The royal family’s genetic tendrils stretch farther than most realize, and they present their own logistical challenges.
As well as how to handle the seats of exiled royals like Prince Andrew and Prince Harry, there are cousins to consider: the families of the Dukes of Kent and Gloucester, as well as Prince Michael and Princess Kent and their descendants, including the Earl of St Andrews , Lady Helen Taylor, Lord Nicholas Windsor, Lord Frederick Windsor and Lady Gabriella Kingston.
King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium.Credit: getty
Once they’re all in place, you’ll have to deal with Europe’s crowned heads of state, various other royals, some of whom still hold constitutional positions in their home countries, and others who have been ousted in coups, uprisings, and revolutions. Say what you like about them, being a monarch in the new millennium is tough.
The dignitaries include some of the country touring’s leading regulars, such as King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, Queen Margrethe II, Crown Prince Frederik and Australian-born Princess Marie of Denmark.
In addition, King Abdullah II and Queen Rania of Jordan, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako of Japan, Prince Albert and Princess Charlene of Monaco, the Sultan of Brunei and Oman, the King of Morocco, the King and Queen of Bhutan, Qatar Mir, King Letzizi III of Lesotho and King of Tonga.
The Duchess of Gloucester, Prince Harry, Zara Tindall and the Duke of Gloucester.Credit: getty
However, almost one-third of the participants did not belong to either of these groups. They were representatives of charities and community organisations, as well as celebrities linked to the coronation or directly connected to Charles and Camilla.
For example, Julie Bishop, one of Australia’s most prominent republicans, was in attendance as chair of the Prince’s Trust of Australia. She sat next to American singer Lionel Richie outside for an Instagram selfie with him.
Richie sang at Sunday night’s concert, which earned him a ticket. Ditto Katy Perry.British TV presenter repair shop, Jay Blades, is a friend of the king. Actresses Dame Judi Dench, Dame Joanna Lumley and Emma Thompson were also in attendance.
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Other notables in attendance included i’m a celebrity get me out of here Hosting Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, David and Victoria Beckham, TV adventurer (and chief scout) Bear Grylls and Brit Fashion Magazine editor Edward Ennifer.
Coronation invitations issued by Buckingham Palace.Credit: Associated Press
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