Harry will attend King Charles' Coronation but Meghan will stay at …
Prince Harry will be at Westminster Abbey to see King Charles crowned at his Coronation - but Meghan Markle will remain at home, it has finally been confirmed. Buckingham Palace has said it is pleased to announce that Harry will be there on May 6 for the historic event but Meghan will stay in California with their children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. Harry, who laid bare his troubled relationship with the royal family in his controversial Netflix documentary and autobiography Spare, will be alongside other family members including his estranged brother Prince William and wife Kate.
The announcement now ends months of speculation about whether or not the couple would be at the Coronation, which falls on the same day as Archie's fourth birthday.
King Charles' Coronation plans in CHAOS as rehearsal overruns and Harry causes delays
Harry and Meghan at the late Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations (Getty Images)
The Palace said in a statement: "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." Archewell, Harry and Meghan's charitable foundation, issued a near identical statement to Buckingham Palace confirming the duke will join guests at the coronation.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at Trooping the Colour in 2019 (AFP via Getty Images)
A spokesperson said: "The Duke of Sussex will attend the coronation service at Westminster Abbey on May 6th.
The Duchess of Sussex will remain in California with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet." It is said Archie's birthday has played a factor in the decision for Meghan to remain at home with her children - and it is expected Harry will make a whistle stop trip to the UK for the big event. It is reported that Archie and Lilibet were not formally invited to the event as organisers were waiting to hear if they would make the trip to the UK before devising any plans.
Meanwhile, sources told The Telegraph that Harry "would always regret it" if he didn't attend the Coronation and wanted to be there on the "biggest day" of his father's life.
Harry and Meghan with King Charles and Prince William in 2019 (PA)
Another friend told the publication Meghan considers her future to be in the US, with it also reported her appearance at the Coronation risked "overshadowing the event". The report also adds that Harry and Meghan were understood to be "concerned" about their reception by the British public. Harry's attendance will see him appear in a public setting with Charles, Camilla, William, Kate and the rest of his family for the first time since he lambasted the royals in his memoirs.
It will also be the first time he has been pictured with the Windsors since the funeral of his grandmother the late Queen. Harry criticised Charles' parenting, said the King was jealous of Meghan and Kate, and accused William of physically attacking him in his tell-all book, which was published in January.
Harry and Meghan at the Queen's funeral last year (Martin Meissner/AP/REX/Shutterstock)
He also branded Camilla "dangerous" and accused her of sacrificing him on her own "personal PR altar". It had already emerged at the beginning of March that Harry's father the King had invited his younger son and his wife to the Coronation.
Their spokesman said at the time: "I can confirm The Duke has recently received email correspondence from His Majesty's office regarding the coronation." But they added at the time they would be making a decision on attending at a later date. Detailed planning for the historic spectacle on May 6 is now in its final stages and up until yesterday, it was unknown if either Harry or Meghan would be at the event, causing a "headache" for organisers. It meant those in charge of details such as seating arrangements, transport and security for VIPs, were unable to sign off on their plans.
Buckingham Palace last night admitted seating plans were still not confirmed, just over three weeks away from the May 6 ceremony.
Harry and Meghan with their children Archie and Lilibet (alexilubomirski/Instagram)
Meghan Markle is yet to grace the Met Gala red carpet (Getty Images)
Royal sources revealed how organisers were "exasperated" with the couple, who have spent two years railing against the monarchy after they decided to leave in favour of earning millions in the corporate world. Meanwhile, last week, it was revealed that the 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 showed there was no place for Harry now he has confirmed his attendance. Last month, Harry made a surprise solo trip to London and was seen at the High Court to attend a hearing in a legal claim.
Harry and Meghan on the Buckingham Palace balcony in 2018 (Getty Images)
It was believed to be the first time Harry had been back in the UK since the late Queen's funeral in September. He did not meet up with his father while in the UK - even though the King was informed of his visit - as he was "busy" and then out of the country on a state visit to Germany.
He did not see William, wife Kate and their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, who were away on their Easter holidays. Back in January while promoting his controversial memoir Spare, Harry was asked about his potential attendance at the Coronation. He sat down for a TV interview with ITV News presenter Tom Bradby, who asked if he would attend the historic occasion if he were to be invited.
He cryptically said at the time: "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.