Sarah, Duchess of York – formerly married to Prince Andrew – has reportedly been left off the guest list for this year’s official coronation of King George, scheduled for later this summer. Sources suggest her exclusion from the event is due to ongoing tensions between the Duchess and senior members of the royal family. The news has reignited public debate over the so-called “royal rift” and the evolving role of the monarchy in contemporary Britain. In this article, we explore the background to the row, and what this latest development might mean for the future of the royal family.
The Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson, has reportedly not been invited to King Charles’s coronation, which is slated to take place next month. Sources confirm that the decision was not made due to any ill will towards Ferguson and that she did not expect to attend. The Duchess of York was previously married to Prince Andrew, the King’s brother, before their divorce in 1996.
While Prince Andrew is expected to attend the coronation, along with more than 2,000 other guests at Westminster Abbey, the guest list is beginning to emerge. In addition to senior royals and politicians, the ceremony will be attended by representatives from 450 charities and community organizations, as well as international dignitaries such as President Macron of France, US First Lady Jill Biden, and Crown Prince Akishino of Japan.
Prince Harry has confirmed his attendance at the coronation, although his wife Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, will not be able to attend. It remains to be seen what arrangements will be made in light of her absence.
The decision not to invite the Duchess of York has led to speculation that it may be seen as a snub, although there have been denials to this effect. The Duchess has maintained good relations with her former royal in-laws, and last year adopted two of the late Queen’s corgis, indicating that there is no ill will between them.
The Duchess of York, under the name Sarah Ferguson, has become a best-selling author, with her latest novel, A Most Intriguing Lady, recently published by Mills and Boon and Harper Collins.
As preparations for the coronation continue, a poll conducted by YouGov has raised questions about the level of public interest in the event. More than 3,000 adults were surveyed, with 35% saying they did not care very much about the coronation, and 29% saying they did not care at all. Apathy towards the event was found to be highest among young people, with 75% of those aged 18-24 saying they were not interested in it.
Overall, it remains to be seen what impact the absence of the Duchess of York will have on the coronation, and whether or not it will be perceived as a snub. With Prince Harry’s attendance confirmed and a range of dignitaries from across the globe set to attend, the event is sure to be significant, regardless of who is or isn’t on the guest list.
In today’s world, where social media and instant news are king, it’s easy to get wrapped up in the latest scandal or drama. However, one must remember that the royals, like any other family, have their own struggles and complications. The recent news that Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson, was not invited to the Queen’s coronation was just another chapter in the complicated history of the British monarchy. While it may seem shocking to some, it’s important to remember that the Queen has the right to invite whomever she wishes to attend her coronation. And ultimately, as we look forward to the future, it’s worth acknowledging that times have changed and the royal family has adapted accordingly. As we move towards a new era, the focus should be on the progress and modernization of the monarchy, and not on past disagreements or controversies.
