The Duke and Duchess Of Sussex’s relationship with King Charles III may be perceived to be strained, but the doting grandfather continues to prove he is all about love and peace.
During the former Prince of Wales’s historic coronation on May 6, the 74-year-old took a moment to celebrate his grandson Prince Archie, whose fourth birthday coincided with the coronation date.
King Charles III Pays Tribute To Grandson Despite Prince Harry’s Early Exit From The Ceremony
Although the monarch’s crowning ceremony signified the dawn of a new reign, past hurts seem still in play. Many believed Prince Harry’s attendance would help fix the broken bridges between the former militant and the royal family members.
However, the ginger-haired heartthrob left before he could make any crucial changes. The 38-year-old was spotted going to the US within hours of his father’s coronation, a sad exit the King could not help but notice during a private ceremony where he honored the Sussexes — with a special tribute to his third grandson.
The touching moment came after the monarch’s Westminster Abbey crowning and his appearance on Buckingham Palace’s iconic balcony alongside Queen Camilla and other royal family members. An invitation to the get-together was reportedly sent to the Duke of Sussex, but he declined to return to California for his son’s birthday.
According to an insider, most members of the Royal Family “breathed a sigh of relief” at Prince Harry’s absence. However, the King did not share similar sentiments as he seemed “genuinely disappointed that he didn’t stay.”
Before the family began their feast, Prince William started the celebrations by congratulating his father on his triumphant ascension to the British throne. In response, the 74-year-old thanked everyone who made the event an unforgettable experience.
The King raised a glass to his three grandchildren from William and Kate Middleton — Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis — who played vital roles in their grandfather’s big day.
Not forgetting his other grandkids, the former heir apparent toasted “those that weren’t there” and wished his grandson Prince Archie a happy birthday “wherever he was.” The source described his tribute: “It was a lovely moment.”
Although Prince Harry’s early exit might have surprised many, it was revealed that the 38-year-old never planned on staying long for the ceremony. The father-of-two left for the airport shortly after the church service began at 11 a.m.
Excluding his desire to be there on his son’s birthday, the “Spare” author’s quick departure might have been influenced by his lack of an invitation to Buckingham Palace’s balcony appearance with other prominent royals, including the King, Queen, and his older brother.
All About Meghan Markle’s Big Plans For Prince Archie’s Fourth Birthday Bash
As the royal family celebrated Charles’s coronation, the Duchess of Sussex marked her son’s fourth birthday at their home in Montecito, California. Sticking to tradition, the former actress commemorated the occasion with an intimate party.
Regarding the big day, a source disclosed the “Suits” alum’s plans, revealing it was a simple occasion with close friends and family.
“It’s going to be a low-key party at home,” the insider claimed. “They’ll have friends around them and Meghan’s mom, Doria [Ragland]. Meghan will have the support that weekend.”
The former Hollywood star’s decision to celebrate her son’s birthday instead of her father-in-law’s coronation might seem like a motherly move. However, the 41-year-old’s close friend stated it was to avoid criticisms over her strained relationship with the royals.
Last year, the public figure came under fire in the U.K. during Queen Elizabeth’s funeral. Her media outrage allegedly influenced her decision to avoid Charles’s crowning ceremony.
“Meghan wants to be there to support her father-in-law, but at the same time, the scrutiny she receives outweighs the support,” the source claimed. “There’s always going to be that other side challenging their reasoning, and who wants to put themselves in that position?”
