King Charles Reportedly 'Disappointed' Meghan Markle Is Skipping Coronation
By Favour Adegoke on April 17, 2023 at 3:30 PM EDT
King Charles III is allegedly "disappointed" that Meghan Markle will be a no-show at his coronation at Westminster Abbey next month. This comes after weeks of speculation on whether she and her husband, Prince Harry, will grace the ceremony with their presence.
Since he released his memoir, the Duke of Sussex has now been confirmed as one of the guests, marking the first time he will appear in public with his father and brother, Prince William. It is alleged that William is still feuding with his brother and has no plans to talk to him during the coronation.
Read below for more details.
King Charles Unhappy He Won't Get To See Meghan And His Grandkids
Per the Daily Mail, King Charles isn't happy with Markle's inability to attend his coronation in May. The monarch reportedly hoped to see her and his grandchildren at the event but will only now have his son Prince Harry make the trip.
Meanwhile, the Duchess of Sussex will return to their residential home with their kids, one-year-old Princess Lilibet and Prince Archie, who turn four on the same day as the ceremony.
While Archie's birthday celebration seems to be a reasonable reason for Markle's absence, royal experts do not share the same notion as they have described the decision as a "snub" to the King.
Still, it was reported that the certainty about the Duke of Sussex's decision to attend made King Charles "happy" and was likened to an "ideal compromise" which would appease the rest of the royal family.
Is Prince Harry's Attendance A Potential Olive Branch?
Harry's upcoming appearance at the coronation will mark the first time he will share the same public space with his father since the release of his controversial memoir, "Spare."
The book, which detailed several bombshells about the royal family, was not well received by the senior royals, worsening the feud between the Sussexes and The Firm since the latter stepped down from their roles.
It is now being speculated that Harry's decision to attend the Westminster Abbey Coronation Service against all odds is seen as a potential olive branch and a "genuine" act in honor of his father.
"It is important for Harry, the King's son, to show up for his father. That seems quite genuine," one royal source said, while another commented, "It is about showing up, showing support, and being there for his father."
Prince Harry Delayed In Confirming His Attendance Of King Charles' Coronation
It was unclear if any of the Sussexes would attend the coronation for a while, given that they delayed answering their invitation for weeks.
The lateness allegedly threw off the royal planners, seemingly stalling the finalization of plans for the guests. But, sources stated that Harry was keen on having assurances about his arrangements, such as security and lodging, before RSVPing.
Per reports, only a small group of senior officials were involved in these talks for fear of being accused by the Sussexes of "leaking" information about their presence, which may escalate into a media war.
Ultimately, the fundamental aim is to ensure no media squabbles will smear King Charles before his coronation.
Prince Harry And Prince William Are Still Feuding
Harry's presence at the coronation will not appease his brother, Prince William's anger over the former's decision to release his memoir and documentary, which painted the royal family badly.
Despite the apparent grievances, William reportedly had no intention of stopping his brother from attending the coronation. Nevertheless, he does not plan on speaking to the father of two except to show support for the King.
The last time the duo was seen together in public was during Queen Elizabeth's funeral, which Markle attended.
Since then, Harry has publicly urged his family to apologize to him and Meghan for how they were treated during their time as senior royals. He also requested a meeting with his father and brother before the coronation to iron out their issues.