Meghan Markle will miss King Charles III’s coronation to celebrate son Archie’s 4th birthday — as things still remain “awkward” between the Sussexes and the royal family, sources told Pvnew.
The Duchess of Sussex, 41, will remain at home in Montecito, Calif., while Prince Harry jets to London to see his father crowned king on May 6, it was confirmed on Wednesday.
The coronation at Westminster Abbey coincides with Archie’s birthday, and a source told us: “There was no way that Meghan was going to miss her son’s birthday.”
For the very first time, Buckingham Palace officials referred to the Sussexes’ children as Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet in a statement confirming the Sussexes’ plans.
The children’s titles were only recently updated on the line of succession, and one highly placed source said “it is a shame” that Archie and Lilibet — nicknamed Lili — will not be in attendance on “such a historic occasion.”
The palace said: “The Duke of Sussex will attend the Coronation service at Westminster Abbey on May 6th. The Duchess of Sussex will remain in California with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.”
Archie was born in London, but has only been back to the UK once — for Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee last June — since the Sussexes moved to the US in 2020.
Lilibet, born in California, celebrated her first birthday during the Jubilee celebrations after making her first trip to her father’s homeland.
Harry, 38, has said he wanted an apology from his father for both himself and his wife after speaking of the harsh treatment the couple have allegedly suffered at the hands of the family, including his older brother, Prince William.
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When asked back in January by ITV reporter Tom Brady whether he planned to attend the coronation, the Duke of Sussex said: “There’s a lot that can happen between now and then.
“But, the door is always open. 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.”
As Pvnew previously revealed, Harry had a long list of questions about the coronation that he sent to the palace, including where he would sit and his security.
The coronation visit will be the first time Harry will see his family since making a series of bombshell accusations in his book, “Spare.”
One highly placed royal insider told us of Harry and his family: “Even though Meghan is not going, it’s still going to be extremely awkward.”
Indeed, Markle’s sister-in-law, Kate Middleton, allegedly said her walkabout with the Sussexes after Queen Elizabeth II’s death was the “hardest” thing she’s had to do.
Veteran royal correspondent Robert Jobson claims in his upcoming new book, “Our King,” that the Princess of Wales felt uncomfortable because of the “ill feeling” between the couples.
