As King Charles III's coronation on May 6 approaches, it has been revealed that Prince Harry will attend the event without participating in any specific role, while his brother Prince William will have significant duties during the ceremony.
The Church of England's online liturgy for the coronation service does not mention the Duke of Sussex, indicating he has neither a speaking part nor any crucial task to perform. In contrast, Prince William will participate in "The Homage of the Royal Blood," pledging his loyalty to King Charles III. He will recite: "I, William, Prince of Wales, pledge my loyalty to you and faith and truth I will bear unto you, as your liege man of life and limb. So help me God."
Prince William will also assist Baroness Merron and the bishops in presenting the Stole Royal and the Robe Royal to his father. Prince George, Prince William's eldest child, will serve as one of King Charles III's Pages of Honour, along with Lord Oliver Cholmondeley, Master Nicholas Barclay, and Master Ralph Tollemache.
Although Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte are expected to attend the service with their mother, Kate Middleton, they will likely sit with the congregation. Queen Consort Camilla's Pages of Honour include her grandsons, Master Gus and Master Louis Lopes, Master Freddy Parker Bowles, and great-nephew Master Arthur Elliot.
Prince William's prominent role in the coronation is expected, as he is second in line to the British throne. As Prince Harry is fifth in line and no longer a working royal, he does not have any assigned tasks. He and Meghan Markle stepped back from their royal duties and relocated to California in 2020.
Buckingham Palace confirmed that Prince Harry will attend the ceremony alone, with Meghan Markle remaining in Montecito with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. Coincidentally, May 6 is also their son's fourth birthday.
Though Prince Harry has no role in the service, he and Meghan Markle are included in the Official Coronation Programme, a souvenir pamphlet. The program features a family portrait taken by royal photographer Chris Jackson during King Charles III's 70th birthday celebration in 2018, depicting a united family.
Fox News reported that Prince Harry plans to return to California immediately after the coronation to celebrate Archie's birthday. The ceremony will begin at 11:00 a.m. and be followed by an expansive procession to Buckingham Palace. Prince Harry's representatives have yet to reveal his plans for his UK visit during the coronation.
King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla will be crowned at Westminster Abbey before over 2,200 guests, including 100 Heads of State and 203 international representatives. A concert at Windsor Castle on May 7 will follow the coronation, featuring performances by Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, Take That, and Andrea Bocelli.
