king charles church smile

Smiling King Charles attends church for first time following Prince Harry coronation invite

The monarch has invited Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to the event

Senior Online Writer
March 5, 2023

King Charles was photographed attending church in Sandringham on Sunday, the first time he'd been seen in public since news broke that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been invited to his 6 May coronation.

The monarch appeared in good spirits as he smiled and waved to gathered crowds. He wore a long brown coat and kept an umbrella over his arm for the walk to St Mary Magdalene Church in Norfolk.

Outside the church, he warmly greeted Reverend Canon Paul Williams before the service. It's been a week of royal revelations, following the news earlier in the week that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been asked to vacate their UK base, Frogmore Cottage.

WATCH: Piers Morgan has harsh request for King Charles regarding Harry and Meghan

It was later confirmed, despite no longer having a permanent base in the country, that the couple are invited to the King's coronation, although they have not yet revealed whether they will accept.

SEE: Prince Harry and Meghan's hint that Lilibet has already been christened

On Saturday, Harry took part in a revelatory live chat with Gabor Maté, where he discussed his upbringing and what I'd like to do differently with his own children, Archie and Lilibet.

The King greeted the Reverend. Image: Geoff Robinson

In a poignant moment, Harry said he didn't want to pass any "traumas or negative experiences" onto his children saying he intended to "smother them with love" in order to be different than the way he was raised.

Harry was asked about his parenting style when Gabor mentioned the lack of "touching" within the royal family, highlighting how the late Queen would greet a then five-year-old Prince Charles with a handshake whenever she returned from a royal tour instead of a hug.

© Photo: Getty Images

Prince Harry and Meghan haven't confirmed whether they'll attend the coronation

The Duke said he was "grateful" to have changed his environment in order to allow him to be the father he wanted, but also shared his respect for those who might not be able to change their situation.

MORE: 13 times the royals lost their cool in public

SEE: Inside Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's picture perfect UK home they are saying goodbye to

During a Q+A portion, Harry said that being "vulnerable" would help him in being the "best father" to his children.

Photos of King Charles: Geoff Robinson

LISTEN: Princess Diana's reaction when her plane plunged 10,000ft in terrifying moment...

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