9Honey‘s royal commentator reveals the May 2023 coronation for the new King – which is expected to be a largely “scaled back” event – will see the royals come together to usher in a new era for the monarchy.
Arbiter says she expects the “whole royal family” to be in attendance at the historic event and speculated that if Prince Harry and Meghan Markle weren’t to attend, it certainly wouldn’t be Charles’ wish.
“Given Charles is the head of the family, I would expect to see the whole royal family in attendance, similarly to how we did for the Queen’s funeral,” Arbiter tells 9Honey.
“Certainly at the Platinum Jubilee, we saw the whole royal family in attendance. It is a state occasion, it is an occasion that celebrates the institution of monarchy, rather than the person at the helm of the monarchy. And the royal family will be there in support of the kingdom.”
Meghan and Harry’s tense relationship with the royals have been a source of obsessive scrutiny at every major event since their sensational departure in 2020.
Charles has been outspoken in his support of his son and daughter-in-law, even wishing them both well as they “build their life overseas” in his first address to the nation.
His affection for Meghan and Harry will almost certainly see him extend an olive branch in the form of a coronation invitation, Arbiter says.
“It’s possible, some [members of the royal family] may be overseas, for whatever reason, it’s possible some of them may be unable to attend, whether it’s due to health reasons or personal reasons,” she explains. “But I think an invitation will be extended.”
If Harry and Meghan were to snub the historic coronation ceremony on May 6, 2023, Arbiter believes it would be entirely their decision.
“I think it would say more about a decision made on Harry and Meghan’s part than it would on the side of the royal,” she said.
“The King will absolutely invite Harry and Meghan, Harry is his son and Meghan is his daughter-in-law. If Harry and Meghan don’t attend, it would have been because they chose not to.”
The Duke and Duchess’ decision, Arbiter says, ultimately may rest on the fallout from their upcoming Netflix documentary and Harry’s memoir.
Relations between the Sussexes and royal family would have to be “really bad” for them to be asked not to attend, she explains.
“It would be important for them to be there, to solidify their connection to the royal family,” Arbiter reveals.
“It would mean things were really bad, and I guess it ultimately depends on whether or not Harry’s book comes out before, and their Netflix series, and what the fallout is from that.”
When Buckingham Palace announced the official date of Charles’ coronation, royal fans immediately realized it clashed with Meghan and Harry’s son Archie’s birthday.