Royal news – latest: Meghan Markle snubs King’s coronation as Prince Harry to attend
The Duke of Sussex will be attending the King’s coronation on his own, Buckingham Palace has announced.
Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, will remain in California with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
“Buckingham Palace is pleased to confirm that the Duke of Sussex will attend the Coronation Service at Westminster Abbey on 6 May,” the statement said.
“The Duchess of Sussex will remain in California with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.”
The news comes after months of speculation as to whether the couple would attend the event, which is taking place on Saturday 6 May.
It is thought that Archie’s fourth birthday, also on 6 May, might have played a factor in the couple’s decision.
It comes as the relationship between King Charles III and the Duke of York has “never been this bad” as the latter reportedly continues his “resistance” to moving out of the Royal Lodge, it has been said.
Royals news - latest updates
Prince Harry to attend coronation without Meghan, Buckingham Palace announces
King Charles ‘tired and infuriated’ as Prince Andrew ‘refuses to leave Royal Lodge’, report says
Queen Elizabeth II ‘surprised’ when Meghan Markle ‘dismissed’ her advice, author claims
Inside Royal Lodge: Prince Andrew’s 30-room mansion that Prince William ‘has his eye on’
King decides Fergie will not be invited to the coronation
11:31 , Ellie Muir
King Charles is not inviting his former sister-in-law the Duchess of York to his coronation, The Independent has learnt.
Sarah Ferguson, who still lives with Prince Andrew and is very close to him even though they divorced in 1996, will have to watch the May 6 celebrations at Westminster Abbey on TV.
The news follows Buckingham Palace’s announcement on Wednesday (12 April) that Prince Harry will attend the King’s coronation on his own, while his wife, Meghan, will stay at home in California with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
The King and Queen Consort’s decision means that Fergie will not be seated next to her daughters, Beatrice and Eugenie, who are 10th and 11th in line to the throne.
Jane Dalton has the full story below:
King decides Fergie will NOT be invited to the coronation
Prince Andrew’s ‘insane’ list of travelling demands revealed by ex-diplomat
11:15 , Ellie Muir
The Duke of York had an “insane” list of demands while travelling abroad, including a 6ft ironing board and room-temperature water only, according to an ex-diplomat.
Former UK diplomat Simon Wilson is set to describe Prince Andrew’s wishes in the forthcoming ITV documentary The Real Crown: Inside the House of Windsor, which will be released on 20 April.
Wilson recalled receiving the list when he was working as the deputy head of a British mission to Bahrain in 2002. Andrew was the Special Representative for International Trade and Investment for the trip.
Read the full story below:
Prince Andrew’s ‘insane’ list of travelling demands revealed by ex-diplomat
Ab Fab star Joanna Lumley to attend King Charles and Queen Camilla’s coronation
11:36 , Ellie Muir
Joanna Lumley will be among the 2,000 guests attending the King’s Coronation at Westminster Abbey on 6 May.
Sky News announced on Thursday (13 April) that the Absolutely Fabulous star will be joining correspondents Alastair Bruce, Kay Burley and Anna Botting as a special guest in the news coverage on the day, fresh from attending the coronation service.
The statement reads: “The actress will join the Sky News line-up on Saturday fresh from attending the Coronation service at Westminster Abbey as a guest of the King and Queen Consort.”
Read the full story below:
Joanna Lumley to attend King Charles and Queen Camilla’s coronation
Inside Royal Lodge: Prince Andrew’s 30-room mansion that Prince William ‘has his eye on’
10:45 , Ellie Muir
The Duke of York has resided in the Royal Lodge in Windsor Park for nearly 20 years, but his reported refusal to move out is said to have left King Charles III “tired and infuriated”.
It is understood that the King wishes for Prince Andrew to vacate the royal property and move into the smaller Frogmore Cottage instead, with suggestions that the Prince of Wales “has his eye” on the mansion to “reflect his new role” as heir to the throne.
Andrew first moved into the vast property in 2004 and made it his family home. He lives there with ex-wife Sarah Ferguson.
Read the full story below:
Inside Royal Lodge, Prince Andrew’s 30-room mansion that William ‘has his eye on’
Everything we know about 2023 coronation ceremony
10:15 , Ellie Muir
The coronation will take place at Westminster Abbey in London where there are expected to be 2,000 guests in attendance, a stark contrast to the 8,000 guests present at the Queen’s coronation in 1953.
Charles will turn 74 years old in November 2022, making him the oldest person to be crowned in British history.
William, Prince of Wales is expected to play an important role in the committee organising his father’s coronation.
Here’s everything you need to know about the coronation ceremony:
When is the coronation of King Charles III?
Coronation coins with first ever crowned effigy of King Charles III revealed by Royal Mint
09:40 , Ellie Muir
A crowned portrait of the King will for the first time feature on a new range of commemorative coins created to celebrate the upcoming coronation.
The collection, which includes a 50p and £5 coin, will be released later this month ahead of the historic 6 May celebration.
Bronwen Weatherby reports.
Coronation coins with first ever crowned effigy of King Charles III revealed
King Charles 'reacts' to news Prince Harry will attend his coronation in May
08:31 , Ellie Muir
King Charles III is reportedly “very disappointed” that his daughter-in-law the Duchess of Sussex nor his grandchildren, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, will attend his and Queen Camilla’s coronation next month.
Buckingham Palace announced on Wednesday (12 April) that the Duke of Sussex will attend the coronation, but Meghan Markle will stay at home in California with their two children.
Read the full story below:
King Charles ‘disappointed’ that Meghan will be absent from coronation
This is the official Twitter emoji for King Charles’s coronation
08:20 , Peony Hirwani
Buckingham Palace has revealed an official emoji to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
The colourful cartoon motif depicts the 17th century jewelled solid gold St Edward’s Crown with purple velvet cap – the regalia which will be used to crown the King on 6 May.
This is the official Twitter emoji for King Charles’s coronation
Ex-diplomat reveals Prince Andrew’s ‘insane’ list of demands while travelling
07:50 , Peony Hirwani
The Duke of York had an “insane” list of demands while travelling abroad, including a 6ft ironing board and room-temperature water only, according to an ex-diplomat.
Kate Ng reports.
Ex-diplomat reveals Prince Andrew’s ‘insane’ list of demands while travelling
Queen Elizabeth ‘wanted William and Harry to go to war’
07:20 , Peony Hirwani
Queen Elizabeth II believed her grandsons Prince Harry and Prince William should both “do their duty” by going to war in Afghanistan, a former head of the British army has said.
It was decided, however, that the risk for the older sibling was “too great” as the heir to the throne, according to General Sir Mike Jackson, who served as chief of the general staff from 2003 until 2006.
But for William’s younger brother Harry, who went on two tours of Afghanistan during the decade he spent in the military, the “risk was acceptable”, he said.
Andy Gregory reports.
‘They must do their duty’: Queen Elizabeth ‘wanted William and Harry to go to war’
Prince Harry to attend coronation without Meghan, Buckingham Palace announces
06:50 , Peony Hirwani
Meghan Markle will stay in California with her children as Prince Harry attends King Charles’s coronation on 6 May, Buckingham Palace has confirmed.
Following the announcement from the Palace, royal expert Omid Scobie tweeted: “I understand that Archie’s fourth birthday (also on 6 May) played a factor in the couple’s decision.”
He added: “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.”
Harry laid bare his grievances with the royal family in his controversial autobiography Spare, released in January, along with his and Meghan’s Netflix documentary series, Harry and Meghan.
Roisin O’Connor reports.
Prince Harry to attend King Charles’s coronation without Meghan Markle
Coronation coins with first ever crowned effigy of King Charles III revealed by Royal Mint
06:20 , Peony Hirwani
A crowned portrait of the King will for the first time feature on a new range of commemorative coins created to celebrate the upcoming coronation.
The collection, which includes a 50p and £5 coin, will be released later this month ahead of the historic 6 May celebration.
Bronwen Weatherby reports.
Coronation coins with first ever crowned effigy of King Charles III revealed
King Charles III coronation: Everything we know about 2023 ceremony
05:50 , Peony Hirwani
King Charles III’s coronation will take place on Saturday 6 May, 2023.
Below is what we know about the ceremony.
When is the coronation of King Charles III?
03:00 , Meredith Clark
Prior to confirming his attendance at King Charles III’s coronation, the Duke of Sussex said he was seeking an “apology” from his father and brother before committing to attending the ceremony in May.
Prince Harry previously refused to commit to attending the King’s coronation on 6 May unless King Charles and Prince William are “willing to sit down and talk about” his allegations against the royal family.
In an ITV interview earlier this year, ahead of the release of his memoir Spare, Harry said that “the ball is in their court”, but “the door is always open” for reconciliation.
According to The Times, a source has claimed that Harry is keen to get an apology from Charles and William. However, another source said the royals do not believe that “an apology is owed” after he accused Buckingham Palace of “leaking” and “planting” negative stories about Meghan Markle to distract the media and public from less favourable coverage about other members of the royal family.
Read the full story below:
Prince Harry seeking ‘apology’ before committing to King Charles’ coronation
01:00 , Meredith Clark
King Charles III’s coronation will also be significant for his wife Camilla, who will be crowned “Queen Camilla” alongside him at Westminster Abbey.
The invitation to the coronation invites guests to attend “The Coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III & Queen Camilla – By Command of the King the Earl Marshall is directed to invite…to be present at the Abbey Church of Westminster on 6th day of May 2023.”
Prince Harry, who has confirmed he will be attending the coronation without Meghan Markle, has previously made many comments about his relationship with Camilla following the release of his memoir, Spare.
The Duke of Sussex previously described her as “the villain” and alleged in his book that Camilla had “recently sacrificed me on her personal PR altar”. He also claimed that she had launched a “campaign” to marry his father, King Charles.
In an interview with Good Morning America, Prince Harry said that he and his stepmother haven’t spoken “for a long time,” but that he “loves” every member of his family despite their differences.
Chelsea Ritschel has more:
Prince Harry clarifies relationship with Camilla amid claims she was ‘the villain’
Wednesday 12 April 2023 23:15 , Chelsea Ritschel
Although Prince Harry will attend the coronation, it remains to be seen what role, if any, he will play in the ceremony, as he is no longer a working royal.
According to reports, the duke is not expected to appear on the balcony of Buckingham Palace alongside the rest of his family members on the day of the coronation.
The occasion will also mark the first time that Harry has seen his family since the release of his best-selling memoir Spare, which included a number of details about his strained relationship with members of his family.
5 of the most revealing takeaways from Harry’s memoir Spare
Wednesday 12 April 2023 21:15 , Chelsea Ritschel
Following the confirmation that Prince Harry will be attending the coronation without Meghan or their children, many have applauded the Duchess of Sussex’s decision.
“Meghan made the right decision and I respect it,” one person tweeted, while another said: “Good for Meghan, it’s Archie’s birthday afterall.”
Wednesday 12 April 2023 20:18 , Chelsea Ritschel
As of now, it is not clear how the Duchess of Sussex will celebrate the fourth birthday of her and Prince Harry’s son Archie in California. However, the couple typically mark the occasion with a new photo of their firstborn.
For Archie’s second birthday in 2021, the couple shared a photo of their son holding birthday balloons on their Archewell Foundation website, where they also asked fans to donate to Covid vaccine equity. “We cannot think of a more resonant way to honour our son’s birthday,” the duke and duchess wrote at the time.
Wednesday 12 April 2023 18:15 , Chelsea Ritschel
Prince Harry’s decision to attend his father’s coronation comes after he refused to say whether he would make the trip during an interview with ITV’s Tom Bradby in January, at which point the Duke of Sussex said “the ball is in their court”.
“There’s a lot that can happen between now and then. But, you know, the door is always open,” Harry said during the interview about his memoir Spare. “The ball is in their court. There’s a lot to be discussed, and I really hope that they are willing to sit down and talk about it.”
Meghan Markle to stay in California with children as Prince Harry attends Charles’s coronation
Wednesday 12 April 2023 17:12 , Ellie Muir
Meghan Markle will stay in California with her children as Prince Harry attends King Charles’s coronation on 6 May, Buckingham Palace has confirmed.
Following the announcement from the Palace, royal expert Omid Scobie tweeted: “I understand that Archie’s fourth birthday (also on 6 May) played a factor in the couple’s decision.”
He added: “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.”
Harry laid bare his grievances with the royal family in his controversial autobiography Spare, released in January, along with his and Meghan’s Netflix documentary series, Harry and Meghan.
Read the full story below:
Prince Harry to attend King Charles’s coronation without Meghan Markle
Meghan Markle snubs King’s coronation as Prince Harry to attend
Wednesday 12 April 2023 15:19 , Ellie Muir
The Duke of Sussex will attend the King’s Coronation but the Duchess of Sussex will remain in California with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, Buckingham Palace has announced.
“Buckingham Palace is pleased to confirm that the Duke of Sussex will attend the Coronation Service at Westminster Abbey on 6 May,” the statement said.
“The Duchess of Sussex will remain in California with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.”
The news comes after months of speculation as to whether the couple would attend the event, which is taking place on Saturday 6 May.
Following the announcement from the Palace, royal expert Omid Scobie tweeted: “I understand that Archie’s fourth birthday (also on 6 May) played a factor in the couple’s decision.
He added: “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.”
Read the developing story below:
Prince Harry to attend coronation without Meghan, Buckingham Palace announces
Queen Elizabeth II was ‘surprised’ when Meghan Markle ‘dismissed’ her advice, new book claims
Wednesday 12 April 2023 14:30 , Kate Ng
Queen Elizabeth II was “surprised” when Meghan Markle “dismissed” her advice for adjusting to royal life, according to the author of a new royal book.
Royal commentator Robert Jobson made the claim in his new book titled: Our King Charles III: The Man and the Monarch Revealed, set to be published on 13 April.
Chelsea Ritschel reports:
Queen Elizabeth was ‘surprised’ when Meghan ‘dismissed’ her advice, new book claims
This is the official Twitter emoji for King Charles’s coronation
Wednesday 12 April 2023 13:30 , Kate Ng
Buckingham Palace has revealed an official emoji to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
The colourful cartoon motif depicts the 17th century jewelled solid gold St Edward’s Crown with purple velvet cap – the regalia which will be used to crown the King on 6 May.
This is the official Twitter emoji for King Charles’s coronation
Denise Welch calls Camilla ‘Charles’s side piece’ as she says she’s ‘not a fan’
Wednesday 12 April 2023 12:30 , Kate Ng
Loose Women panellist Denise Welch has called Queen Camilla “Charles’s side piece” as she admits she lacks “enthusiasm” for the forthcoming coronation.
King Charles III and Camilla will be crowned at Westminster Abbey on Saturday 6 May, followed by a special concert at Windsor Castle on 7 May.
Ellie Muir reports:
Denise Welch calls Camilla ‘Charles’s side piece’ and declares she’s ‘not a fan’
Inside Royal Lodge: Prince Andrew’s 30-room mansion that Prince William ‘has his eye on’
Wednesday 12 April 2023 11:30 , Kate Ng
The Duke of York has resided in the Royal Lodge in Windsor Park for nearly 20 years, but his reported refusal to move out is said to have left King Charles III “tired and infuriated”.
It is understood that the King wishes for Prince Andrew to vacate the royal property and move into the smaller Frogmore Cottage instead, with suggestions that the Prince of Wales “has his eye” on the mansion to “reflect his new role” as heir to the throne.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Royal Lodge:
Inside Royal Lodge, Prince Andrew’s 30-room mansion that William ‘has his eye on’
Ex-diplomat reveals Prince Andrew’s ‘insane’ list of demands while travelling
Wednesday 12 April 2023 10:30 , Kate Ng
The Duke of York had an “insane” list of demands while travelling abroad, including a 6ft ironing board and room-temperature water only, according to an ex-diplomat.
Former UK diplomat Simon Wilson is set to describe Prince Andrew’s wishes in the forthcoming ITV documentary The Real Crown: Inside the House of Windsor, which will be released on 20 April.
Find out what his list includes:
Ex-diplomat reveals Prince Andrew’s ‘insane’ list of demands while travelling
King Charles ‘tired and infuriated’ as Prince Andrew ‘refuses to leave Royal Lodge’, report says
Wednesday 12 April 2023 09:41 , Kate Ng
King Charles III is said to be “tired and infuriated” by his brother, the Duke of York’s resistance to moving out of the Royal Lodge.
It was previously reported that the monarch offered the keys to Frogmore Cottage to Prince Andrew, after asking the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to vacate it.
But the disgraced duke, who has not been a working royal since 2020, is understood to be resisting any attempts to move him out of his current residence and into the smaller royal property.
Read the full story here:
King Charles ‘tired and infuriated’ as Prince Andrew ‘refuses to leave Royal Lodge’
David Dimbleby ‘turns down’ offer to cover King’s coronation
Tuesday 11 April 2023 16:00 , Ellie Muir
Veteran broadcaster David Dimbleby has turned down the chance to play a role in the BBC’s coverage of the King’s coronation, according to reports.
The BBC’s coverage of the 6 May event will be led by Kirsty Young, 54, in a studio outside Buckingham Palace, with Huw Edwards, 61, and Clare Balding, 52, providing commentary.
Dimbleby, 84, was offered a role in the coverage, according to a report in The Times, but opted against playing “second fiddle” in the presenting lineup.
Read the full story below:
David Dimbleby ‘turns down’ offer to cover King’s coronation
King Charles III coronation: Everything we know about 2023 ceremony
Tuesday 11 April 2023 15:00 , Ellie Muir
It will take place at Westminster Abbey in London where there are expected to be 2,000 guests in attendance, a stark contrast to the 8,000 guests present at the Queen’s coronation in 1953.
Charles will turn 74 years old in November 2022, making him the oldest person to be crowned in British history.
William, Prince of Wales is expected to play an important role in the committee organising his father’s coronation.
Read all the key details about the coronation below:
When is the coronation of King Charles III?
Kate Middleton’s Windsor walkabout with Harry and Meghan was ‘one of the hardest things’, royal author claims
Tuesday 11 April 2023 14:30 , Ellie Muir
The Princess of Wales reportedly found a walkabout with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, to be “one of the hardest things she’s ever had to do”, a royal commentator has claimed in a new book.
On 10 September, Prince William and Kate Middleton walked alongside the Duke and Duchess of Sussex greeting well-wishers near Windsor Castle, nine days before the Queen’s funeral.
Pictures of the four, wearing mourning attire, quickly made headlines at the time as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex held hands, marking their first engagement under their new titles after stepping back from royal duties.
Read the full story below:
Queen Camilla will hold ivory sceptre during coronation ceremony
Tuesday 11 April 2023 14:00 , Ellie Muir
Queen Camilla will use an ivory sceptre during her and King Charles III’s coronation ceremony in May, despite reports suggesting it might be avoided.
The ceremony traditionally features deeply symbolic objects that represent the royal duties and responsibilities of the new monarch and his wife.
It is understood that Camilla will hold a gold sceptre surmounted by a cross and a second staff made of ivory and topped by a dove during the coronation at Westminster Abbey on 6 May.
Read the full story below:
Queen Camilla will hold ivory sceptre during coronation ceremony
Prince Harry branded ‘Meghan Markle’s hostage’ by royal aides, author claims
Tuesday 11 April 2023 13:30 , Ellie Muir
Royal aides allegedly described Prince Harry as “Meghan’s hostage” behind the couple’s back, according to an author of a new royal book.
Royal commentator Robert Jobson, author of a new book titled Our King Charles III: The Man and the Monarch Revealed, claimed that the royal aides blamed Meghan Markle for Harry stepping back from his royal duties and moving to California in 2020.
“Some blame Meghan Markle for the fallout, ignoring the fact that Harry seems to be the driving force in everything that happened,” Jobson wrote.
Read the full story below:
Royal aides branded Prince Harry as ‘Meghan Markle’s hostage’, author claims
Buckingham Palace reveals map of Charles and Camilla’s route to the coronation
Tuesday 11 April 2023 13:00 , Ellie Muir
The King and Queen’s coronation are expected to be attended by 2,000 guests in attendance. This is quite a departure from the King’s late mother’s own coronation in 1953, which saw 8,000 guests present.
Now, it has been revealed that Charles’ procession will also be quite different from the late Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation day.
Elizabeth’s grand procession took two hours and featured tens of thousands of participants, stretching five miles long.
In comparison to his mother, King Charles and Queen Camilla’s procession is set to stretch just 1.3 miles, a quarter of the length of Elizabeth’s.
After the ceremony, they will make their way back to Westminster Abbey via the tried and tested route of Parliament Square, along Whitehall, around Trafalgar Square, through Admiralty Arch and down The Mall back to Buckingham Palace.
Read the full story below:
Buckingham Palace reveals map of Charles and Camilla’s route to the coronation
King Charles ‘stopped taking Prince Harry’s phone calls’ after Megxit, royal author claims
Tuesday 11 April 2023 12:15 , Ellie Muir
A royal author has claimed that both the late Queen and King Charles “stopped” taking phone calls from Prince Harry after he moved to California.
The Duke of Sussex stepped back from royal duties in 2020 and moved to Montecito, California, with his wife Meghan Markle, but continued to stay in touch with his grandmother, the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Royal commentator Robert Jobson, author of a new book titled Our King Charles III: The Man and the Monarch Revealed, has claimed that as relations between senior members of the royal family began to worsen, the late Queen and King Charles stopped taking Harry’s phone calls altogether.
Jobson writes that Harry regularly phoned his grandmother from California until he “kept trying to air his grievances”.
“In the end, [the late Queen] asked him to speak directly to his father instead,” Jobson claimed.
Read the full story below:
King Charles ‘stopped taking’ Prince Harry’s phone calls after Megxit, author claims
Denise Welch calls Camilla ‘Charles’s side piece’ as she says she’s ‘not a fan’
Tuesday 11 April 2023 11:45 , Ellie Muir
Loose Women panellist Denise Welch has called Queen Camilla “Charles’s side piece” as she admits she lacks “enthusiasm” for the forthcoming coronation.
King Charles III and Camilla will be crowned at Westminster Abbey on Saturday 6 May, followed by a special concert at Windsor Castle on 7 May.
Welch, 64, admitted that “the monarchy isn’t the same” since the late Queen Elizabeth II died in September.
“I feel like [for] a lot of people, the monarchy isn’t the same since the Queen died,” Welch said.
“I’m trying to get some enthusiasm for the coronation and I haven’t got any.”
Welch added that she was not a “fan” of Queen Camilla, Charles’s second wife.
Welch continued: “I’m not particularly a Camilla fan, the fact is I just think she was there from the beginning of his marriage to Diana and I think it’s disrespectful to Prince Harry and… and I can’t get over that she was the side piece.”
Read the full story below:
Denise Welch calls Camilla ‘Charles’s side piece’ and declares she’s ‘not a fan’
Kirsty Young, Huw Edwards and Clare Balding to lead BBC coronation commentary
Tuesday 11 April 2023 11:15 , Ellie Muir
The BBC’s coverage of the 6 May event will be led by Kirsty Young, 54, in a studio outside Buckingham Palace, with Huw Edwards, 61, and Clare Balding, 52, providing commentary.
It comes as Jonathan Dimbleby reportedly “turned down” the chance to cover the event.
Dimbleby himself has been a prominent figure in the BBC’s royal coverage for many years and he came out of retirement last September to cover the Queen’s funeral procession.
Edwards’ role in the coronation reporting comes after he received huge praise for the way in which he announced the news of the Queen’s death.
Young, meanwhile, received excellent reviews for her coverage of the Queen’s funeral.
Read the full story below:
David Dimbleby ‘turns down’ offer to cover King’s coronation
David Dimbleby ‘turns down’ offer to cover King’s coronation
Tuesday 11 April 2023 11:07 , Ellie Muir
Veteran broadcaster David Dimbleby has turned down the chance to play a role in the BBC’s coverage of the King’s coronation, according to reports.
The BBC’s coverage of the 6 May event will be led by Kirsty Young, 54, in a studio outside Buckingham Palace, with Huw Edwards, 61, and Clare Balding, 52, providing commentary.
Dimbleby, 84, was offered a role in the coverage, according to a report in The Times, but opted against playing “second fiddle” in the presenting lineup.
Read the full story below:
David Dimbleby ‘turns down’ offer to cover King’s coronation
King Charles’ coronation balcony appearance to include ‘working royals only’
Monday 10 April 2023 13:30 , Ellie Muir
In the past, the royal balcony appearances have featured many members of the royal family as the late Queen Elizabeth II would often have her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren joining her.
But as King Charles has long been an advocate of a slimmed-down monarchy and it is understood that, as he commences his reign, the balcony will hold a much smaller number of royals.
It has been reported that only working members of the royal family will appear on the balcony on the day of the coronation.
Last year, during the late Queen’s balcony appearance for her platinum jubilee, only Charles, Camilla, the Prince and Princess of Wales, and the Waleses’ three children were present.
Read the full story below:
King Charles’ coronation balcony appearance to include ‘working royals only’
Harry and Meghan facing ‘time crunch’ to confirm coronation attendance
Monday 10 April 2023 13:00 , Ellie Muir
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will soon make their decision about attending the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, it has been reported.
With only a month to go before the coronation ceremony takes place in Westminster Abbey, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are facing a “time crunch” to confirm their attendance.
It comes after US president Joe Biden informed the King he would not be attending the event, but would send his wife, Jill Biden, to represent the US at the ceremony.
A source was quoted by The Times as saying: “I hear [the Sussexes] are going to confirm their plans soon, particularly now that Biden has.”
In early March, Harry and Meghan indicated that they have received “email correspondence from His Majesty’s office regarding the coronation” but have yet to disclose their decision.
Read the full story below:
Harry and Meghan facing ‘time crunch’ to confirm coronation attendance
Sarah Ferguson says parents today would ‘never dream of using the language’ hers used
Monday 10 April 2023 12:30 , Ellie Muir
The Duchess of York has reflected on her childhood and the language used by her parents growing up.
In a new interview, Sarah Ferguson opened up about how her mother, Susan Barrantes, was “a child herself” when she started her family with Ronald Ferguson.
The duchess, 63, recalled how her father “used to call me a sheep’s a***” and her mother would “hit me” if she refused to eat semolina.
Speaking to The Times, Ferguson said: “My mother was a beautiful woman but she was a child herself. She didn’t know how to be a mummy.
“We would never dream now of using the language my parents used on us as children. Dad used to call me a sheep’s a***. If I refused to eat my semolina, Mum would hit me and say she needed to beat the devil out of me.”
Read the full story below:
Sarah Ferguson says parents today would ‘never dream of using the language’ hers used
Fans delight in Prince William and George’s identical reactions during Aston Villa game
Monday 10 April 2023 11:45 , Ellie Muir
Fans have pointed out that Prince George, the eldest son of the Prince and Princess of Wales, was the spitting image of his father while watching Aston Villa’s match against Nottingham Forest.
Father and son were seen in the stands with Villa chief executive Christian Purslow at Villa Park in Birmingham on Saturday (8 April).
George, nine, has followed in Prince William’s footsteps as an avid fan and supporter of Aston Villa, and cheered them on in the stands.
Read the full story below:
Fans delight in William and George’s twin reactions at Aston Villa game
What is King Charles III’s coronation procession route?
Monday 10 April 2023 11:15 , Ellie Muir
It has been revealed that Charles’ procession will also be quite different from the late Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation day.
Elizabeth’s grand procession took two hours and featured tens of thousands of participants, stretching five miles long.
In comparison to his mother, King Charles and Queen Camilla’s procession is set to stretch just 1.3 miles, a quarter of the length of Elizabeth’s.
After the ceremony, they will make their way back to Westminster Abbey via the tried and tested route of Parliament Square, along Whitehall, around Trafalgar Square, through Admiralty Arch and down The Mall back to Buckingham Palace.
This is the reverse of their route to the Abbey, but will mean cutting out Piccadilly, Oxford Street and Regent Street – the route that Elizabeth took to wave at crowds along the way.
My colleague Kate Ng has the full story below:
What is King Charles III’s coronation procession route?
This is the official Twitter emoji for King Charles’s coronation
Monday 10 April 2023 10:45 , Ellie Muir
Buckingham Palace has revealed an official emoji to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
The colourful cartoon motif depicts the 17th century jewelled solid gold St Edward’s Crown with purple velvet cap – the regalia which will be used to crown the King on 6 May.
It is the first emoji created for a British coronation, with the last crowning taking place 70 years ago, before the invention of social media, mobile phones and even the internet.
Read the full story below:
This is the official Twitter emoji for King Charles’s coronation
