Harry and Meghan's coronation loss: 'What they wanted wasn't …
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have finally reached a stance on the coronation of Harry's father, King Charles III: Harry will attend without Meghan. "It's become so personal," a source told People. Markle, 41, will stay behind at their California home with their kids Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet while Harry, 38, attends his father's big day solo.
"What they wanted wasn't achieved," the insider continued, referring to a family reconciliation. "But at the end of the day, he's going there to support his dad."
An insider talked to People about Prince Harry (right) attending King Charles' coronation without his wife, Meghan Markle (left): "What they wanted wasn't achieved."zz/KGC-375/STAR MAX/IPx
Relations have been tense between the couple and the rest of the royal family since Harry's controversial memoir "Spare" became a hit, detailing incidents such as an alleged fight with his brother Prince William, 40, and media manipulation from his father, Charles, 74. The autobiography also made it clear there's no love lost between Harry and his stepmother, Camilla. Their Netflix documentary "Harry & Meghan" also shined a spotlight on some bad behavior from the royal family.
"Things are strained," a source said.
Prince Harry will attend his father's coronation without his wife, Meghan Markle. Above, Markle, then-Prince Charles and Harry in 2018.Getty Images
Prince Harry's memoir "Spare" talked about his relationship with his brother, Prince William, and father, King Charles. Above, Charles (center) with his sons Harry (left) and William (right) in 2002.Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images
But, Charles is reportedly "pleased" that Harry is attending, and might have even offered the couple an olive branch.
Harry is reportedly not playing an official role in the coronation. He might miss his own son's birthday to attend, however, as Prince Archie's fourth birthday falls on the same day as the May 6th coronation. Royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith told People that throwing Archie a party gives Markle an "elegant solution" to skip attending.
Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, Prince William and Kate Middleton in 2018.Getty Images
Royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith told People that throwing Archie a party gives Markle an "elegant solution" to skip attending the coronation. Getty Images
"Meghan wants to be there to support her father-in-law, but at the same time, the scrutiny she receives outweighs the support," the insider told the outlet.
"It would have been quite significant if Harry hadn't attended his father's coronation, but I'm not surprised Meghan isn't going given the circumstances."