The News
Royal Drama Unfolds: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Seating Controversy at Platinum Jubilee Service
When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made their grand entrance at the Platinum Jubilee service, all eyes were on them.
However, it wasn't just their presence that caught attention, but also a question that Prince Harry reportedly asked, as revealed by a royal biographer.
Tom Bower claimed that the Duke of Sussex inquired about who had approved their seating arrangement during the event.
The response he received was brief but significant, involving none other than Queen Elizabeth II herself.
Speculation arose regarding the seating of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in the second row during the Platinum Jubilee service.
A royal expert suggested that the couple's decision to cut short their weekend celebrations was linked to this very issue.
The national service of Thanksgiving, which paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth, took place on June 3 with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex occupying seats in the second row.
On that day, Harry and Meghan attended a Golden Jubilee ceremony, stepping into the spotlight after keeping a low profile during Trooping the Colour.
They arrived at St Paul's Cathedral in London for the National Service of Thanksgiving, holding hands as they ascended the steps.
Guided by an usher, they took their seats near the husbands of Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, with no last-minute rearrangements made for them.
In contrast, the first row housed Camilla Parker Bowles, Prince Charles, Kate Middleton, and Prince William, creating a physical separation between Harry and his immediate family members post-service.
As the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge engaged in conversation while exiting, Harry and Meghan briefly conversed with Zara Tindall, Harry's cousin, on the church steps.
According to Tom Bower, Queen Elizabeth herself approved the seating arrangements for the Platinum Jubilee service.
The drama continued as rumors swirled that Harry and Meghan intentionally delayed their arrival at St. Paul's Cathedral to make a grand entrance.
Bower shared an intriguing anecdote where Harry questioned an usher about their assigned seats, only to be informed that it was at the Queen's behest.
Subsequently, the couple departed the Platinum Jubilee weekend early, citing the seating arrangements as a contributing factor.
Amidst the buzz surrounding their departure, a poll revealed public sentiment regarding Prince Harry's security detail while visiting the UK.
The majority of respondents agreed that the prince should have police protection but emphasized that he should bear the associated costs himself.
With Harry and Meghan no longer receiving government-provided protection since stepping back from their royal duties, opinions varied on the necessity of security measures for the prince.
As the royal saga unfolds, the controversy surrounding Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's seating at the Platinum Jubilee service continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
From questions of protocol to discussions on security arrangements, the couple remains at the center of attention, navigating the complexities of royal life amidst public scrutiny.