... but if that nice Mr Putin had taken the hump at not being invited and had Novichoked the entire proceedings, who is the most senior Royal not there ... ?
I've checked my lineage and it's not me ... but who would be first in line?
Arguably, for those who believe the monarchy never dies, Louis XIX of France had the shortest reign on record, 20 minutes. His father, Charles X, was forced to abdicate in favour of his grandson, as was Louis himself. Charles signed the papers after 10 minutes but Louis hung out for another 20 minutes before being persuaded reluctantly to sign. He is not recorded in the list of kings of France.