A bunch of world leaders and public figures will be heading to London next month for King Charles III’s coronation – but one person you won’t see in the crowd? President Joe Biden.
According to a new report from The Telegraph, the 80-year-old politician is skipping the ceremony on May 6. As for why he is bailing on the historic event? The outlet claimed he has some prior commitments but did not specify what they were exactly. However, a source claimed there “may still be some efforts underway to see if Biden can be persuaded to come to the Coronation.” Another insider also told the outlet that his decision to turn down the invite was “not locked and loaded” since those who received “save the date” cards were asked to send their answer by Monday.
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Before anyone thinks this is a snub on Biden’s part, it is important to note that no US president has ever attended the coronation of a new monarch – so it’s not like he’s breaking a tradition by not appearing at the festivities. Granted, you would think he’d want to attend considering this is the first coronation in seven decades! But just because he reportedly won’t be there, it doesn’t mean that someone won’t be at the event on his behalf! Biden reportedly plans to send either First Lady Dr. Jill Biden or Vice President Kamala Harris instead.
Per The Telegraph, the guest list has shrunk for King Charles’ ceremony – whereas his mom Queen Elizabeth had approximately 8,000 guests who attended her coronation, only 2,000 people were invited to attend his crowning. And among others who were asked to be there besides Biden were Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. After weeks of speculation over whether the Duke and Duchess would score a coveted invite, a spokesperson for the couple finally confirmed the two received an “email” about the event:
“The Duke has recently received email correspondence from His Majesty’s office regarding the coronation. An immediate decision on whether the Duke and Duchess will attend will not be disclosed by us at this time.”
At this time, Meghan and Harry have not revealed if they’ll be present for the big day. But their attendance apparently depends on whether or not Buckingham Palace can complete a list of demands. The main thing, per OK!, they want their kids Archie and Lilibet to be included in some way after they were not invited to the coronation:
“What the Sussexes’ are pushing for is for them to be included with the rest of the family at the Palace later that day. It’s also Prince Archie’s birthday on Coronation day so they would like some kind of nod to that at a lunch or drinks reception. Even if it’s just a happy birthday mention.”
We’ll have to see who RSVPs! However, it sounds like there is a strong chance Biden won’t be at the coronation! Reactions, Perezcious readers? Let us know in the comments below.
[Image via MEGA/WENN]
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