Harry’s arrival at Westminster Abbey has been “meticulously crafted” so he doesn’t have an awk run-in with William.
Prince Harry is flying back to England and reuniting with his family for the first time since the publication of Spare (not to mention his Netflix docuseries with Meghan Markle), and palace aides are trying their best to keep him and Prince William completely separated.
The Express reports that “much of the focus” is on making sure there are no “awkward encounters” between the brothers at the coronation, and that Harry’s arrival at Westminster Abbey has been “meticulously crafted” to make sure he doesn’t have a confrontation with royal family members who are less than forgiving.
Apparently, Prince Harry will be seated “several rows behind” senior royals including Prince William to make sure “there can be no direct shot of William and Harry together.” In other words, the Palace appears to be anticipating everyone reading into every single facial expression and glance between these two, and are doing their best to shut it down.
So, whomst is Harry going to sit with? The “more amiable” members of his family like Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, who Harry has remained in touch with. Apparently, the seating plan will be similar to that of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, where Harry and Meghan sat across the aisle from Kate Middleton and Prince Harry in the second row, next to Eugenie and Beatrice.
Amid reports that Prince William and Prince Harry will be separated at the coronation, a palace insider tells People that the brothers have had no communication. The source specifically says “things are strained,” and that the upcoming coronation isn’t making much of a difference, noting “I don’t think the coronation and a big conversation can be conflated.”
The Express also reports “insiders” saying that—despite Prince Harry showing up at the coronation—the Sussexes are unlikely to return for future royal events. Just in case you were wondering!