A royal expert has claimed the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s potential attendance at King Charles’s coronation could “backfire.” The couple, who are living in the US, are yet to confirm whether or not they’ll be making a trip across the Atlantic to make the prestigious event. This is despite acknowledging an invitation which was sent earlier this year. But, according to royal expert Tom Bower, Harry and Meghan’s appearance may “boost Charles’s status”, rather than their own.
Speaking to The Sun, Mr Bower said: “Exploiting their popularity at the Coronation will boost Charles’s status.
“But that advantage will evaporate if the Duke and Duchess of Sussex grab the public’s attention over that weekend.”
He added: “Ever since Megxit, Meghan and Harry have humiliated the King and the Royal Family.
“Paralysed by fear and indecision, Charles has failed to suppress the Sussexes’ vile vitriol.”
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Mr Bower continued: “In calculating whether to allow the Sussexes to attend his Coronation, Charles has reverted to his familiar stance — dithering, worrying about his image.”
After speculation over whether King would extend an invite to his younger son and daughter-in-law, the couple confirmed an invite had been received, via email, earlier this month.
A spokesperson for the couple released a statement which read: “I can confirm the duke has recently received email correspondence from His Majesty’s office regarding the coronation.
The couple failed to confirm whether, or not, they would be joining the Royal Family on May 6 at Westminster Abbey.
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“An immediate decision on whether the duke and duchess will attend will not be disclosed by us at this time.”
Royal Holloway marketing professor Pauline MacLaran recently spoke to Express.co.uk about the couple’s possible UK visit in May.
She claimed that it would be best if Meghan skipped the ceremony, while Harry attends alone.
She said: “Overall, it seems to me that a compromise is best for them and that Harry attends on his own while Meghan uses the excuse of Archie’s birthday.
“This compromise lessens the risk of them being scorned but allows them to top up their royal connections.”
The Sussexes’ eldest child, Archie, will celebrate his fourth birthday also on May 6.
Archie was born in the UK and moved to live in the US with his parents at barely a year-old.
Following their move, the couple welcomed a sibling for their son. Their daughter, Lilibet Diana, who was born in June 2021.
