The upcoming coronation of King Charles III has garnered attention with the release of its souvenir program on Monday, April 17, which features Prince Harry and Meghan Markle alongside the rest of the royal family. This move has been interpreted by some royal experts as a sign of reconciliation.
Despite the controversies surrounding Prince Harry and Meghan's interviews, docuseries, and the Duke's memoir, Spare, it appears King Charles may be seeking to mend the rift with the Sussexes.
The 84-page souvenir program showcases portraits taken during His Majesty's 70th birthday celebrations. One of these photos, originally released by Clarence House in 2018, includes the Sussexes smiling with King Charles, Queen Consort Camilla, Prince William, Kate Middleton, and the Wales' children – Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
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Royal photographer Chris Jackson, who captured the family portrait, posted it on Instagram on April 18, reminiscing about the enjoyable experience he had taking the picture.
While Buckingham Palace has confirmed that Prince Harry will attend his father's coronation, Meghan will remain in California to celebrate their son Prince Archie's fourth birthday.
Royal experts view the Sussexes' inclusion in the coronation souvenir program as a gesture of goodwill from King Charles, according to Express. Royal commentator Phil Dampier sees the image as an attempt to demonstrate that Meghan and Harry remain a part of the royal family.
Dampier explained, "Using the picture including Harry and Meghan is yet another olive branch from the King and an attempt to show they are still loved members of the family."
He added that the photograph conveys harmony and unity, serving as a reminder of what could have been and expressing sadness over the way events have unfolded.
However, biographer Tom Bower argues that using the image is an effort to "hide the truth" about the impact of Prince Harry and Meghan's departure on the royal family. Similarly, Richard Fitzwilliams claims that the inclusion of the Sussexes is an attempt to avoid accusations of excluding the couple, as they are "deeply conscious of what they perceive to be slights."