King Charles III, set to be officially crowned on May 6, is desperately trying to build bridges with his youngest son Prince Harry and daughter-in-law Meghan Markle ahead of the Coronation, a royal expert has claimed.
In a souvenir Coronation programme, there is a family photo featuring Meghan and Harry with other members of the royal family, including Prince William and Kate Middleton and their children.
Royal commentator Phil Dampier said the photograph is an attempt to show the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are still loved members of the family.
“Using the picture including Harry and Meghan is yet another olive branch from the King and an attempt to show they have still loved members of the family,” said Dampier.
He added: “We know of course that relations were already starting to strain but it’s a happy picture that conveys harmony and unity. Most of all it reminds us of what might have been and how it’s so sad the way things have unfolded.”
The snap, taken in the private gardens at Clarence House, shows Charles with Prince George on his knee while Camilla cuddles Princess Charlotte. Kate is seen holding Louis while William stands next to his brother Harry who has his arm around Meghan.
Biographer Tom Bower said the choice of image is an attempt to “conceal the truth” about how Megxit has torn them apart.
Another commentator Richard Fitzwilliams claimed the decision is simply to avoid being accused of leaving the couple out because Archie and Lilibet’s parents are “deeply conscious of what they perceive to slight”.
