Europe 1 with AFP 14:02 pm, May 06, 2023

Harry, the youngest son of Charles III, arrived discreetly at Westminster Abbey for his father's coronation. The prince, who distanced himself from the royal family after the publication of his autobiography, had no official role at the ceremony. His wife, Meghan, was absent.

In cold with the royal family, Prince Harry, younger son of Charles III in cold with the royal family, arrived discreetly at Westminster Abbey Saturday for the coronation ceremony, where he took place with his cousins, not far from his brother William. The palace confirmed on Saturday that Harry and Andrew, the king's brother already deprived of public engagement, would have no official role at the coronation. The Duke of Sussex (Harry) and the Duke of York (Andrew) are no longer active members of the royal family, the former since voluntarily leaving for the US with his wife Meghan in 2020, while the latter fell out of favour after accusations of sexual assault.

Relaxed alongside his cousins

Harry confirmed just a few weeks ago that he would come to the ceremony. Since then, his arrival, and in particular his place in the abbey, have given rise to much speculation in the British media. This is the first time Harry has appeared with the royal family since the publication in January of his explosive autobiography, "The Deputy", in which he particularly criticizes his brother William, the heir to the throne, described as angry, and his mother-in-law, Camilla. He mentions in particular an argument in 2019, during which William would have thrown him on the ground in the dog's bowl.

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Prince Harry appeared relaxed at Westminster Abbey, with his decorations on his dark jacket, chatting on arrival with his cousin Beatrice. He took his place in the third row, next to Jack Brooksbank, the husband of Princess Eugenie, and behind Princess Anne, the King's sister. His brother William is in the front row with his wife Kate and their children. Harry came without his wife Meghan, who stayed in California where they live with their two children.

Balcony

According to several British media, Harry arrived Friday in London but is expected to leave soon after the ceremony, to celebrate the fourth birthday of his eldest son Archie. Andrew was also placed in third place. He was booed by people outside Buckingham in the early morning, according to the British news agency PA.

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If Harry and Andrew had taken part in the funeral procession behind Queen Elizabeth II's coffin in Westminster Abbey after her death in September, this time Harry and Andrew will not walk behind the royal couple in the procession that will accompany him to Buckingham Palace after the ceremony. It is also unlikely that they will appear on the balcony for the traditional salute of members of the royal family, although the palace has not revealed who will surround Charles and Camilla for the occasion.

There is a stark contrast between Harry's place and the role of William, who as heir to the throne knelt and pledged allegiance to the monarch during the ceremony. Andrew is now accustomed to keeping a low profile, banned from any official public appearance and deprived of his military titles in early 2022 after accusations of sexual assault on a 17-year-old girl, a case he settled in a financial settlement.

His presence shortly afterwards on the Queen's arm, accompanying her to Westminster Abbey for a service in tribute to her father, Prince Philip, who died last year, had drawn criticism.