Royals ‘breathed a sigh of relief’ that Harry skipped coronation lunch – but King Charles was ‘genuinely disappointed’
ROYALS ‘breathed a sigh of relief’ when Prince Harry skipped the coronation lunch – but it left King Charles ‘genuinely disappointed’, sources claim.
The Duke of Sussex appeared at his father’s coronation during his brief 24 hour visit to the UK on Saturday.
The 38-year-old was spotted at Heathrow Airport jetting back to Meghan Markle just an hour after the lavish ceremony – in a rush back to California for his son Archie’s fourth birthday.
During the historic event, Harry was relegated to the third row, seated between Princess Eugenie’s husband Jack Brooksbank and Princess Alexandra — Queen Elizabeth’s cousin whose last royal working engagement was ten years ago.
Also alongside were Prince Andrew’s daughters Eugenie, 33, and sister Beatrice, 34, with hubby Edo Mapelli Mozzi.
Prior to the coronation, an insider told The Sun: “There were discussions that the seating could be arranged on line of succession.
“But that would have put fifth-in-line Harry front and centre — and with William and Kate.
“Instead the decision was working royals only at the front and work back from there. Harry will be a long way from his father.”
And now sources are claiming the Royal Family were relived Harry left the UK as quickly as he did.
The Duke missed out on The Big Lunch, but insiders who spoke to The Mail, allege his absence suited other attendees.
Except King Charles III, who was reportedly “genuinely disappointed” that his son wasn’t there.
A source told The Mail that Prince William welcomed guests at the table with a short and sweet toast congratulating his father.
The newly crowned monarch thanked everyone for helping create such a special and memorable experience for him and Queen Camilla.
The 74-year-old made a toast to his grandchildren Prince George – who also served as a Page of Honour – Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
But, according to the insider, he also stopped to raise a glass to “those that weren’t there” and wished grandson Archie a very happy birthday “wherever he was”.
The source told The Mail: “It was apparently a very sweet moment.”
Other guests in attendance included Queen Camilla’s family, sister Annabel, and best friend Lady Landsdowne, both of whom served as her attendants on the big day.
Her children, Tom Parker Bowles and Laura Lopes, and grandchildren, Lola, Freddy, Eliza, Louis and Gus were all reportedly there too.
Kate’s parents Michael and Carole Middleton, and siblings Pippa and James also joined the Royal Family for the celebratory meal and “running buffet”, according to the source.
The official dish of the coronation weekend, mini broad bean and tarragon Coronation quiche, was served as a canape with a glass of Champagne.
Apparently neither King Charles or his wife are too keen on coronation chicken – created to honour Queen Elizabeth in 1953 – so a “modern take” was served as canapes.
It was reported most of the family retreated to Windsor Castle after the meal for an intimate family cocktail party.