Prince Harry's absence from the recent BBC documentary "Charles III: The Coronation Year" on Boxing Day, showcasing behind-the-scenes preparations for King Charles III's coronation, has stirred significant attention. Despite attending the actual coronation in May, Harry did not make an appearance in the 90-minute film, which featured interviews with minor members of the royal family like Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, Prince Edward, and Lady Louise Windsor.
According to a report by Express, this exclusion unfolds against the backdrop of years of strained relations between Prince Harry and the royal family, notably stemming from his and Meghan's decision to step back from official duties in 2020. The tension escalated after the couple's revealing interview with Oprah in 2021 and their recent Netflix docuseries "Harry & Meghan," where they levied damaging allegations about their treatment by the royal family.
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The absence of both Harry and Prince William from on-screen interviews in the BBC documentary raises eyebrows. While William's non-participation is presumed to maintain focus on King Charles, Harry's omission is perceived as another instance of discord during a time when the rift between him and his father continues to widen.
A source close to the royal family, speaking to The Telegraph, expressed the impact of Harry's exclusion: "It took the wind out of everyone's sails. The King was doing his damnedest best to make sure everything was perfect for the big day and then this landed. It made the Oprah interview look tame in comparison and no one was watching because of Harry and Meghan."
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Despite this, the documentary does feature interviews with other royal family members, including Princess Anne, and captures moments with the young Wales children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—attending a rehearsal at Westminster Abbey. In a lighter moment, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby is shown forgetting his lines during a practice run, humorously remarking, "I have a memory that is probably about as good as our spaniel—in other words zero."
While Harry attended the coronation in May, Meghan, Archie, and Lilibet remained in the US, highlighting ongoing tensions between the Sussexes and the royal family. The broadcast of the BBC documentary during the holidays is interpreted as another snub to Harry, reinforcing his increasing isolation from the royal circle.
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As King Charles endeavors to present a united front in his first year on the throne, Harry's virtual exclusion from the documentary underscores the fractures within the family. The film serves as a poignant reminder of the deepening divide, with reconciliation appearing increasingly unlikely. While the royal family diligently fulfills their duties, Harry remains a persona non grata, unable to move past the rift with his father and brother. This latest snub indicates that considerable efforts are still required before any healing can occur within the House of Windsor.
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