You need it from your son-in-law!
A coronation generally involves a lot of pomp and circumstance, and this is even more true for the Windsors. This was evident again at King Charles’ grand Coronation last May. In addition to the crown jewels and all kinds of ceremonies, this also includes an impressive guest list. Still, it raised a few eyebrows when almost the entire Middleton family showed up.
Packed cathedral
In addition to the millions of people who followed the Coronation via television or internet, there was of course also an exclusive group of prominent figures who were able to experience the ceremony up close. From almost the entire Windsor family and fellow royals to Katy Perry – more than 2,200 people received such a coveted invitation. Compared to the 8,000 attendees at the late Queen Elizabeth’s, this was a fairly modest guest list, and there was extensive speculation as to who would or would not make an appearance.
The Middletons
That exclusive group of people also included Michael, Carole, James and Pippa Middleton – the entire family around daughter Kate – better known as the Princess of Wales.
In the new book Charles III: The Inside Story, by author Robert Hardman, he delicately notes: “Times have changed so much that now, seventy years later, the Middletons outnumber the Mountbattens four to one.”
With this the author refers to the absence of the late Prince Philip’s relatives at Elizabeth’s Coronation in 1953. “The only representative of Prince Philip’s side of the family was the old friend and wife of the King’s second cousin, Penelope Knatchbull, Countess of Burma.” , writes Hello Magazine.
How was it possible that the entire family of Princess Kate (who, as the wife of Crown Prince William, is even a step further away from the crown than Prince Philip at the time) was allowed to attend?
In law
According to Hardman, this had everything to do with Prince William. He reportedly insisted on their presence with a ‘direct request’. Moreover, it did not have to be a seat somewhere at the back of the Abbey, but in a beautiful, prominent place. And so it happened!
It has of course been known for some time that William gets along well with his in-laws. For example, way back in the interview surrounding their engagement, in 2010, he had only positive words for the Middletons.
“Kate has a very close family. I get along very well with them and I am very lucky that they are so supportive,” he said at the time. He also shared the hope that Kate would feel as welcome at the Windsors as he did at the Middleton home.
With a coveted invitation to such a great moment, things are clearly going well between both families!
Source: Hello! Magazine | Image: NL Image
