Prince Harry and Meghan were concerned about the Duchess' safety at King Charles' Coronation, it has been claimed.
Last week, the Duke of Sussex confirmed that he will appear alongside his family in public for the first time since he lambasted Charles, Camilla, William and Kate in his autobiography Spare.
Meghan will not be attending the ceremony, but instead remain in California with her daughter Lilibet and son Archie, whose fourth birthday lands on the same day as the historic event.
Tessa Dunlop, a royal historian, believes that the couple were worried about the public's potential reaction to her, given that it would be difficult to predict.
She told US Weekly: "An insider tells me that they were a bit concerned about her security and the response [from the public].
"They can’t control [what] the public would’ve given her — which would paint Britain in a very bad light too."
The author believes that Harry may be affected by his wife's absence, saying: "Clearly he does lean on her very heavily. I think clearly, they bonded.
"They both had painful childhoods [and] took solace in each other’s respective narratives. And he’s coming alone."
The comments come amid reports that Harry has told his father he will not stay for the weekend of celebrations, and instead fly back after the ceremony to make Archie's birthday.
Sources close to the Duke also said he has no plans to visit any of the charities he is attached to during his brief visit.
But Harry told family members he is planning to return to the UK in the summer.
A royal source told the Mirror: “After much back and forth, Harry said that he would be returning for the King’s Coronation but it will
only be a fleeting visit.
“Organisers have been told Harry won’t be attending the concert with the rest of the Royal Family, which is a great shame as it will be such a spectacular event."
The Palace previously confirmed his attendance in a statement, saying: "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."
Archewell, Harry and Meghan’s charitable foundation, issued a near identical statement confirming the duke will join guests at the Coronation.
A spokesperson 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."
Earlier this week, Harry and Meghan featured in a photo released as part of an official coronation souvenir programme, which went on sale for £20.
The couple were pictured with other members of the royal family in a previously seen portrait taken to mark Charles's 70th birthday in 2018.
Further details also emerged about the celebrations, with the eve of the coronation set to be marked by a glittering Buckingham Palace reception attended by foreign royalty.
Princess Beatrix, the former queen of the Netherlands, has confirmed her attendance at the event, expected to be hosted by Charles, alongside her granddaughter and heir to the Dutch throne Catharina-Amalia, the Princess of Orange.
King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands will not be among the guests, who are likely to include British royalty and presidents and prime ministers from across the globe, but will be at Westminster Abbey to see Charles and Camilla crowned.
The King's anointing is the only part of the ceremony the public will not see and will be a "private moment between a new King and the King of Kings", the Archbishop said.
