Buckingham Palace has announced that Prince Harry will attend the coronation of his father King Charles III on May 6th, 2023, in London. However, his wife Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, will not be accompanying him and will remain in California with their children. This announcement comes after weeks of speculation regarding their attendance and amidst their ongoing criticism of the British royal family.
The coronation and Prince Harry’s attendance
The coronation of King Charles III, which will take place at Westminster Abbey, is expected to be attended by numerous foreign dignitaries and heads of state. Prince Harry’s attendance is seen as particularly sensitive, given his recent public criticism of the royal family in his memoir “Spare,” where he claimed his elder brother, Prince William, attacked him over his relationship with Meghan.
The announcement of Prince Harry’s attendance has reportedly caused some difficulties for the organizers, given the security considerations for the event.Sources have revealed that Prince Harry’s visit to the UK for the coronation of his father King Charles III will be brief, and he will not be participating in any other events related to the ceremony.
The absence of Meghan Markle
Buckingham Palace confirmed that Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, will not be attending the coronation and will remain in California with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. The day of the coronation coincides with Archie’s fourth birthday.
The decision not to attend the coronation follows a string of high-profile interviews and a six-hour Netflix docu-series in which the couple repeatedly criticized the royal family. In comments that were widely seen as damaging to the monarchy, Meghan Markle told Oprah Winfrey in 2021 that there had been comments made before Archie’s birth about the color of his skin.
The infrequent visits of the couple to the UK
Harry and Meghan’s presence at the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022 was highly anticipated, as it marked their first visit to the UK since their departure from their senior royal roles. However, tensions were evident during a joint walkabout with Prince William and his wife Kate, as the brothers appeared to barely acknowledge each other while Meghan stayed a few steps behind.
Prince Harry’s Memoir “Spare”
In his memoir “Spare,” Prince Harry claimed that his brother, Prince William, attacked him during an argument about Meghan Markle. This explosive autobiography caused a lot of controversy and strained relations between the brothers.
The sensitivity of Prince Harry’s attendance
Despite the tensions, Prince Charles, who ascended to the throne upon his mother’s death, reportedly wanted his younger son to attend the coronation. However, Prince Harry’s attendance is seen as particularly sensitive given the recent criticisms of the royal family.
The celebrations for the coronation
The coronation of King Charles III is set to be a grand affair, with a star-studded concert as one of the highlights of the celebrations. Pop icon Kylie Minogue and R&B legend Lionel Richie are among the artists rumored to be performing at the event, which will take place in London and is expected to draw a large crowd.
Read more: Will Meghan Markle Wear King Charles’ Gift at the Coronation?
Prince Harry’s attendance at the coronation of his father King Charles III without his wife Meghan Markle has caused a stir amidst their ongoing criticisms of the British royal family. However, Prince Charles reportedly wanted his younger son to attend the coronation despite the tensions. The celebrations for the coronation will feature a star-studded concert, a nationwide “Big Lunch” and volunteering initiative, as well as the traditional ceremony and royal processions. The decision for Prince Harry to attend the coronation of his father King Charles III without his wife Meghan has been met with mixed reactions, it is clear that he has put his duty to the family first.
