Cabinet ministers ‘angry’ after learning none of them except Rishi Sunak can take their husbands to King Charles’s coronation due to ‘extremely limited space’ at historic Westminster Abbey ceremony
- Organizers say space is limited and the guest list is similar to the Queen’s state funeral
- Rishi Sunak’s wife, Akshata Murthy, will receive an invitation to the ceremony
Cabinet ministers are angry they won’t get a ‘plus one’ for the king’s coronation next month, the Mail understands.
Organizers say space is extremely limited and the guest list will be similar to the Queen’s state funeral, where very few politicians were able to bring their partners.
Rishi Sunak’s wife, Akshata Murthy, will receive an invitation to the ceremony, but the prime minister’s top team will have to do without their husband and wife.
The decision has angered some senior ministers who believe their husbands deserve a coveted place in Westminster Abbey on May 6.
“Many cabinet ministers and their partners are dissatisfied with it,” a government source said last night.
The decision has angered some senior ministers who believe their husbands deserve a coveted place in Westminster Abbey on May 6.
Westminster Abbey was packed for the Queen’s funeral, but there are even more categories of guests from around the world for the coronation of King Charles III (pictured with wife Camilla, Queen Consort)
“They sacrifice a lot for their other half to do the job they do, and it would mean a lot to be invited to the coronation.”
Former Prime Ministers are expected to get pluses, as happened at the Queen’s funeral in September.
Westminster Abbey was packed for the occasion, but there are other categories of guests from all over the world for the coronation.
In addition to the royal family, foreign dignitaries and politicians, there are close friends of the king and representatives of charities and his patrons.
Other politicians expected to be invited include the leaders of the main opposition parties and the prime ministers of devolved governments.
A limited number of additional places for MPs and colleagues have been shared cross-party and determined by vote.
Officials have also considered other ways to involve more MPs and colleagues, with proposals for a viewing point in Parliament Square to view the coronation procession.
Rishi Sunak’s wife, Akshata Murthy, will receive an invitation to the ceremony, but the prime minister’s top team will have to do without their husband and wife.
Plans have also been mooted for a reception in Westminster Hall – with the King in attendance – ahead of the coronation.
Colleagues have reportedly lobbied the Cabinet Office to push for an invitation to the event, with many saying they are frustrated that only a minority will attend.
A government source told The Telegraph there was “considerable lobbying,” with people “proactively reaching out to us to explain why they should be on the list.”
“There is no doubt they will be disappointed and we are aware of the frustration this is already causing,” they added.
Earlier this week, officials released an image of the elaborately illustrated invitation that will be sent later this month to 2,000 guests who have secured a seat.
Invitations to the landmark event, the first of its kind in 70 years, are only sent out about two weeks in advance.
They become collectibles, with a beautifully designed border of flora and fauna galloping around a Green Man, an ancient traditional symbol of spring and rebirth, to represent the new reign.
The deadline for RSVPs closed on April 3 – and royal insiders would be ‘no wiser’ if Harry and Meghan plan to attend.
The problem is said to be giving “headaches” to organizers, who are trying to finalize details such as seating, cars and security for VIPs.
