…Researched and contributed by Solomon Thomas.
Royal commentator Benjamin Butterworth has claimed that Sarah Ferguson has been “snubbed” and not invited to King Charles’ coronation, leaving an empty seat at Westminster Abbey for the reception.
Butterworth has expressed his shock at a prominent royal figure not being involved in the event, stating that Ferguson has been left out in a clear sign that she is no longer part of the royal “inner circle”.
Ferguson was married to Prince Andrew, the King’s younger brother, in 1996 before divorcing him.
Although the princesses Eugenie and Beatrice, her daughters, will be present at the event, Ferguson’s absence from the coronation has raised questions about whether she has been cut out of the royal family.
Butterworth claims that the rules are “so archaic and formal about who is and isn’t invited” but has also noted that Ferguson has maintained good relations with her royal ex-in-laws, and that reports have circulated about how much longer she and Prince Andrew will continue to live together.
Ferguson’s attendance at the Queen’s funeral and invitation to Christmas at Sandringham had suggested to some that she was back in the inner circle, but the decision not to invite her to the coronation suggests otherwise.
Royal sources, however, have denied that Ferguson was snubbed, as they insist she holds no “ill will” about the decision and did not expect to attend.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are also not expected to attend the coronation, as Harry is expected to cross the pond alone for his father’s big day.
The absence of the Duchess of Sussex leaves an “empty seat” at the reception, as stated by Butterworth, who was surprised by a prominent royal figure not being involved in the event.