Meghan Markle is not attending King Charles' Coronation next month and there are many reasons that could have influenced this decision.
It was announced on Wednesday that Prince Harry would be making the trip to the UK solo to watch his father King Charles and Queen Camilla be crowned in Westminster Abbey.
It's been reported Harry made the decision not to miss out on what is likely the most important day of Charles' life out of fear he would regret not attending. The Mirror reports that the Duchess of Sussex will remain in the US alongside her two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, while Harry travels across the Atlantic for the big day.
The Palace said in a statement: "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."
Here is a look at some of the reasons why Meghan has decided not to attend the Coronation.
Tense confrontations
Relations between the Sussexes and the rest of the Royal Family have been strained since they stepped down as working royals, but things are now at an all-time low. Harry and Meghan have not held back during multiple explosive interviews, their Netflix show and the Duke's best-selling memoir Spare.
If both Meghan and Harry came back to the UK for the Coronation, they would be faced with very uncomfortable reunions. One of the most awkward interactions that the Coronation would have thrown up is between Meghan and Sophie, the new Duchess of Edinburgh.
Sophie was previously duty-bound to curtsy to Meghan, who was then of higher rank, but now this is not the case after she received her new title. Meghan "made it clear" she didn't need Sophie's help when the Queen previously suggested it and would instead rely on her husband.
The former Suits actress previously upset Kate after she had given birth in 2018 by saying she must have 'baby brain' because of her hormones. Harry claimed Kate admitted she made Meghan cry during a row over bridesmaids dresses before her wedding - and Charlotte burst into tears.
Archie's fourth birthday
One of the biggest issues the couple faced in making their decision was the date, as May 6 is Archie's first birthday. In a bid to keep the peace, the couple decided that Meghan will stay home with their son to celebrate while Harry travels to the UK.
Royal editor Omid Scobie tweeted: "I understand that Archie's fourth birthday (also on May 6) played a factor in the couple's decision. Expect it to be a fairly quick trip to the UK for Prince Harry, who will only be attending the coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey."
Archie and Lilibet snubbed
Despite being the grandchildren of the new King, it is believed that Archie and Lilibet were not invited, with sources citing age was a big issue for the youngsters. Charles' accession to the throne means the youngsters, who lives in California with Harry and Meghan, have taken up their titles as Prince and Princess.
While their titles now match those of their cousins, it's believed the Sussex kids weren't asked to be present at the Coronation. Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis will be in attendance, but they are older than their young relatives and have been to other official events.
An insider told OK! that a major sticking point was how the Sussex children were to be included on the day. But the source explained that their inclusion in the ceremony has "never been a bone of contention" because small children don’t attend royal events of this scale "due to restlessness and tantrums".
Popularity slump
The couple has faced a serious downturn in their popularity in recent years, especially in the last few months. Harry had a net positive rating of 51 pe rcent before they moved to America, which then fell to 20 per cent immediately after, and further still after the Oprah Winfrey interview.
Meghan's popularity has taken a similar hit, going from a net positivity of 20 per cent in November 2019 to -11 in January 2020 and now stands at -46 per cent.
According to a poll conducted by Redfield & Wilton for Newsweek on February 19, Harry was disliked by 42 per cent of Americans, compared to 32 per cent who said they liked him — with a net approval rating of -10.
The Sussexes have also been subject to ridicule in America - with the most savage takedown coming on South Park. While the Duke and Duchess of Sussex weren't specifically named, it didn't take a genius to work out who the fictional 'Prince and Princess of Canada' were supposed to be on their 'Worldwide Privacy Tour'.
Meghan has fewer UK ties
Another reason why Meghan may have chosen to stay home is the fact she was fewer ties to the UK and the Royals than her husband. While Meghan embraced British culture during her relationship with Harry, she may feel less of an obligation to her in-laws and Britain.
The Coronation is a huge part of British history, but Meghan should not be expected to give everything up to attend the ceremony, especially when it falls on her son's birthday. Meghan is not bound by the same ties to the Royal Family as her husband, so it makes sense that she would not have as strong a desire to attend.
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