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LONDON - Prince Harry will attend his father’s coronation alone, with Meghan set to remain in California, it was revealed yesterday.
After delicate negotiations, described to the Mail as a game of ‘transatlantic ping pong’, Buckingham Palace announced the Duke of Sussex will be at the coronation ceremony.
But he will be coming alone, with the Duchess of Sussex due to stay at home with Prince Archie – who turns four that day – and Princess Lilibet, one.
His decision to attend the Westminster Abbey Coronation service is viewed as a potential olive branch by royal insiders, following an earlier demand that his family should apologise to him and Meghan if they were to consider coming.
But he is not expected to take part in the procession after the service or join other members of the royal family on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, or for other celebrations.
Sources said the decision by Meghan to remain in California with the couple’s two young children had come as a relief in some circles, following fears her presence could have heightened family tensions. It is also understood there was real concern in the Sussex camp about the public reception the couple would have received if they attended the coronation together.
Friends, including Meghan’s biographer Omid Scobie, suggested her decision was largely due to the coronation falling on the same day – May 6 – as Archie’s fourth birthday.
The couple had delayed answering their invitation for weeks, causing difficulties for organisers tasked with complex seating plans, transport and security for senior members of the royal family, world leaders and other dignitaries.
Sources described the negotiations as a game of ‘transatlantic ping pong’, and Harry was said to have wanted numerous assurances about arrangements.
The day will see him come face-to-face with his father and brother in public for the first time since the release of his controversial memoir, in which he described a physical fallout with William and branded his stepmother Camilla ‘dangerous’.