A global affair! King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla will be celebrated by dignitaries from around the world at their coronation.
The ceremony is set to take place at London’s Westminster Abbey on Saturday, May 6. While Charles, 74, immediately assumed the throne upon the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, in September 2022, he and Camilla, 75, will officially be crowned by archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby this spring.
Leading up to the event, the biggest question was whether Prince Harry and Meghan Markle would be present for the historic moment. Us Weekly confirmed in March that the couple, who moved to California in the wake of their royal exit, received an invitation from Charles via email but had not reached “an immediate decision” about their attendance.
News broke the following month that Harry, 37, would fly solo for his father’s big day — which takes place on the 4th birthday of his and Meghan’s son, Archie. “Buckingham Palace is pleased to confirm that The Duke of Sussex will attend the Coronation Service at Westminster Abbey on May 6th,” a statement read. “The Duchess of Sussex will remain in California with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.”
The couple welcomed Archie and daughter Lilibet in 2019 and 2021, respectively. Tensions have been high between members of the royal family since Harry and the Suits alum, 41, announced their decision to step back from their senior working roles in early 2020. The decision was made permanent one year later — and the Archewell cofounders have proceeded to make bombshell claims about their experiences within the palace.
Earlier this year, the former military pilot expressed his hope to attend the coronation despite the drama. “There’s a lot that can happen between now and then,” he told ITV in January. “But, you know, the door is always open. The ball is in their court. There’s a lot to be discussed and I really hope that they are willing to sit down and talk about it.”
Harry’s brother, Prince William, and sister-in-law Princess Kate are expected to be at the ceremony as the direct successors to the British throne. Along with the U.K. royals, politicians from around the globe have accepted their invitations.
The White House announced in April that President Joe Biden will not be present but congratulated Charles on his achievement. First lady Dr. Jill Biden will attend in her husband’s place.
Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau and French President Emmanuel Macron are reportedly in talks to attend, along with King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain. U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife, Akshata Murthy, will likely be present, as well as Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco.
Charles and Camilla have also extended invitations to members of the public. According to the palace, more than 850 community and charity representatives were asked to attend along with 450 British Empire Medallist (BEM) recipients. Hundreds of young people — some of whom will represent charities close to the royal couple’s hearts — were invited to a “private viewing” of the ceremony from St. Margaret’s Church.
Scroll down for a guide to Charles and Camilla’s coronation guests:
