Meghan Markle's absence at the King's Coronation has been explained while Prince Harry's demands for a reunion still 'haven't been met'.
Harry will be flying back to the UK from the US, however as a non-working Royal he will not be part of the processions or famous balcony moment. During interviews given to promote his memoir, Spare, he suggested there were a number of conditions which would have to be met before he and his wife would attend the Coronation.
Author of the Mail + Palace Confidential newsletter, Richard Eden, has said according to his sources "no one from the Royal Family has 'sat down and talked' to Harry and Meghan" since the Duke of Sussex said of his family "the ball is in their court". On Wednesday, April 12, Buckingham Palace announced that Prince Harry would be attending the Coronation solo, with wife Meghan staying at home with their two children - Archie and Lilibet.
The Mirror reports friends of the couple said the fact Archie's fourth birthday falls on the same day as the once-in-a-generation event was a 'factor' in the decision for Harry to attend on his own. It has also been reported the Sussexes had concerns about how their attendance might be received by the British public, especially off the back of bombshell interviews with the likes of Oprah Winfrey, and their Netflix documentary series.
Allies of the couple have made it clear that the Duke's return home will be "brief" for the coronation, with him missing out on a host of the events. Buckingham Palace confirmed Prince Harry will be part of the congregation inside Westminster Abbey to see his father and Queen Camilla being crowned. However, it's been said he will only attend the Coronation ceremony itself and no other Royal events.
Mr Eden also said he has been told by sources "that Meghan's absence also reflects the fact that Harry's 'conditions' have not been met". Rumours of demands from Prince Harry include being allowed to appear on the balcony.
However, royal sources have claimed only working royals will be allowed on the balcony, showing Charles' vision of a slimmed down monarchy. Detailed plans seen by The Mirror reveal how the King has chosen to say thanks for the nation alongside a select few royals who have dedicated their lives to public service.
Within the final group of 15 will be a number of royals, including Prince William, Kate Middleton and their three children. But there is no place for Harry on the famous balcony.
Future king and queen, the Prince and Princess of Wales, will appear with their three children - Prince George, nine; Princess Charlotte, seven and Prince Louis, four. The final group of 15 showed no place for Harry and Meghan even if they had decided to attend, but inviting their children up was seen as a potential olive branch.
Rumours of Harry's demands to be included on the balcony are said to be "wide of the mark", according to palace insiders. A source with knowledge of the plans said: "The King has been very clear who he wants to represent the monarchy. There is little room for sentiment, this is a State occasion, not a family occasion and it is right that only the working members of the family are there at the big public moment."
By missing out on the historic Coronation, it's been said Meghan will never stay at 'forever' home Frogmore Cottage again - which the couple were forced to give up in February 2023. According to Eden it "appears to mark thecomplete estragement of Meghan from her husband's family as well as from her own, with the exception of her mother, Doria."
He went on to conclude: "I can say with some confidence that Meghan will not be missed by the royals."
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