…Researched and contributed by Solomon Thomas.
King Charles III has not invited his former sister-in-law, Sarah Ferguson, to his coronation, which means she will not attend the event at Westminster Abbey on May 6, 2023.
The Duchess of York, known as ‘Fergie,’ still lives with her ex-husband, Prince Andrew, at the Royal Lodge in Windsor, despite their divorce in 1996.
Fergie’s lack of invitation is surprising news, especially since her ex-husband and daughters, Beatrice and Eugenie, will attend the ceremony.
The Independent reported the news, and many royal watchers expressed their surprise and disappointment at the decision.
One of Fergie’s friends said that she has always championed the royal family and supported King Charles and Camilla, so she does not want to make the event about her.
Sarah’s recent activities
Fergie’s lack of coronation invitation is not the only news about her in recent times.
She spent Christmas with King Charles and other senior royals at Sandringham and looked after the late Queen’s corgis.
Also, she spoke of her continued sadness at the Queen’s death and her admiration for King Charles in a recent interview with OK! magazine.
Fergie has always been close to the royal family and knew them even before marrying Prince Andrew because her father, Major Ronald Ferguson, was the royal polo manager.
Fergie’s reaction to not being invited
Although Fergie joked about not receiving an invitation during an interview with Glamour editor Samantha Barry, she said it did not bother her.
She said she could set up a tea room at the bottom of the drive with bunting and cakes because she has always been proud to be British around coronation times.
However, Meghan Markle’s friend Omid Scobie tweeted that he felt it was cruel to leave Fergie out of the ceremony.
Fergie’s relationships with the royal family
Despite Fergie and Prince Andrew being divorced for almost 30 years, they remain best friends and still live together.
Sarah’s lack of coronation invite comes despite Andrew turning up at the Easter Service at St George’s Chapel in Windsor, although he is still excluded from most of life within the Royal Family.
The report in The Independent has raised questions about Fergie’s relationship with the royal family, especially since she has had a recent resurgence in her public image.
Prince Harry’s attendance
Another royal family member who will not be attending the coronation is Prince Harry’s wife, Meghan Markle.
Buckingham Palace confirmed that Prince Harry will be a guest at Westminster Abbey, but Meghan will stay in the US with their children, Archie and Lilibet.
Harry is currently taking legal action against the Home Office over his security arrangements in the UK.
His stay in the UK will be brief, as he will quickly return to California to join the celebrations for Archie’s fourth birthday, which coincides with the day of the coronation.
Harry will only be attending the ceremony and not taking part in other coronation festivities during the three-day bank holiday weekend.
Final thoughts
In conclusion, the news that King Charles III has not invited Sarah Ferguson to his coronation is a surprise, given her recent activities and her closeness to the royal family.
The news also raises questions about her relationship with the royal family and highlights the continuing speculation about Prince Harry’s relationship with the royal family.