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Lip reader reveals what ‘nervous’ Prince Harry told guests as he arrived at Coronation
Prince Harry was spotted speaking to other guests as he arrived at Westminster Abbey for his father King Charles’ Coronation a year ago, with a lip reader revealing what was said
A lip reader revealed what Prince Harry said to guests as he arrived at Westminster Abbey for his father King Charle’s coronation a year ago.
The Prince attended the event alone, as his wife Megan Markle stayed at their home in California to look after their children Prince Archie and Princess Lillibet. Walking in with his cousins, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, along with their respective husbands, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi and Jack Brooksbank, he arrived a while before his older brother and new heir to the throne, Prince William and his family.
Our lip reader claimed that while entering the grand church, he uttered polite greetings to other guests, such as “hello”, “morning” and “nice to see you”. He also commented on the beauty of the building, saying: “look at that” and “delightful”.
Body language expert Judi James explained that the lone Prince looked nervous as he took his seat beside Eugenie’s husband Jack and Princess Alexandra, the cousin of the late Queen, waiting for his father, the new King to arrive.
She told The Mirror: “As Harry waited in his seat for his father and brother to arrive there were some subliminal signs of building tension or anxiety. He sucked his lips in and licked them and his blink rate increased, suggesting adrenaline prompted by nerves.”
Prince Harry was seated far away from his brother – so far, in fact, that they were not seen in any camera shots together. Their separation on the day was deliberately implemented to avoid public rows and to curb speculation about feuds and arguments between them on the day.
A source told the Sun: “There were discussions that the seating could be arranged on line of succession. But that would have put fifth-in-line Harry front and centre — and with William and Kate. Instead the decision was working royals only at the front and work back from there. Harry will be a long way from his father.”
It was believed at the time that seating arrangement for the anticipated ceremony was been a key factor in whether Prince Harry would attend the coronation or not and why it took so long for him to officially confirm he would. As predicted, he left almost immediately after the service was complete, not appearing on the balcony to greet the public with the rest of the family later that day.
A source has told the Mirror prior to the ceremony: “After much back and forth, Harry said that he would be returning for the King’s Coronation but it will only be a fleeting visit. Organisers have been told Harry won’t be attending the concert with the rest of the Royal Family, which is a great shame as it will be such a spectacular event.”
Whether the prince would bring his wife to the event had been a big subject of speculation in the run up until the Palace released a statement saying: “Buckingham Palace is pleased to confirm that the Duke of Sussex will attend the Coronation Service at Westminster Abbey on 6th May. The Duchess of Sussex will remain in California with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.”