Prince Harry has confirmed he will be attending the King's Coronation without wife Meghan Markle and their children.
It remains to be seen whether they will then make an appearance at the Met Gala, but a PR expert has claimed the pair should stay focussed on the Coronation.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's attendance at both events had been heavily speculated prior to Wednesday's announcement.
And a PR expert said they would be better attending the UK ceremony as it would send an "unmistakable signal that they hold their lineage dear" and could help repair their reputation in both Blighty and stateside.
Chad Teixeira said: "While hitting the Met Gala could have its perks, like upping their celeb game in the US and blending into the star-studded world, the potential backlash and dissection [of missing the Coronation] might eclipse these benefits.
"Picking the Met Gala over the Coronation could be seen as putting their glitzy life first, sidelining their regal roles, which might spell trouble for their good name."
Chad, who is the CEO of celebrity PR agency Daddy The Agency, went on to say attending the King's Coronation "would likely be the safest play for Meghan and Harry's reputation" and could go a long way to "cement their image" alongside the family.
However, he also admitted the pair's "tardy RSVP to the Coronation" could be damaging for their public persona as well as ties within the Royal Family.
"Their rep could take a hit from this delay, as it might be seen as a sign of dithering or a waning dedication to their regal roles," Chad claimed.
"The UK crowd, who hold the Coronation in high regard as a historic affair, might frown upon this hemming and hawing, potentially putting a dent in their popularity."
He continued: "Moreover, a sluggish reply could stir up more drama with the royal institution. The Royal Family is famous for sticking to protocol, and any perceived swerve from these standards might ruffle feathers within Meghan and Harry's already delicate bond with the monarchy."
Chad admitted it is important that the pair tread carefully when it comes to appearing at both events and said it's vital they juggle their "one-of-a-kind role" as "both royal insiders and global trendsetters".
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