THE Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s long-awaited public appearance at the Jubilee has been carefully orchestrated to ensure smooth sailing.
The precise arrangements — made in conjunction with royal security and Buckingham Palace — were signed off by the Queen herself.
Protocol normally dictates members of the Royal Family are seated in order of precedence. But at the St Paul’s Service of Thanksgiving, the Sussexes were adrift from the senior members.
Instead of being sat near his brother William and sister-in-law, the Duchess of Cambridge, Harry was behind the Duke of Gloucester, who is 31st in line to the throne.
The excuse was that as they are no longer working members, they were to take a literal back seat.
The reality is the Palace were determined there would be no photographs that might reveal any animosity between the brothers.
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Becoming a “second row royal” is difficult for Harry to swallow.
When he walked into the cathedral with his stylish wife Meghan by his side, he looked fed-up.
The visit has been uncharacteristically understated for the couple.
The Queen is obviously fond of Harry and Meghan.
She was the one that wanted them to come to the UK and enjoy her Platinum Jubilee with her great grandchildren, Archie and Lilibet.
It is the olive branch she always offers as a true Christian. She did it for Diana. She did it for Fergie.
She has done it for her son, the Duke of York. But they have to do things on her terms.
Harry and Meghan are slowly learning just where they have to stand.
