Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, the children of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, reportedly did not receive invitations to King Charles III's coronation service, scheduled for May 6 at Westminster Abbey. Nonetheless, they may still be permitted to join the iconic balcony appearance with their grandfather, drawing parallels with Princess Anne's experience during Queen Elizabeth II's coronation.
The young royals, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, were considered "too young" to attend King Charles' coronation. It remains uncertain whether their parents, Prince Harry and Meghan, will participate in the historic event.
The Mirror reported that despite not being invited to the coronation service, the Sussex children could still appear on the Buckingham Palace balcony afterward. Notably, King Charles made history as the first child to witness his parents' coronation as sovereigns at the age of four. Although two-year-old Princess Anne did not attend the ceremony, she was allowed to join her older brother and mother on the Buckingham Palace balcony afterward.
This precedent suggests that the youngest members of the royal family may be permitted to participate in the balcony appearance, even if they do not attend the coronation service.
Following the coronation, King Charles and his wife, Camilla, the Queen Consort, will be joined by 15 royal family members on the Buckingham Palace balcony for the flypast. However, Sky News reported that the lineup would be strictly limited to working royals in line with the monarch's plan for a slimmed-down monarchy. Consequently, if Prince Harry and Meghan decide to attend the event, they will not be included in the balcony appearance.
Prince William, Kate Middleton, and their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, will also be present on the balcony, along with Prince Edward and Sophie, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, Princess Anne and her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, the Duke of Kent and his sister Princess Alexandra, and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.
As of now, Prince Harry and Meghan have not confirmed their attendance at King Charles' coronation, despite receiving an official invitation. BBC reported that a representative for the Sussex couple stated this week that "there was no update on whether they were attending," leaving royal watchers in the dark about their potential presence at the service.