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Daily Record
Daily Record
Entertainment
Chiara Fiorillo & Eve Beattie

Prince Harry decided he would attend King's Coronation in March - but had demands over Archie and Lilibet

Prince Harry reportedly made the decision to attend the King's Coronation a month ago but delayed confirming it publically as he had demands for his children.

A former equerry, who is close to both Prince Harry and William, said he was aware of the Duke of Sussex's plans at the beginning of March, reports the Mirror.

It has been claimed that the main reason Harry delayed confirming his attendance is that he wanted some recognition by the Royal Family for his children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

On May 6 - which is when the historic event will be held - Archie will turn four.

And according to reports, King Charles III was happy to make a nod to his grandson and raise a glass to him during a post-Coronation lunch.

Prince Harry wanted some recognition for his kids Archie and Lilibet, according to reports (alexilubomirski/Instagram)

However, it is unclear whether Harry will attend the lunch, with rumours that he will return to California after the ceremony at Westminster Abbey.

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."

And whilst Harry returns to the UK, Meghan Markle is set to remain in California for Archie's birthday celebrations.

A royal commentator said Meghan's decision to skip the Coronation was a "brilliant" way for the couple to divide familial and royal responsibilities.

Royal watcher Kristen Meinzer told Insider it makes sense for one parent to celebrate Archie's birthday while the other fulfils his royal obligation.

She said: "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."

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