King Charles will be "delighted" that his son Prince Harry is coming to his coronation, a royal insider has claimed. After months of speculation, it was confirmed on Wednesday (April 12) that Harry will attend the historic occasion on May 6.
But he will travel alone as wife Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, will stay at home in California with their children - Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. She will be celebrating Archie's birthday as he turns four on the same day as the King's coronation.
After laying bare his troubled relationship with the royal family in his recent Netflix documentary and autobiography Spare, Harry will be at Westminster Abbey as his father and stepmother Camilla, the Queen Consort are crowned. His attendance was confirmed more than a week after the reported RSVP deadline of April 4.
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A royal source with knowledge of coronation plans told the Mirror that Charles was "likely to be delighted" that Harry will be there along with his other son Prince William. They 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."
Harry and Meghan's biographer Omid Scobie confirmed that Archie’s birthday "played a factor in the decision" for Meghan to stay in the US, reported The Mirror. He added that he expects it to be a "fairly quick trip to the UK" for Harry.
The Coronation will be Harry’s first public appearance with Charles, Camilla, William and Kate since his tell-all memoir - which lambasted them - was published in January. And despite her 'excuse', Meghan - who in the past accused an unnamed royal of racism - will undoubtedly be seen by some as subbing the monarchy and Harry's family.
In a brief statement on Wednesday (April 12), The Palace 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."
Harry and Meghan’s charitable foundation Archewell issued a near identical statement around the same time, which read: "The Duke of Sussex will attend the coronation service at Westminster Abbey on May 6th. The Duchess of Sussex will remain in California with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet."
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