King Charles is reportedly disappointed that Meghan Markle and his grandchildren won’t attend his Coronation next month.
Buckingham Palace has confirmed that Prince Harry is set to attend the historic event alone.
The Duke of Sussex is expected to fly over from California in time for the event, which will take place at Westminster Abbey on May 6. He will leave his wife Meghan, and children, Archie, and Lilibet, back at their home in the US.
A source told The Sun: “The King is happy that Harry, his son, who he calls his ‘darling boy’ will be at the Abbey.
"He wanted him there. It is sad, he is very disappointed that he won’t see Meghan or his grandchildren but understands the situation.”
The event falls on the same day as Archie’s fourth birthday, with Meghan staying in the US to look after him and their 22-month-old daughter, Lilibet.
Sources have claimed that Meghan’s main reason for turning down her invitation to the event was to celebrate Archie’s birthday.
Neither children were invited to the 90-minute Coronation, due to their age.
It took Meghan and Harry five weeks to reply to the Palace initiation, missing a soft April 3 deadline.
A brief statement yesterday read: “Buckingham Palace is pleased to confirm that The Duke of Sussex will attend the Coronation Service at Westminster Abbey on May 6.
“The Duchess of Sussex will remain in California with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.”
While back in the UK, Harry will stay at his and Meghan’s previous residence, Frogmore Cottage, before he hands the property back for good.
He is not set to have a formal role in the Coronation, nor will he be in either procession between the Palace and Abbey.
It is unlikely he will also appear with the King and Queen on the balcony.
Rob Jobson, author of upcoming book Our King: The Man and the Monarch Revealed, said that Harry being present at his father’s coronation is a ‘pragmatic’ move.
He said: “It is good news that Harry has accepted the invite and will be there to support his father.
“It is the most pragmatic move in a difficult situation and Harry has got it right. He would deeply regret it if he didn’t attend the biggest day of his father’s life.
"But the fact his wife is not attending means it is now highly unlikely we will ever see her attend an official or Palace event again — apart from maybe the King’s funeral.”
