LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM: King Charles reportedly raised a glass to toast his grandson Prince Archie Harrison's fourth birthday despite being ‘disappointed’ by Prince Harry’s early departure after the historic coronation on Saturday, May 6. The 74-year-old King made the poignant toast during a private family gathering at Buckingham Palace following his Westminster Abbey crowning and appearance on the balcony with Queen Camilla.
It is understood that Harry had been formally invited to attend the family lunch after King Charles' coronation but he chose to fly back to California to celebrate Archie's special day. His wife, Meghan Markle, who stayed behind with their son and daughter, Lilibet, reportedly planned a small gathering for relatives and friends. A royal source told Daily Mail that while the majority of the Royal Family 'breathed a sigh of relief' that Harry chose not to join them, the newly crowned King appeared to be "genuinely quite disappointed that he didn’t stay."
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‘It was apparently a very sweet moment’
Before the royal family began their meal, the heir to the throne Prince William stood to congratulate his father on such a momentous day. In response, the King thanked everyone for helping him organize the first coronation ceremony in over 70 years. He then offered a toast to his three grandchildren, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis, and Prince George, who also served as a Page of Honour. Nevertheless, he made a point of toasting "those who weren't there" before wishing his other grandchild a very happy birthday "wherever he was." ‘It was apparently a very sweet moment,’ the source said.
It is believed that in addition to the King, Queen, and other Royal family members, the gathering was also attended by Camilla’s close family – her sister Annabel, and best friend, Lady Landsdowne, both of whom served as her attendants on the day, as well as her children, Tom Parker Bowles and Laura Lopes, and grandchildren, Lola, Freddy, Eliza, Louis, and Gus. The Princess of Wales’s family was also invited, with her parents Michael and Carole Middleton, and siblings Pippa and James present.
The royal celebration after the coronation
At the palace, employees put on a "running buffet" as society photographer Hugo Burnand snapped the official Coronation photos. The family was served sparkling wine and appetizers, including small broad bean and tarragon Coronation quiches – the official dish of the Coronation weekend, according to the Mirror. Since neither the King nor the Queen liked the well-known mayonnaise and curry dish developed in Queen Elizabeth's honor in 1953, there was also a "modern take" on Coronation chicken canapés.
Following that, the majority of the family dispersed to Windsor Castle where they hosted a private family gathering with beverages. There was also a private family gathering after the official eve-of-Coronation reception at Buckingham Palace. However, very little alcohol was offered on both occasions since it was important for everyone to "keep a clear head." Following the event yesterday, no one was inclined to hang around at the palace, the monarch’s official London residence, as it is currently undergoing substantial renovation.
