Cabinet ministers except Rishi Sunak denied a 'plus one' to coronation

Cabinet ministers ‘angry’ after learning none of them except for Rishi Sunak will be able to take their spouses to King Charles’s coronation due to ‘extremely limited space’ at historic Westminster Abbey ceremony

• Organisers say space is limited and guest list is similar to Queen’s state funeral
• Rishi Sunak’s wife Akshata Murthy is set to receive an invitation to the ceremony 

Cabinet ministers are upset that they will be denied a ‘plus one’ to the King’s Coronation next month, the Mail understands.

Organisers say space is extremely limited and the guest list will be similar to the Queen’s state funeral where very few politicians were able to take their partners.

Rishi Sunak’s wife Akshata Murthy is set to receive an invitation to the ceremony, but the Prime Minister’s top team will have to go without their husbands and wives.

The decision has sparked anger among some senior ministers who believe their spouses deserve a much-coveted place at Westminster Abbey on May 6.

‘Lots of Cabinet ministers, and their partners, are unhappy about it,’ a Government source said last night.

The decision has sparked anger among some senior ministers who believe their spouses deserve a much-coveted place at Westminster Abbey on May 6

Westminster Abbey was packed for the occasion, but there are even more categories of guest from around the world for the Coronation of King Charles III (pictured left with wife Camilla, Queen Consort)

‘They sacrifice a lot for their other half to do the jobs they do, and it would mean a great deal to be invited to the Coronation.’

Former prime ministers are expected to be granted plus ones, as happened at the Queen’s funeral in September.

Westminster Abbey was packed for the occasion, but there are even more categories of guest from around the world for the Coronation.

Alongside the Royal Family, foreign dignitaries and politicians, there will be close friends of the King and representatives from charities and his patronages.

Other politicians expected to be invited include the leaders of the main opposition parties, and the first ministers of the devolved governments.

A limited number of additional places for MPs and peers have been shared cross-party, and have been decided by ballot.

Officials have also considered other ways to involve more MPs and peers, with proposals for a viewing area on Parliament Square to watch the Coronation procession.

Rishi Sunak’s wife Akshata Murthy is set to receive an invitation to the ceremony, but the Prime Minister’s top team will have to go without their husbands and wives

Plans have also been mooted for a reception in Westminster Hall – with the King in attendance – ahead of the Coronation.

Peers have reportedly been lobbying the Cabinet Office to argue that they should be invited to the event, with many said to be frustrated that only a minority will be able to attend.

A Government source told the Telegraph that there was ‘a significant amount of lobbying’, with people ‘proactively contacting us, setting out why they should be on the list’.

‘There is no doubt they will be disappointed and we are aware of the frustration this is already generating.’

Earlier this week officials released an image of the elaborately illustrated invitation that will be sent out later this month to 2,000 guests who have secured a place.

The invitations to the historic event, the first of its kind for 70 years, will not be sent out until around two weeks in advance.

They are set to be collectors’ items, featuring an exquisitely designed border of flora and fauna cantering around a Green Man, an ancient traditional symbol of spring and rebirth, to represent the new reign.

The deadline for RSVPs closed on April 3 – and royal insiders are said to be ‘none the wiser’ as to whether Harry and Meghan plan to attend.

The issue is said to be causing a ‘headache’ for organisers, who are trying to finalise details such as seating arrangements, cars and security for VIPs.

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