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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Kyle O'Sullivan

Prince Harry was convinced to attend King Charles' Coronation due to massive 'fear'

Prince Harry will be in attendance at King Charles' Coronation - and a key factor in the decision was fears of feeling 'regret'.

Buckingham Palace was pleased to announce that Harry will be part of the congregation inside Westminster Abbey for this historic event on May 6.

However, he will be going alone as wife Meghan Markle will remain at home in California with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

Despite being the grandchildren of the new King, it is believed that Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet were not invited, with sources citing that they are "very young".

Harry 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 balcony, as he is not a working member of the family.

According to insiders, Harry was cutely aware that the historic occasion will be "pretty much the most important day" of the King's life.

(Getty Images)

Sources told The Telegraph that the Duke knew he would always regret it if he turned down the opportunity to be at the Coronation.

While the Duchess has also spoken in glowing terms about her father-in-law, who walked her down the aisle on her wedding day, she is not bound by such ties to the royals or the UK.

In Harry's book Spare, he wrote warmly of his relationship with his “Pa” and later told ITV he would “always love” his father.

The announcement now ends months of speculation about whether or not the couple would be at the Coronation, which has been causing a lot of drama behind-the-scenes.

In a statement, the Palace: "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."

Harry is expected to make a whistle stop trip to the UK for the big event, where he will awkwardly be reunited with other members of the Royal Family.

According to sources, Harry wanted a summit with King Charles and Prince William to discuss their issues before the Coronation.

Harry will be reunited with his father and brother (Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images)

A source told The Mirror: "Harry has been very clear and his position hasn't wavered – he isn't going to come if he feels the atmosphere will be as toxic as it was during the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and funeral.

"He's said he wants to reconcile with his family and it’s their call, but so far nothing has changed."

If it does go ahead, everyone will hope it goes better than the infamous Sandringham summit in January 2020, where the terms of Harry's departure from royal duties were laid out.

During an interview with Tom Bradby on ITV earlier this month, Harry was asked if he will come to the coronation if he is invited, and he said: "There's a lot that can happen between now and then.

"But, you know, the door is always open. The ball is in their court.

"There's a lot to be discussed and I really hope that they can - that they are willing to sit down and talk about it, because there's a lot that's happened in six years. And prior to that as well."

One of the key factors in the decision for Harry to attend without Meghan was reportedly Archie's birthday.

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."

Relieved Coronation organisers will now be able to finalise all of the arrangements, including the seating plan, security and transport.

Royal sources previously revealed how organisers were "exasperated" with the couple, who missed the RSVP date when making their decision.

Harry will be going to the Coronation without Meghan (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

The new King and Queen will celebrate their coronation by appearing on the Buckingham Palace balcony with just the working royals.

His Majesty’s decision to appear in the historic moment with just his closest and most loyal family members will show his vision of a slimmed down monarchy, royal sources said.

The final group of 15 shows there is no place for Harry now he has confirmed his attendance, along with other non-working royals such as the disgraced Prince Andrew.

If Meghan had decided to attend, there would not have been a place for her on the famous balcony.

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