Prince William and Kate's mysterious late arrival at Coronation finally explained

The Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla on 7th May 2023 was a highly-anticipated event that was watched by millions of people around the world. The opulent event to celebrate the coronation of Britain's first new monarch in seven decades was filled with age-old customs but also had some contemporary elements.

However, some keen royal fans noticed that Prince William and Kate arrived at Westminster Abbey after the monarch and his wife, despite being scheduled to arrive earlier.

Mystery around Prince William's late arrival

Prince William and Princess Kate were supposed to be seated before Their Majesties arrived, according to the order of service released by Buckingham Palace. The official order of service said:

'Their Royal Highnesses The Prince and Princess of Wales, Princess Charlotte of Wales and Prince Louis of Wales arrive at the Great West Door and are conducted to their seats in the Lantern. All remain seated. Their Majesties The King and The Queen arrive at the West Gate. A fanfare is sounded. All stand.'

However, Prince William and his wife were among the last guests to enter the church after the stars of the show - King Charles III and Queen Camilla, had already taken their seat. The new monarch and his wife arrived at the abbey in the Diamond Jubilee State Coach, but instead of getting off, they remained in the coach for around five minutes, causing some awkwardness. During this time, an aide was seen discussing the situation with Charles, who appeared confused.

According to royal biographer Omid Scobie, the delay may have been caused by the Wales' children. He wrote in Harper's Bazaar that 'children were to blame'.

Many royal fans took to social media to express their surprise and confusion at the delay. One wrote: 'Prince William, Kate, and their 2 younger children were supposed to have arrived 5 minutes ahead of him, but instead they were a minute late; so he couldn't get out of the carriage until Prince William and Kate enter the building.'

Another commented: 'Commentators said that William & Kate were late and Charles was not pleased.'

A third joked: 'Best laid plans lol William & Kate are late !! #MercuryRetrograde.'

Smooth running of the Coronation

Despite the delay in the arrival of Prince William and Princess Kate, the Coronation went ahead smoothly. Royal biographer Omid Scobie notes that the weeks of rehearsals that the royals took part in ahead of the Coronation ensured that the day went ahead without any major hitches. He writes:

'The room for error was nil. And thankfully, due to the weeks of rehearsals that the royals took part in ahead of the coronation, the day went ahead smoothly. In fact, apart from Prince William and Princess Kate joining the procession late...very few hitches took place.'

Following the Coronation, millions of people across the UK took part in volunteering events as part of The Big Help Out Drive. The scheme was organised by The Together Coalition and partners such as The Scouts, the Royal Voluntary Service, and faith groups from across the United Kingdom.

According to The Mirror, some 55,123 events were due to take place, created by 33,228 grassroots and community organisations. Members of the royal family, including Prince William and Princess Kate, mucked in on the day, along with politicians and faith leaders.

Prince Louis' adorable moment at Coronation

Ahead of the Coronation, William and Kate released a behind-the-scenes video, featuring their children Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis getting ready at Kensington Palace. The eight-year-old princess was captured on camera pointing excitedly at the royal chauffeurs who had arrived to escort the family to their horse-drawn carriage. In the clip, Charlotte looked angelic in an Alexander McQueen ivory silk crepe dress and cape, complemented by a headpiece featuring an ornate silver bullion crystal and silver thread work.

The video also showcased Prince Louis, who entertained royal fans by fidgeting and letting out a big yawn during the ceremony. In the footage, he was seen pointing with anticipation at the taxis as he exited the palace. The five-year-old prince wore a navy Hainsworth Garter Blue Doeskin Tunic, paired with black pants with Garter Blue Stripe.

Interestingly, this was not Louis's first time riding in a carriage during a royal procession. He had previously waved to crowds during the Trooping of the Colour at the Queen's Platinum Jubilee in June. Read more:

⋙ Prince William and Kate Middleton leave their kids behind to go on 'secret date nights'

⋙ Kate Middleton’s ex-boyfriends: From millionaire heir to Prince William's best friend

⋙ Inside King Charles III’s coronation of bizarre traditions and rules

⋙ Prince Harry to sit 'ten rows back' from royals at King Charles' coronation