A royal source has claimed King Charles will be 'delighted' that his son Prince Harry will be present at the Coronation.
It was confirmed yesterday that Harry's wife Meghan Markle will stay at home with the couple's children, celebrating their son Archie's fourth birthday on the day of the Coronation.
Harry and Meghan's biographer, Omid Scobie, confirmed Archie’s birthday “played a factor in the decision” that Meghan would stay in the USA, and he expects it to be a “fairly quick trip to the UK” for Harry, reports the Mirror.
The royal source with knowledge of the Coronation plans said: “The King has previously spoken of loving both his sons and that remains the case.
“Harry would have deeply regretted not attending the ceremony.
“Archie’s birthday has provided the perfect excuse for Meghan to stay behind and, with all things considered, it’s probably the right thing to do.”
Despite missing the official RSVP deadline, which was April 4, Harry finally accepted the invitation on Wednesday.
Buckingham Palace announced the news and Archewell, Harry and Meghan’s charitable foundation, issued a similar statement.
The Duchess of Sussex, who previously accused an unnamed royal of racism, will remain at home in California with Archie, 3, and his one-year-old sister Lilibet.
The Coronation will be the first time Harry has appeared in a public setting with his royal family since he lambasted them in his memoir, Spare, which was published in January.
A royal source said it was “fully expected” that Harry would stay at Frogmore Cottage, which he and Meghan were ordered to vacate earlier this year, while he is here as the King had granted him a reprieve until after the Coronation.
And despite the Prince's legal action against the Home Office over the decision to strip him of taxpayer-funded protection when he is in the UK, the source confirmed that royal protection officers would be responsible for his safety as he was attending a State occasion with the Royal Family.
Speculation was mounting last night over where Harry would be placed in the congregation at Westminster Abbey.
Last year, at the Queen's funeral, Harry and Meghan sat behind Charles and Camilla, next to Princess Beatrice and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi.
Disgraced Prince Andrew got a front-row seat along with his siblings, the King, Princess Anne and Prince Edward, and there is an understanding that Charles will follow “protocol” again.
Although Harry, Meghan and Andrew are no longer working royals, precedent is expected to be followed, with the “hierarchy” again in place, allowing Harry a more central seat as the King’s son.
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