Harry WILL attend King Charles’s coronation, but Meghan will stay in California with Archie and Lilibet, Buckingham Palace confirms – as Sussexes’ friend Omid Scobie says it will be ‘just a short trip’ for the prince
Prince Harry will attend the King’s coronation service in London next month, but Meghan Markle will remain in California with their children Archie and Lilibet.
Buckingham Palace confirmed the dramatic news in a statement today, saying it was ‘pleased to confirm’ that the Duke of Sussex will be at Westminster Abbey on May 6.
But the Duchess stays at home at the couple’s home in Montecito with year-old Lilibet and Archie, whose fourth birthday falls on the same day as the event.
The couple’s friend, Omid Scobie, said it’s Archie’s birthday’played a part in the couple’s decision’ and he expected it to be a ‘pretty quick trip to the UK’ for Harry.
Harry and Meghan had controversially postponed their decision on whether or not to fly in for the ceremony, despite the April 3 RSVP date having passed.
Prince Harry, Meghan Markle and then-Prince Charles at Westminster Abbey in March 2019
Uncertainty about the Sussexes’ presence is believed to have prevented royal officials from signing off on arrangements for seating, transport and security.
A palace spokesman said: “Buckingham Palace is pleased to confirm that the Duke of Sussex will attend the coronation service at Westminster Abbey on 6 May. The Duchess of Sussex will stay in California with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.”
Mr Scobie, a trusted contact of the Sussexes, then tweeted: ‘I understand that Archie’s fourth birthday (also May 6) played a part in the couple’s decision.
“Expect it to be a fairly quick trip to the UK for Prince Harry, who will only attend the coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey.”
More to follow