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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Kyle O'Sullivan

Prince Harry's polo schedule could have huge implications on Charles' Coronation plans

Prince Harry is already having to contend with one massive clash for King Charles' Coronation - and now he's dealing with another.

With less than a month to go until King Charles and Queen Camilla are crowned in front of thousands inside Westminster Abbey, it's still not known whether the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are attending.

Buckingham Palace staff are still none the wiser as to whether they will show up, which is reportedly causing a huge headache for 'exasperated' organisers.

Those in charge of details such as seating arrangements, transport and security for VIPs are unable to sign off on their plans as Harry remains in a "predicament" about whether to attend.

One of the biggest issues surrounding the Coronation is the incredibly awkward timing, as May 6 falls on Prince Archie's birthday.

But there is also another potential complication, as Harry has a busy polo schedule on the days around Charles' Coronation.

Prince Harry is part of a polo club in California (JishPhoto/REX/Shutterstock)
Harry loves playing polo (Getty Images for Sentebale)

Harry is a massive fan of the sport and is part of the 'Los Padres' team at the Santa Barbara polo club in California.

A tournament is taking place on the same weekend and Harry's team are playing matches on May 5 and 7.

It's not known whether Harry will be taking to the polo field, but his four-man team could find a substitute to take his place if he is unable to attend.

If he was really desperate to play, Harry could take part in the May 5 match, fly over to London for the Coronation, then jet straight back for the May 7 game.

A source told The Sun : "The club has received no word yet on Harry's plans for the tournament.

"But he's expected to play again this season.

"The speculation is that Harry will be returning for the coronation so probably won't be taking part in the polo that weekend."

Another member of Harry's team is his close pal pal Nacho Figueras.

Harry is in a team with close friend Nacho Figueras (aurorafigueras)

The Argentinian actor who appeared in the Sussex's Netflix documentary and was also thanked in the acknowledgements in autobiography Spare.

On May 6 last year, Harry was actually playing for Los Padres in a match against rivals Mokarow farms.

It was a double celebration for the Duke of Sussex as his team won and it was his son's third birthday.

Some people have pointed out that Harry was busy playing polo on Archie's birthday last year, so it shouldn't be an excuse to not attend the Coronation.

"#PrinceHarry went to polo on #Archie's 3rd birthday…don't tell us you NOW want to celebrate it…on #KingCharlesCoronation," wrote on person.

Another added: "Considering last year Prince Harry, Archie's father, played polo on his birthday, I can't quite understand the upset."

"Given that Prince Harry played polo on Archie's birthday this year, I don't think they place too much importance on dedicating the whole day to celebrating their son's birthday," said a third.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex holding their son Archie in 2019 (PA)

If Harry and Meghan do come to the Coronation, it seems they will be without their two kids.

Despite being the grandchildren of the new King, it is believed that Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet have not been invited, with sources citing that the children are "very young".

An insider told OK! that a major sticking point was how the Sussex children Archie, three, and one-year-old Lilibet were to be included on the day.

But the source explained that their inclusion in the ceremony has "never been a bone of contention" because small children don’t attend royal events of this scale "due to restlessness and tantrums".

According to royal historian and author Dr Tessa Dunlop, it would be "odd" if Archie has not been invited to the event.

She told True Royalty TV's The Royal Beat: ""If you look at the footage of the 1953 Coronation, who was very prominent, albeit briefly? Prince Charles. He was four.

"Archie on his fourth birthday is definitely not too young to attend the coronation. And if you want Meghan there, you need to invite her son."

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