What the Duke of Sussex really wants is some recognition for Archie and Lilibet 

In his heart, Prince Harry knew for almost a month that he would be at his father’s coronation.

A trusted former equerry, one of the few still on good terms with both Harry and Prince William, was made aware of Harry’s plans early last month.

What Harry has described as an ‘in-and-out job’, the fly-by visit won’t allow him to catch up with that one-time inner core of UK-based friends, which now only numbers about six people.

Harry’s delay in confirming his presence has been widely attributed to complaints about being placed behind senior royals for the Westminster Abbey service.

But an important point was his determination to have the status of his children Archie and Lilibet publicly recognized by the royal family.

An important point was his determination to have the status of his children Archie (pictured) and Lilibet publicly recognized by the royal family.

As the coronation date, May 6, is the same day as Archie’s fourth birthday, it presented the perfect opportunity for the King’s fourth grandchild to receive a special recognition.

Charles was said to be open to the suggestion that he give Archie a gracious nod and rumors circulated that he would raise a glass to his grandson at a luncheon after the coronation procession.

A source said: “The King considered making a toast to Archie. But with no member of the Sussex family present for lunch, it’s highly unlikely he would if they weren’t.’

The whole episode has been described by courtiers as ‘a tug of war’ – one that has become typical of Buckingham Palace’s betrothal to the Sussexes.

There’s nothing more “triggering” to Harry than squabbles over protocol, rules, hierarchy and perceived contempt.

Other topics of discussion included Buckingham Palace balcony positions. As well as accompaniment preventing young children from being in Westminster Abbey, the King’s aides have firmly adhered to protocol that only working members of the royal family are allowed to appear on the balcony in front of the crowd.

So no room for Harry – or Prince Andrew for that matter. However, friends of Harry point out that after the late Queen’s coronation, she had both Charles and Anne on the balcony.

Another complaint is the relationship between Harry and his cousin Princess Eugenie, which is reportedly strained, especially after her mother, the Duchess of York, said Meghan “can’t go both ways” when it comes to being part of the royal family .

This could put Eugenie in a difficult position when she meets Harry on May 6.

There is nothing more ‘triggering’ to Harry than arguments over protocol, rules, hierarchy and perceived contempt (file image)

As for squabbling over ‘placement’, those are nothing new to the Sussexes. There were misunderstandings about ‘who sits where’ at a dinner party in West London when Harry and Meghan were dating in 2016.

There was similar awkwardness at a dinner in London hosted by Jack Mann, a polo-playing friend of Harry’s, and then at Pippa Middleton’s wedding reception, where Meghan sat apart from Harry and their view of each other was obscured by a table decoration.

Most importantly, there were seating issues during the Platinum Jubilee, for a Commonwealth Day Service and for the late Queen’s funeral, when the Sussexes sat in a corner at the end of the second row – with a candle giving the obvious view of the cameras on the Duchess.

For Harry, this was the equivalent of social Siberia.

All this could explain why Harry has only allocated 36 hours for his journey – which will be facilitated by a Cessna private jet he will presumably use from Luton Airport.

A source says: ‘Harry plans to attend the coronation and celebrate Archie’s birthday on the same day.

“The flight back to Los Angeles is about ten hours, which means he’ll be with his family at 5 p.m., have a birthday dinner with Archie, and kiss him goodnight.”