New York Post

A ROYAL ‘ROW’: SIT US UP FRONT!

Harry, Meg seek VIP status at coronation

- By NIKA SHAKHNAZAR­OVA nshakhnaza­rova@nypost.com

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are allegedly demanding a place on the Buckingham Palace balcony during King Charles’ coronation — and an acknowledg­ment during the festivitie­s of their two young kids, according to a report.

The requests, and the couple’s apparent holding out until their wishes are granted, may throw the historic event into “chaos,” royal insiders fear.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex — who recently received their invitation­s to the May 6 ceremony — are still mulling whether they will make the 5,459-mile-long trip.

If they do go, the exiled royals will be met with a “cold shoulder” from senior members of the royal family, according to a report.

Harry and Meghan are mainly concerned about the role for their kids — Prince Archie, who will turn 4 the day his grandfathe­r is crowned king, and Princess Lilibet, 1, a source close to the palace told OK! magazine.

It’s believed Archie and Lilibet have not been invited to attend the coronation, which reportedly didn’t go down well with the exiled royals.

“The palace is trying to wrap up negotiatio­ns as quickly as possible because they can’t go right up to the wire. It could lead to chaos,” an insider told the outlet.

“However, what the Sussexes are pushing for is for them to be included with the rest of the family at the Palace later that day,” the insider added. “It’s also Prince Archie’s birthday on Coronation day so they would like some kind of nod to that at a lunch or drinks reception. Even if it’s just a happy birthday mention.”

The absence of the two youngsters from the event had “never been a bone of contention,” according to the source, because of the “restlessne­ss and tantrums” typical of children.

Harry and Meghan also are reportedly pushing to be included on the Buckingham Palace balcony on the big day — a royal protocol reserved strictly for working members of the royal family only.

“It could very well be that it ends in stalemate and they won’t attend. But the palace is doing everything in its power to not let that happen.”

Charles is set to be formally crowned May 6, a date fans believe was chosen specifical­ly to cause a conflict for the Sussexes and Archie’s birthday.

Meanwhile, leaked plans revealed Prince William’s children are expected to take part in the coronation, The Times reports.

George, 9, Charlotte, 7, and Louis, 5, are set to join their parents Prince William and Kate Middleton in a carriage behind a Gold State Coach that will transport the King and Queen, plans seen by the outlet show.

The Post has reached out to reps for the Sussexes, while Kensington Palace declined to comment.

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 ?? ?? FOR THE KIDS! Prince Harry and Meghan Markle (far right) are reportedly raising a ruckus over where they’ll sit at Prince Charles’ (above, 2nd left) coronation and role of their kids, Archie (left) and Lilibet (right).
FOR THE KIDS! Prince Harry and Meghan Markle (far right) are reportedly raising a ruckus over where they’ll sit at Prince Charles’ (above, 2nd left) coronation and role of their kids, Archie (left) and Lilibet (right).

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