Here’s why Meghan Markle will skip King Charles’ coronation

Meghan Markle will not attend the coronation of King Charles III and will instead stay in Montecito, California, with her children, Archie and Lilibet. Meanwhile, Prince Harry has confirmed he will travel to London for the coronation at Westminster Abbey on May 6, which happens to be the same day as Prince Archie’s birthday.

An official statement from Buckingham Palace on Wednesday announced, “Buckingham Palace is pleased to confirm that The Duke of Sussex will attend the Coronation Service at Westminster Abbey on 6th May. The Duchess of Sussex will remain in California with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.”

As per sources close to Page Six, relations between the royal family and the Sussexes are still “awkward.” The source further claimed, “There was no way that Meghan was going to miss her son’s birthday.”

In its official statement, Buckingham Palace officials referred to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s children as Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet for the first time. The titles of the children were recently updated on the line of succession. 

Archie, although born in London, has visited the UK only once after the Sussexes relocated to the United States in 2020 — during Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee last June. Lilibet, who was born in California, celebrated her first birthday during the Jubilee celebrations and made her first trip to her father’s homeland.

According to reports, Prince Harry has stated that he desires an apology from his father on behalf of both him and his wife due to the alleged mistreatment they have faced from the family, including Prince William. 

When questioned by ITV reporter Tom Brady back in January about his intentions to attend the coronation, the Duke of Sussex replied that a lot could happen by that time, but the door was “always open.” He further added, “The ball is in their court. There’s a lot to be discussed, and I really hope that they’re willing to sit down and talk about it.” 

Prince Harry reportedly sent the palace a lengthy list of inquiries concerning the coronation, which included questions about his seat and security arrangements.

As per a highly placed royal insider close to Page Six, “Even though Meghan is not going, it’s still going to be extremely awkward,” this being Prince Harry’s first confrontation with his family following the release of his controversial memoir, “Spare.”