Royal Expert Predicts Prince Harry's 'Frosty' Reception at Coronation Amid Family Tensions
Prince Harry may encounter a "chilly and unwelcoming" reception from his royal relatives at his father's upcoming coronation, as the Windsors are known for holding grudges, according to the late Princess Diana's former butler, Paul Burrell.
Burrell, who served Diana for over a decade until her untimely death in 1997, claimed that the Windsors have a tendency to "push people to the sidelines" – something that the Duke of Sussex might experience after the publication of his revealing memoir, "Spare." Burrell made these remarks while speaking on behalf of Spin Genie.
Prince Harry is set to attend the historical May 6 event without his wife, Meghan Markle, and Burrell believes this may result in a cold reception from his family members. "Harry's got a problem because he's going to have to sit amongst family who he's pushed under the bus and criticized and what kind of reception is he going to get?" Burrell asked, adding, "A very cold and icy one because the Windsors don't forgive, they do hold a grudge."
Burrell continued, explaining that those who fail to adhere to the royal family's expectations are often pushed aside. He said that King Charles has set the rules, and it is Harry's responsibility to follow them. "It's the least he could've done, to do his father a favor and come to the coronation, even if he is by himself."
Additionally, Burrell noted that Markle has a legitimate reason to miss the coronation, as May 6 coincides with their son Prince Archie's 4th birthday. "She's got a birthday on the weekend of the coronation, so she's going to have to stay behind, isn't she," he stated.
It is believed that Archie and his sister, Princess Lilibet, were not invited to the coronation, a decision that reportedly did not sit well with the Sussexes.
Burrell also suggested that Harry and Meghan were "titillating" the media by not disclosing their coronation attendance plans for months.
According to the former royal staff member, Prince Harry's presence at his father's ceremony is "the least" he could do amidst their ongoing feud.
The ongoing tension between the Sussexes and the royal family has been evident since Harry and Meghan stepped back as senior members of the royal family in 2020. The Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations last summer highlighted the rift, as the couple's departure from their royal duties led to their absence from the palace balcony.