The Symbolism of Prince Harry's Coronation Appearance

Prince Harry arrived at King Charles III's coronation in a party with Prince Andrew and his daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie.

The Duke of Sussex's attendance was at one stage in doubt but he made it to London to watch the moment his father will be crowned following a 70-year stint as heir to the throne.

Harry cut a lonely figure as he climbed alone out of the car that took him to Westminster Abbey, behind his uncle Andrew, whose relationship with Jeffrey Epstein has made him among Britain's most hated public figures.

Beatrice and Eugenie are, like Harry, non-working royals, though both have known this fate awaited them for many years. For Harry, it was a decision he argues he was forced to take, though his family may see the situation differently.

The historic ceremony coincides with Harry's son Prince Archie's fourth birthday and wife Meghan Markle remained in California for the occasion.

Prince Andrew walked in ahead of his daughters, Beatrice accompanied by her husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, and Eugenie with hers, Jack Brooksbank.

Harry's broadsides against the monarchy in his book Spare make his presence at the coronation both highly anticipated and somewhat controversial.

There was widespread speculation that he might be booed but ultimately the West Gate of Westminster Abbey, where guests arrived, was eerily silent in the middle of a police and military ring of steel with only media and those participating in the day watching on.

That meant Harry and Andrew got a clear run with no hostility from anti-monarchy protesters or pro-monarchy critics.

They arrived minutes before Prince William and Kate Middleton and their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, who in turn were before Charles and Camilla.

The abbey filled with music during a ceremony with its roots in more than 900 years of British history.

Had Harry's relationship with his family not been blown to pieces during five years of conflict that saw him turn his back on everything he had ever known, the ceremony might have looked very different.

Meghan might have been by his side, and a formal role might have been found for him. Perhaps he would have joined his brother, Prince William, in a personal homage to the king.

His son Prince Archie might even have joined cousin Prince George as a page of honor, though at four he might have been considered too young.

However, on both sides, things have been said and done that cannot be taken back and Harry's role in the family, if he has one at all, is one of controversial outsider invited to London despite his criticisms, rather than because of his support.

Most significantly, Harry's book Spare told the world that Charles did not hug him after Diana died and that he was always "checked out" and not ready for parenthood.

Meanwhile, Harry said Camilla sacrificed him on her PR altar and accused his father and stepmother of leaking hostile stories about him and Meghan.

There will be much for him and his father to discuss, but with so much taking place in London, there may still be no time to even scratch the surface.

Jack Royston is chief royal correspondent for Newsweek, based in London. You can find him on Twitter at @jack_royston and read his stories on Newsweek's The Royals Facebook page.

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