Sarah Ferguson has reportedly been given a key "VIP attendee" role at King Charles III's upcoming Coronation concert at Windsor Castle. The Duchess of York, 63, has learned she will not be in attendance at the official crowning ceremony of Charles and Queen Consort Camilla at Westminster Abbey on May 6, however there will be a seat for her and other royals at the concert some 24 hours later.
The Mirror reports that the King's Coronation concert's royal attendees will join together on the East Lawn of Windsor Castle - including Fergie's daughters, Princesses Beatrice (34) and Eugenie (33). The concert's line-up will include performances from Take That and Lionel Richie, with 20,000 lucky ticket holders there on the day.
However, it seems the Duchess of York is excited to be involved in the concert celebrations. A royal insider said that she was not expecting an invitation to the official Coronation ceremony, but was "delighted to join the wider family for the Coronation concert".
Read more: Channel 4 TV listings on King's Coronation day include Prince Andrew documentary and comedy shows
They added: "She cherishes those more relaxed times with the family and, contrary to some reports, is fully accepting of the situation. She did, of course, join the family for the Sandringham Christmas celebrations, so it's clear there is no ill will in either direction. Quite the contrary", The Sun reports.
Previously speaking to ITVs Loose Women, Fergie said: “I will be having a little tea room and putting out the bunting. I love to watch it on the telly because the commentators are always good.”
Last month while at an event in New York to promote her latest romance novel, Fergie was asked about her plans for the Coronation after admitting she had not yet received an invitation. But she shrugged it off and described what she will be doing instead if she is not picked to be inside Westminster Abbey.
She explained: "Well I've decided the best thing about being British around a coronation - although I've never been to one - I think we should, I should set up a tea room at the bottom of the drive with bunting and cakes." According to The Independent, Fergie, who was close to the late Queen and now looks after her corgis Sandy and Muick, will have to watch proceedings from home with a source saying: "She has been hugely supportive of Charles and Camilla and does not want this to become about her.
"The whole day is about the new King and the success of his reign but she has always championed the Royal Family and the Queen undoubtedly would have wanted her to be there." Those there to support Charles and Camilla on the day include all of the working royals, such as the Prince and Princess of Wales along with their three children.
Prince George will be a page of honour. Prince Edward and Sophie - the new Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh - will also be in attendance, as will Princess Anne, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, the Duke of York and Princess Alexandra.
Wider family members expected to attend include the likes of Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie, and Zara and Mike Tindall - however, they won't appear on the Buckingham Palace balcony after the ceremony. After months of speculation, it has now been confirmed that Prince Harry will also be at the Coronation, while his wife Meghan Markle will stay in California with their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
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