WITH his coronation less than a month away, King Charles III received mixed news as the estranged Prince Harry has decided to attend the event, but Meghan Markle and his grandchildren Lilibet and Archie will not be coming.
Buckingham Palace made the announcement in a statement on Wednesday, saying it was 'pleased to confirm' the Duke of Sussex will be at Westminster Abbey on May 6.
The statement said: 'Buckingham Palace is pleased to confirm that the Duke of Sussex will attend the Coronation Service at Westminster Abbey on 6th May. The Duchess of Sussex will remain in California with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.'
However, the Duchess will be staying home in California with Archie and the one-year-old Lilibet. Archie’s fourth birthday happens to fall on the same day as his grandfather’s coronation.
Royal experts consider the decision an 'ideal compromise', leaving the rest of the family 'relieved', though some have called it a ‘snub’ as the king had accompanied Meghan down the aisle during the much publicised wedding.
This news is the latest development in the drama between Harry and Markle with the rest of the British royal family, which flared up after the publication of Harry’s memoir Spare. The widely seen Netflix reality series Harry & Meghan did not help.
A royal source told the Sun: The King is happy that Harry, his son, who he calls his "darling boy" will be at the Abbey.
“He wanted him there. It is sad, he is very disappointed that he won't see Meghan or his grandchildren but understands the situation.”
Harry's decision to attend the coronation is seen as a potential olive branch by royal watchers, after a demand that his family apologise to him and Meghan if they were to consider coming.
However, plans seen by The Times apparently show no intention of giving Harry a role in the ceremony.
The coronation will be the first time Harry will see his father and brother Prince William in person since the release of Spare, where he described a physical altercation with his brother and voiced criticisms against stepmother Camilla.
Sources said the decision by Meghan to stay in California with the two young children had come as a relief to some, following concerns her attendance could have created unnecessary drama.
Despite all that, Harry is only planning on a flying visit, with sources indicating that he won't even return to Buckingham Palace to gather with the rest of the family or take part in any events over the coronation weekend. – The Vibes, April 13, 2023
