Who did not attend King Charles’ royal coronation?

Charles was officially crowned the King of England during the royal coronation that was held at Westminster Abbey earlier today in front of a slew of onlookers. The guest list of around 2000 consisted of members of the royal family, international royals and charity representatives.

However, among the crowd, a few faces were missing. Namely, Meghan Markle, Sarah Ferguson and Charles Spencer.

Where was Meghan Markle?

It was previously reported that the Duchess of Sussex would be skipping the royal event, remaining in California with her children, Archie and Lilibet, to celebrate Archie’s fourth birthday, which just so happens to be on coronation day.

An insider told media outlets that while Markle wanted to be there in support of her father-in-law, she did not want to add tension due to past drama.

“Buckingham Palace is pleased to confirm that The Duke of Sussex will attend the Coronation Service at Westminster Abbey on 6th May,” the palace announced in April. “The Duchess of Sussex will remain in California with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.”

Where was Sarah Ferguson?

While Prince Edward was in attendance alongside his wife Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, and Princess Anne arrived with her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, Sarah Ferguson, Prince Andrew’s ex-wife, was not at the coronation.

The Duchess of York, mother of Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, previously told ITV’s ‘Loose Women’ that she was not invited to the coronation.

“I personally will be having a little tearoom and coronation chicken sandwich and putting out the bunting, that’s what I’m going to be doing,” Ferguson said. “Because that would make me very happy.

“I also love to watch it on the telly because you hear a lot on the telly. The commentators are always good. And then all the family come back.

“Because, remember, I am divorced from him. I don’t expect – you can’t have it both ways. You can’t be divorced and then say, ‘I want this.’ You’re in or you’re out,” she concluded.

Where was Charles Spencer?

Also missing from the coronation was Charles Spencer, Princess Diana’s brother. While typically remaining out of the spotlight, Spencer has been present for special royal occasions such as Prince William and Prince Harry’s weddings and Queen Elizabeth’s committal service.

When asked if he’d be at the coronation, Spencer told ‘Off Air… with Jane and Fi’ that he would not, especially with a guest list that is much smaller than Queen Elizabeth’s back in 1953.

“I think we’ve never had an official role in it, just turned up like everyone else used to, when it was the hereditary peers and the House of Lords,” Spencer explained. “That’s no longer the case.

“There is some old coronet knocking around somewhere, but I won’t be wearing it soon, I don’t think.”