INSIDERS within Hollywood, Netflix and Disney have have revealed the ‘real reason’ Prince Harry is attending the Coronation.
The Duke of Sussex will be attending his father’s grand occasion on Saturday, May 6, 2023 – and this is why, according to sources.
The Duke of Sussex will be attending the Coronation on Saturday 6, May
Meghan Markle will not attend the ceremony and will remain in California with their two children
On Wednesday, it was revealed that Harry had finally confirmed his attendance for his father and stepmother Camilla’s big day.
A statement released said: “Buckingham Palace is pleased to confirm that the Duke of Sussex will attend the Coronation Service at Westminster Abbey on 6th May.”
However, Harry isn’t thought to be sticking around at the event.
Close friend Omar Scobie said of his attendance: “Expect it to be a fairly quick trip to the UK for Prince Harry, who will only be attending the coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey.”
It will be the first time Harry has been seen with the Royal Family since the release of his memoir, Spare, in January 2023.
The statement added that Meghan Markle will not attend the ceremony and will remain in California with their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
The Mail on Sunday reported Netflix sources believe Harry is attending because of pressure to keep up appearances with the Royal Family.
Insiders have claimed the Prince is aware of his celebrity status in the US being closely tied to his connection with the Palace.
A Netflix source told the MoS: “Harry is going back for all the right reasons but there was a palpable sigh of relief among those of us involved in the business because Brand Sussex relies on Harry being seen with his family.
“The images from the Coronation will be instantly iconic. Harry will be in those photographs and, from a business perspective, you can’t put a price on that.”
Individuals within Disney have also shared their thoughts, according to reports.
A senior executive at Walt Disney Studios claimed the couple are now at a “turning point” after the release of Spare and Netflix docuseries Harry & Meghan.
The senior executive claimed: “You could argue the bloom is starting to fade from the rose. What is their currency? Their main selling point is their link to the Royal Family.
“Harry has to be there. In America, this is all part of the narrative. Harry has to go back and he’s either embraced, which is wonderful, or he’s not – which will keep the narrative going.”
The executive believed the Sussexes are in danger of becoming “irrelevant” if Harry does not maintain ties to the Royal Family.
He claimed Americans care most about his connection to Diana and the drama surrounding the family.
Public relations expert Eric Schiffer of Reputation Management Consultants, said it was a “wise move” by Harry, who has been “masterful at merchandising and marketing” his royal heritage.
He said: “Being missing in action from a major family event dilutes his brand.”
The expert also claimed Meghan’s attendance was not important for the success of her brand.
Representatives for The Sussexes and Buckingham Palace have been contacted for comment.
ROYAL EXPERT OPINION
In a chat with The Celeb Report, Royal expert Angela Levin shared her opinion on why the Prince decided to attend the Coronation.
She said: “I think there could be three reasons. Firstly he feels a bit guilty due to the reaction, especially to Spare and the huge downturn of his popularity.
“Secondly, a gene is left in his body somewhere that reminds him what is expected of a royal and if he misses the Coronation of his father, he may never forgive himself.
“Thirdly, it could be that he would like to provide material for another Netflix documentary where he can say how badly he’s been treated.”
But Angela believes there is little hope of a “deep” one-on-one between Harry and his father.
She says: “There will be no time for such a deep and difficult discussion that you can’t sort out in a few minutes.
“The King will be overwhelmed by the religious part of the ceremony and will be deeply moved thinking about his mother. He will be busy all around.”
Despite rumours surrounding the reason for Harry’s attendance, it is safe to say he would want to be there for such a momentous occasion in his father’s life.
And, a source claimed last night that senior Buckingham Palace aides were hoping the Duke will still decide to attend the post-Coronation lunch.
“A place will be set for him at the table. He is not expected to stay following the Coronation procession but Palace staff are counting him in just in case”, they said.
NEXT MOVE
This comes as speculation swirls in Hollywood about how the Sussexes will continue to fund their luxurious lifestyle.
Brand and culture expert Nick Ede said that after the Coronation, the Duchess “will launch a new initiative,” as he suspects that she’s been working “on some new projects that will enable her to stand alone.”
The couple reportedly made an £88 million deal with Netflix when they made their bombshell docuseries Harry & Meghan.
Meanwhile Prince Harry allegedly earns himself to £500,000 per event at speaking engagements.
Meghan has also put the finishing touches to a new project – and it could easily break the £1million mark.
The Celeb Report Online can reveal the 41-year-old has now successfully been handed a trademark for the relaunch of her lifestyle website The Tig.
Its iconic logo features a handwritten Tig with a full stop at the end.
The mum-of-two could potentially make millions from the relaunch by advertising clothes, holidays and interior design pieces.
Meghan shut down the successful blog after three years following her engagement to Prince Harry in 2017.
The MoS also reported the pair have signed multi-million pound contracts with publishers Penguin Random House and Spotify.
Meghan is rumoured to have made a second series of her award-winning Archetypes podcast on Spotify.
She is also reportedly working on her book with the same company who published Harry’s controversial memoir Spare.
A place has also reportedly been set for Harry at the post-Coronation lunch
It will be the first time Harry has been seen with the Royal Family since the release of his memoir, Spare, in January 2023
