Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, has reportedly been given a key role as a “VIP attendee” at King Charles’s Coronation concert, despite learning she would not be attending the official crowning
Duchess of York has reportedly been given a key role as a “VIP attendee” at the King’s Coronation concert at Windsor Castle.
It comes after Fergie, 63, learned she would not be attending the official crowning of Charles and Camilla at Westminster Abbey on May 6.
However, the King’s Coronation concert will have a seat on the East Lawn of Windsor Castle 24 hours later, joined by other royals believed to include her daughters Beatrice, 34, and Eugenie, 33.
The concert will see Take That and Lionel Richie take to the stage to mark the historic weekend, with 20,000 lucky ticket holders watching on.
A royal insider said Fergie did not expert an invite to the official Coronation ceremony, but was “delighted to join the wider family for the Coronation Concert”.
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There’s reportedly no “ill-will” between the Royal Family and Sarah Ferguson (
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Getty Images)
They added: “She cherishes those more relaxed times with the family and, contrary to some reports, is fully accepting of the situation.
“She did, of course, join the family for the Sandringham Christmas celebrations, so it’s clear there is no ill will in either direction. Quite the contrary”, as reported by The Sun.
Previously speaking to ITVs Loose Women, Fergie said: “I will be having a little tea room and putting out the bunting. I love to watch it on the telly because the commentators are always good.”
Last month while at an event in New York to promote her latest romance novel, Fergie was asked about her plans for the Coronation after admitting she had not yet received an invitation.
But she shrugged it off and told of what she will be doing instead if she is not picked to be inside Westminster Abbey.
She explained: “Well I’ve decided the best thing about being British around a coronation – although I’ve never been to one – I think we should, I should set up a tea room at the bottom of the drive with bunting and cakes.”
According to The Independent, Fergie, who was close to the late Queen and now looks after her corgis Sandy and Muick, will have to watch proceedings from home with a source saying: “She has been hugely supportive of Charles and Camilla and does not want this to become about her.
William and Kate will be among key family members at the ceremony (
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PA)
“The whole day is about the new King and the success of his reign but she has always championed the Royal Family and the Queen undoubtedly would have wanted her to be there.”
Supporting Charles and Queen Camilla will be all of the working royals, including the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children Prince George – who will be a page of honour – Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
Others there will include Prince Edward and Sophie – the new Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh – Princess Anne, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, the Duke of York and Princess Alexandra.
Prince Harry, pictured at the Committal service for the Queen last September, will return to the UK for the Coronation (
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POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Meanwhile, wider family members expected to be there will include the likes of Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie, and Zara and Mike Tindall – but they won’t appear on the Buckingham Palace balcony after the ceremony.
After months of speculation, it has now been confirmed that Prince Harry will also be at the Coronation – although his wife Meghan Markle will stay behind in California with their two children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
