King Charles has reportedly scrapped his plans to honour Prince Archie during his historical crowning next month at the landmark Westminster Abbey ceremony, according to royal insiders. Charles' grandson's fourth birthday falls on May 6, the same day that he and his wife Queen Camilla will officially be crowned, surrounded by key members of the royal family.
We reported previously how both Archie and his younger sister Lilibet, one, were not invited to the important day in the calendar following Queen Elizabeth's tragic passing last September as they will stay at home in the US with Prince Harry's wife Meghan.
It is expected that the Duke of Sussex will make a 'flying visit' to the UK for the event, in which his dad will be officially titled as monarch. A major talking point had been how Buckingham Palace would acknowledge Archie's special day, but there were also fears the ex-working royals may 'upstage' King Charles' historic moment, according to the Mirror.
The 74-year-old monarch is reportedly been open to the suggestion that he should make a gracious nod to his grandson by raising a glass at a post-procession Coronation lunch. However, it has now been claimed this is no longer being considered, as neither of the Sussexes will be attending.
It is expected that Harry will make a swift exit from the event next month. Royal sources revealed how organisers were "exasperated" with the couple, who have spent two years railing against the monarchy after they decided to leave in favour of earning millions in the corporate world.
A source told the Mail on Sunday: "The King considered a toast to Archie. But with no member of the Sussex family now due at the lunch, it is highly unlikely he would do in their absence."
Despite being the grandchildren of the new King, it is believed that Archie and Lilibet were not invited to the big day due to the children being "very young." It's believed that Archie's birthday was the key reason that Prince Harry's wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, decided not to attend the Coronation.
Royal editor Omid Scobie tweeted: "I understand that Archie's fourth birthday (also on May 6) played a factor in the couple's decision. Expect it to be a fairly quick trip to the UK for Prince Harry, who will only be attending the coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey."
A source close to the family has said Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland, will be at the birthday bash alongside Archie's school friends and some celebrity pals of the couple.
"Harry's going to make every effort to get back in time for Archie's birthday," the insider told Page Six. "It's going to be an intimate party, it's not going to be like 'My Super Sweet 16' or Portia de Rossi's 50th!"
They also said Harry will be flying home on a commercial plane instead of a private jet, on a flight following the 11am ceremony next month.
Harry is not expected to take part in either the King’s Procession or the Coronation Procession to and from Buckingham Palace, nor will he be on the famous balcony.
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