Prince Harry and Princess Eugenie's Husband Joked About Breaking Rules at King Charles's Coronation, Says Lip Reading Expert

Jack Brooksbank and the Duke of Sussex shared a lighthearted moment three years ago today.

Prince Harry, Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank laughing at The King's coronation
(Image credit: Getty Images)

King Charles is celebrating the third anniversary of his coronation on Wednesday, May 6, and looking back at the historic event, lip reading expert Nicola Hickling has shared some behind-the-scenes moments from the ceremony.

Prince Harry attended his father’s coronation without wife Meghan Markle, with the service falling on their son, Prince Archie’s, fourth birthday. As he took his place inside Westminster Abbey next to cousin Princess Eugenie and her husband, Jack Brooksbank, the Duke of Sussex allegedly made a joke about breaking the seating chart.

Hickling, speaking on behalf of Betfair Casino, claims that Brooksbank told Harry, “I think we need to swap.” Prince Harry replied, “Are you in my place?” and after the two laughed, Hickling says that the Duke of Sussex added, “Let’s stay like this and be placed wrong.”

Article continues below

Prince Harry and Jack Brooksbank taking their seats at the coronation

Prince Harry and Jack Brooksbank take their seats at The King's coronation on May 6, 2023.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Prince Andrew, Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie, Jack Brooksbank, Prince Harry at King Charles's coronation

Jack and Prince Harry shared some laughs as they got situated at the Abbey.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

The Duke of Sussex appeared in high spirits as he chatted with Jack and his cousins inside Westminster Abbey, but flew back to California to be with his family almost immediately after the ceremony, skipping the rest of the royal festivities that weekend.

Observing Princess Anne’s interactions with her husband, Sir Timothy Laurence, Hickling says that Sir Timothy acknowledged the emotional background of the day.

After Laurence told the Princess Royal to “push up,” she replied, “Oh, for goodness’ sake, I’m very uncomfortable.” Hickling says that Laurence added, “I can’t imagine how you’re feeling,” before putting on his glasses and reading the program.

“Look at the first verse,” Princess Anne said, with Laurence noting that his brother-in-law “considered it very well.”

Princess Anne wearing a cape walking with Sir Tim Laurence at the coronation

Princess Anne arrives at the coronation with her husband, Sir Timothy Laurence.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Princess Anne joined her brother in marking the third anniversary of his coronation on May 6, watching a 41 Gun Royal Salute in Hyde Park before attending a garden party at Buckingham Palace with The King, Queen Camilla, and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.

Kristin Contino
Senior Royal and Celebrity Editor

Kristin Contino is Marie Claire's Senior Royal and Celebrity editor. She's been covering royalty since 2018—including major moments such as the Platinum Jubilee, Queen Elizabeth II’s death and King Charles III's coronation—and places a particular focus on the British Royal Family's style and what it means.

Prior to working at Marie Claire, she wrote about celebrity and royal fashion at Page Six Style and covered royalty from around the world as chief reporter at Royal Central. Kristin has provided expert commentary for outlets including the BBC, Sky News, US Weekly, the Today Show and many others.

Kristin is also the published author of two novels, “The Legacy of Us” and “A House Full of Windsor.” She's passionate about travel, history, horses, and learning everything she can about her favorite city in the world, London.