King Charles has axed plans to honour grandson Archie at his Coronation lunch after Harry's decision to leave following the ceremony, according to insiders.
Harry and Meghan's first son is set to celebrate his fourth birthday on May 6 - the same day that King Charles will officially be crowned at Westminster Abbey.
The King had reportedly been considering raising a glass to his grandson at a post-procession Coronation lunch. But insiders say this is now 'unlikely', with Harry choosing to make a swift exit, reports The Mirror.
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Archie and sister Lilibet, one, were not invited and will be staying at home in California with mum Meghan Markle while dad Prince Harry flies back to the UK. Harry is set to rush straight off after the ceremony to get back to celebrate with his son, while Meghan has decided to avoid the Coronation altogether.
A source told the Mail on Sunday : "The King considered a toast to Archie. But with no member of the Sussex family now due at the lunch, it is highly unlikely he would do in their absence."
Royal commentator Kristen Meinzer believes Meghan's decision to stay away with the children is a good way for the couple to divide responsibilities on the big day.
She told Insider: "I think the decision for Harry to go, and for Meghan to stay home with the children on Archie's birthday is a brilliant way to split the difference.
"As I've said in the past, the primary benefit of attending is the optics; of looking as though they're continuing to do their best on their end — even if the Royal Family isn't always doing their best on their end.
"But I've always maintained that the Sussexes must also do what's best for their own little family and their own mental health. It sounds like that's what they'll be doing."
Despite being the grandchildren of the new King, it is believed that Archie and Lilibet were not invited, with sources citing that the children are "very young". 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".
It's believed that Archie's birthday was the key reason that Meghan decided not to attend the Coronation.
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."
According to insiders, Harry was cutely aware that the historic occasion will be "pretty much the most important day" of the King's life and knew he would regret not attending.
Harry is expected to only attend the Coronation ceremony before heading back home for an "intimate" birthday party for Archie. A source close to the family has said Meghan's mother Doria Ragland will be at the bash, along with Archie's school friends and some celebrity pals of the couple.
"Harry's going to make every effort to get back in time for Archie's birthday," the insider told Page Six. "It's going to be an intimate party, it's not going to be like 'My Super Sweet 16' or Portia de Rossi's 50th!"
They also said Harry will be flying home on a commercial plane instead of a private jet, on a flight following the 11am ceremony.
He is not expected to take part in either the King’s Procession or the Coronation Procession to and from Buckingham Palace, nor will he be on the famous balcony.
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