a Sun source.

A stand-alone discussion with his brother, Prince William

Harry also wanted to chat with his brother before the day of the Coronation, but they have not spoken since the Queen's funeral.

And while many praised Harry for attending the coronation, people have noted that there will be an awkwardness between him and his brother, Prince William.

The brotherly relationship is currently at an all-time low, and organisers are allegedly keen to make sure there aren't any public spats on the day.

The Daily Express reports that the pair will be sat so far apart that cameras will not be able to get a direct shot of them together.

The Palace will be hoping to avoid any awkward confrontations, so are allegedly putting Harry several rows back behind the senior royals.

According to experts, "warm interactions" between the brothers are not anticipated and William has rejected his brother's demand for a meeting before the Coronation happens

Despite the "bad blood and betrayal" in recent years, it's claimed that William will "tolerate" his younger brother's presence at the Coronation.

Ending of a toxic family atmosphere

It is extremely unlikely that Harry will get a warm welcome at the coronation after his memoir and the Netflix series he made with wife Meghan.

It was suggested that Harry would not attend the historic event if there was going to be a lot of tension with his family.

An insider told The Mirror: "Harry has been very clear and his position hasn't wavered – he isn't going to come if he feels the atmosphere will be as toxic as it was during the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and funeral."

However, insiders close to the family claim that most royals have "no interest" in talking to Harry "beyond basic greetings".

They did add that Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, who has stayed close friends with her cousin and visited him in California, may be the only "exceptions".

Meghan Markle included in the invitation

Despite the tensions between the Royal Family and the Sussex', Meghan Markle did get invited to the King's coronation.

However, she has declined, and will stay at home with the couple's children, while her husbands flies back to the UK on his own.

The Palace said in a statement: "Buckingham Palace is pleased to confirm that the Duke of Sussex will attend the Coronation Service at Westminster Abbey on 6th May.

"The Duchess of Sussex will remain in California with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet."

There is a lot of tension. (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Archie's birthday falling on the same day as the Coronation was said to have been a contentious issue - and the main reason why Meghan decided to snub the invitation.

Royal editor Omid Scobie tweeted: "I understand that Archie's fourth birthday (also on May 6) played a factor in the couple's decision.

"Expect it to be a fairly quick trip to the UK for Prince Harry, who will only be attending the coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey."

Birthday recognition for Prince Archie

The date of the coronation falls on May 6 - which is the same day as Prince Archie's fourth birthday - awkward, right?

Despite being a grandchild of the new King, it is believed that Archie, and his sister Lilibet, were not invited to the coronation. Sources cite that the reason behind this is due to the children being "very young".

The source explained that their inclusion in the ceremony has "never been a bone of contention" because small children don’t attend royal events of this scale "due to restlessness and tantrums".

Harry was said to have always been keen to attend the coronation as it is a key milestone for the family, but would like some recognition of his son's celebration.

A source told OK!: "Archie's birthday falls on May 6th, coronation day and the Sussexes want the family to recognise that.

"The Sussexes have asked for some kind of celebration or acknowledgement to be factored into the day's plans to ensure that his fourth birthday won’t get lost during the momentous day."

Security arrangements

Prince Harry has been concerned about his safety in the UK - and rightfully so - but he has been assured security will be on hand.

The Duke has been told that he will be protected when attending Royal Family events over the coronation weekend - the same as the Platinum Jubilee and the funeral for the Queen last year.

However, Harry will be required to provide his own privately funded bodyguards if he takes part in any social activity outside of the main events.

Former head of royal protection for the Met Police, Dai Davies, said: "If Harry is as concerned about his safety as he has made clear to the High Court, then he faces the prospect of essentially living under house arrest when he’s in the UK.

"Of course he will be protected by (police) officers when attending the main events, but if he fancies doing anything else then he’ll have to pay for his own security if he is that concerned."

Policing minister Chris Philip has said that he hopes the coronation will be similar to the "fantastic" handling of the late Queen's funeral, and there will be a "huge policing operation".

Chris spoke to LBC about Harry's presence at the ceremony, saying: "Those obviously get assessed on a case-by-case basis."

He also said: "I'm not going to get into people's individual protection arrangements but, by the way, we're providing protection for hundreds of foreign heads of state, overseas heads of state who are attending as well.

"It's a huge policing operation, both in terms of the streets and obviously protection for individuals, so it's a big operation."

He added: "We're going to make sure that everybody involved in the coronation, including the general public, are kept safe, obviously."

Balcony appearance

Another point of discussion is whether Harry will return to the infamous Buckingham Palace balcony for the coronation.

The King and Queen will appear in front of thousands of people on the balcony to celebrate their Coronation - but only working royals will be joining them.

Charles' decision to appear on the balcony with a close-knit area of his family will show his vision of a slimmed down monarchy, royal sources said.

Detailed plans seen by The Mirror revealed how the King has chosen to say thanks for the nation alongside a select few royals who have dedicated their lives to public service, while also showing "the heartbeat and future of his family".

The final group shows that the Prince and Princess of Wales will be on the balcony alongside their children. Rumours of Harry demanding to be included on the balcony are said to be "wide of the mark", according to some palace insiders.

Regardless, Harry will definitely not be on the balcony and it's believed he will not take part in either of the two processions too and from Westminster Abbey.

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