On May 6, 2023, families across the nation will come together to witness one of the most momentous occasions in modern history – the coronation of King Charles III.
A myriad of celebrations will take place throughout the bank holiday weekend, starting with a parade through central London, followed by the official crowning at Westminster Abbey and culminating in a concert dedicated to the new monarch.
But while everyone watching will no doubt enjoy the spectacle, there is no denying that there is a cloud casting a shadow on the event with the Royals embroiled in a feud that has dominated the headlines over the past few years.
While few family fallouts are as public as those of Prince Harry, Prince William, King Charles and their respective partners the issues that they experience are not unusual.
“Most families experience conflict at one time or another, it’s just that most arguments tend to happen behind closed doors,” NFM CEO Sarah Hawkins explains. “Sadly, for the Royals their fallout is happening in the public eye, but no doubt many people will relate to the issues that they are experiencing.
“However, while Prince Harry has every right to raise his grievances with his family, and while the fall-out was always going to catch the attention of the press, he has also done several things that seem to have added fuel to the fire and which we would absolutely caution against in mediation.
“Firstly, to bring about an amicable resolution it’s essential that both parties get their views across and feel heard.
“Of course, when you are in the thick of a fight it can be hard to see the other person’s point of view but telling your mates down the pub (or participating in a televised interview) about what your father and brother did to upset you, rather than speaking to them directly, is not going to help in the long run.
“Likewise, if you want to avoid things escalating further, we caution our clients against airing their dirty laundry in public – be that over social media, or in an international bestselling memoir.”
Sarah also says that it is very difficult to move from your standing point once you have declared your position to the world. “In order for people to move forward and make better decisions for both themselves and their families, there always need to be some flexibility and this can be much harder to do when you feel you have to openly backtrack – especially when those views were aired whilst you are in an emotional and vulnerable state or position.
“Regardless of what is driving the dispute, everyone involved needs to make a decision about whether they want to mend bridges, or simply find a way to co-exist amicably.
“Mediation can help to turn arguments into agreements, which not only helps with making decisions for the future but can also allow those in conflict to move on with their lives which is particularly important where children are involved.”
Sarah adds that while it is incredibly difficult to navigate family disputes at the best of times, it can be particularly hard when you fall out with a loved one before a major family event – like a wedding, christening, funeral, or coronation.
“It’s never pleasant to be locked in a dispute with a loved one, but as we have all witnessed major family gatherings can act as a pressure cooker for those in conflict,” Sarah comments.
“If like the Royal Family the argument has been brewing for a while, try to get together to discuss the root cause of the disagreement before the event. Even if you don’t manage to resolve things, it may be that you can agree to disagree, and it could help to stop things escalating.”
Commenting on the Royal dispute Sarah adds that once the coronation is over, Prince Harry and his family might find it easier to resolve their conflicts.
“This has been an extremely difficult time for the Royal Family, which is constantly under scrutiny even when they are all struggling with major life milestones such as childbirth, or bereavement.
“It is my hope that once the coronation is over that they have the opportunity to meet and mediate over the issues that they have experienced, and what can be done to mend bridges between the warring parties.
“Needless to say, our door is always open if they ever want to consider mediation as a way forward.”
Families in conflict are eligible to claim up to £500 through the government mediation voucher scheme for matters relating to children, and NFM offers additional child-inclusive mediation for free.
