Meghan Markle's Coronation snub will 'help Prince Harry mend …

Meghan Markle has confirmed she will not be attending King Charles' Coronation, a move which "could actually help" Prince Harry reconcile with the Royal Family. The Duchess of Sussex will remain in California, while the Duke of Sussex attends the historic event on May 6. Meghan will stay at home with their children Princess Lilibet and Prince Archie, who will be celebrating his fourth birthday on the same day as the Coronation.

The Sussexes have had a strained relationship with other members of the Royal Family following the release of their Netflix documentary and Harry's memoir Spare. Speaking about Meghan's decision, royal commentator Jack Royston said: "That is the sort of mess of tangled emotions that's sitting under any prospect of a reconciliation."

Prince Harry personally injects huge seven-figure sum to his own charity Prince Harry The Duke of Sussex

Prince Harry will attend the Coronation alone (zz/GWR/STAR MAX/IPx) The Duke and Duchess of Sussex

Meghan Markle could 'help' her husband mend his family relationships (PA)

"It's easy to see why Meghan not going to the coronation could actually help Harry speak to his family. It may well lower the stakes, you know, lower the emotional intensity, take some of the pressure off the meeting.

"I'm sure there'll still be loads of really strong emotions flying around either way, but maybe, just maybe, Harry gets a chance to speak to Charles or William," he said said on a new episode of Newsweek's The Royal Report. Jack added that Harry will hopefully be able to make some "progress" with his family.

Harry and William have a tense relationship (In Pictures via Getty Images)

Despite being invited to the Coronation, a friend of Harry's has claimed the Duke of Sussex "didn't hear from Charles" and instead received an email from his father's office. "They didn't hear from Charles.

Harry wanted to hear from his father directly -- it's always through somebody," the pal told People. They added that Harry is going to the historic event as a show of support to his father, "not an institution". "This is about a son showing up for his father rather than the optics of the institution," the friend said.

Another source told the publication the father and son eventually connected, although not in person, and had "positive conversations". They also said it was King Charles' "first wish" for Harry to join him at his Coronation.