Prince Harry and Meghan Markle could face one big set back if they accept their invitation to King Charles' Coronation in May.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been invited to the Coronation, but have declined to announce whether or not they will attend. However, the historic celebration falls on May 6, which is the birthday of the Sussexes eldest child Prince Archie, who will turn four on the day.
Despite being grandchildren of the Monarch it's thought the youngsters haven't been invited, as sources claim it's because the children are "very young". This means that if Harry and Meghan accept their invitation, they will need to arrange childcare for their two young children, reports the Mirror.
While there is no official rule that bans children under a certain age from attending events such as the Coronation, the young royals often stay home. Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland, has helped the couple with childcare in the past and is reportedly a very hands on grandmother to the couple's young kids.
Doria temporarily moved to the UK in 2019 for a month to be close to Meghan when she was heavily pregnant with Archie. Harry's mother-in-law lives in California, so is close by to the Sussexes who stay in Montecito, and could be an option for the couple's Coronation childcare situation.
Harry and Meghan also have a nanny to look after Archie and Lilibet - and Lorren Khulamo was hired to look after Archie in the months after he was born. The paediatric nurse and consultant, who no longer works for the couple, explained how they immediately put her at ease.
"When I got there, the way he opened his arms 'Hello Lorren!' and gave me a hug," she explained in an interview in January. "[I thought] 'Wow, what a gentleman, what a gem', oh my goodness, I couldn't believe it."
She continued: "And when I walked in and saw Meghan I thought 'My God, what a beautiful woman'. I just felt so comfortable, it wasn't so formal as I expected it to be, it was just a normal home."
It's unlikely any other members of the Royal Family will be able to lend a hand as they will all be in attendance at the Coronation and other events.
Archie and Lilibet may have new royal titles, but it doesn't look like they will be appearing at the Coronation along with their older cousins, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and possibly Prince Louis.
An insider told OK! that a major sticking point was how the Sussex children Archie, three, and one-year-old Lilibet were to be included on the day. The source added their inclusion in the ceremony has "never been a bone of contention" because small children don’t attend royal events of this scale "due to restlessness and tantrums".
However, one of the couple's alleged 'demands' is that Archie's fourth birthday is recognised at some point during the special day. "Archie's birthday falls on May 6th, the coronation day, and the Sussexes want the family to recognise that," a source told OK!.
"The Sussexes have asked for some kind of celebration or acknowledgement to be factored into the day's plans to ensure that his fourth birthday won’t get lost during the momentous day."
Archie and Lilibet became prince and princess earlier this month, with their new titles revealed in Lilibet's Christening announcement. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's spokesman said: "I can confirm that Princess Lilibet Diana was christened on Friday, March 3 by the Archbishop of Los Angeles, the Rev John Taylor."
Get the latest celebrity gossip and telly news sent straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily Showbiz newsletter here.
READ NEXT:
- Prince Harry's touching question to Meghan hours after birth of Lilibet
- Meghan Markle's comment about Trooping the Colour was met by 'yawning silence'
Meghan Markle's friend breaks silence after Netflix series with sweet wedding snap
Prince Harry addresses 'sadistic' rumour that James Hewitt is his real father
Meghan Markle's subtle social media hints before relationship with Prince Harry went public
