The Royal Family reportedly breathed a sigh of 'relief' after Prince Harry skipped a Coronation lunch - but it left dad King Charles 'genuinely disappointed'.
The Duke of Sussex appeared at his father's Coronation during his brief 24-hour visit to the UK on Saturday.
He jetted back to wife Meghan Markle from Heathrow just an hour after the lavish ceremony at Westminster Abbey in order to celebrate son Archie's fourth birthday.
At the Coronation, Harry was seated between Princess Eugenie's husband Jack Brooksbank and Princess Alexandra, having been relegated to the third row.
Cousins Eugenie and Beatrice were also there, accompanied by the latter's husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi.
Prior to the Coronation, an insider told The Sun: “There were discussions that the seating could be arranged on line of succession.
"But that would have put fifth-in-line Harry front and centre — and with William and Kate.
“Instead the decision was working royals only at the front and work back from there. Harry will be a long way from his father.”
Sources also claim that royals were pleased the 38-year-old left as soon as he did.
The Duke missed out on The Big Lunch, but insiders who spoke to The Mail, claimed his absence suited other attendees - except King Charles III, who was reportedly "genuinely disappointed" that his son wasn't there.
Prince William welcomed guests at the table with a short and sweet toast congratulating his father.
The newly crowned monarch thanked everyone for helping create such a special and memorable experience for him and Queen Camilla.
The 74-year-old made a toast to his grandchildren Prince George – who also served as a Page of Honour – Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
But, according to the insider, he also stopped to raise a glass to "those that weren’t there" and wished grandson Archie a very happy birthday "wherever he was".
The source told The Mail: "It was apparently a very sweet moment."
Other guests in attendance included Queen Camilla's family, sister Annabel, and best friend Lady Landsdowne, both of whom served as her attendants on the big day.
Her children, Tom Parker Bowles and Laura Lopes, as well as grandchildren, Lola, Freddy, Eliza, Louis and Gus were all reportedly there too.
Kate's parents Michael and Carole Middleton, and siblings Pippa and James joined the Royal Family for the celebratory meal and "running buffet", according to the source.
The official dish of the Coronation weekend, mini broad bean and tarragon Coronation quiche, was served as a canape with a glass of Champagne.
Neither King Charles nor his wife are too keen on coronation chicken - created to honour Queen Elizabeth in 1953 - so a "modern take" was served as canapes.
It was reported most of the family retreated to Windsor Castle after the meal for an intimate family cocktail party.
