The News
Prince Harry to Attend Coronation Solo as Meghan Stays Home for Archie’s Birthday
In an intriguing twist ahead of King Charles III's coronation, Prince Harry is set to attend the historic event alone.
His wife, Meghan Markle, will remain in California to celebrate their son Archie's fourth birthday, which coincides with the coronation day.
This decision, confirmed by the couple's biographer Omin Scobie, highlights the family's priorities amid ongoing royal tensions.
Sources close to the royal family suggest that King Charles is pleased by Harry's attendance.
The king has expressed his love for both sons, and insiders believe that Harry would have regretted missing this significant occasion.
With Archie's birthday providing a convenient reason for Meghan to stay behind, it seems like a practical choice given the circumstances.
Harry's acceptance of the coronation invitation came just nine days after the official RSVP deadline.
Buckingham Palace announced his attendance, and the couple's charitable foundation, Archwell, echoed this news.
Meanwhile, Meghan will be at their home in Montecito, California, caring for Archie and their one-year-old daughter, Lilibet.
This event marks Harry's first public appearance with King Charles, Camilla, and other senior royals since the release of his memoir, “Spare,” earlier this year.
Tensions remain palpable, as Harry has openly criticized the royal family in his book, making his presence at the coronation particularly noteworthy.
Despite facing legal challenges regarding his security in the UK, sources indicate that Harry will be protected by Royal Protection Officers during the state occasion.
He has previously challenged the Home Office's decision to strip him of taxpayer-funded protection while in the UK, but it appears arrangements will be made for his safety during this high-profile event.
Speculation is rife regarding Harry's seating arrangement at Westminster Abbey.
At Queen Elizabeth II's funeral, he and Meghan were seated behind Charles and Camilla.
This time, there is an expectation that protocol will dictate Harry's placement, potentially granting him a more prominent position given his status as the king's son.
However, it's important to note that Harry and Meghan, along with Prince Andrew, no longer hold working royal roles.
Following the ceremony, Harry is not expected to appear on the Buckingham Palace balcony alongside the king and other working royals, which may further fuel discussions about his place within the family.
Royal insiders have stated that Meghan's return to the UK in the near future is unlikely.
King Charles has previously invited the couple to stay at Highgrove or Balmoral, but those invitations have been declined.
This ongoing estrangement raises questions about the future dynamics of the royal family.
As the coronation approaches, the absence of Meghan adds another layer of complexity to an already charged atmosphere.
It prompts speculation about whether Harry's solo attendance will be seen as a step forward in mending family ties or if it underscores deeper rifts within the monarchy.
The royal watchers are left pondering the implications of this decision.
Does Harry's presence at the coronation signify a potential reconciliation, or does Meghan's absence pose a greater threat to the monarchy's image?
The answers may unfold as the event draws near, keeping everyone on the edge of their seats.
As we await the coronation, the royal family continues to navigate a landscape fraught with challenges and uncertainties.
The world will be watching closely to see how these dynamics play out on such a monumental occasion.