If Prince Harry and Meghan Markle choose not to attend the King's Coronation, they could exacerbate the ongoing conflict with the Royal Family, according to PR expert Edward Coram-James.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have yet to reveal their plans for the May 6 event at Westminster Abbey, but they have been officially invited.
Coram-James, the Chief Executive of Go Up, stated that the couple's absence would be a "fatal, irreversible blow" to public perception and might extend the conflict in the long run. He added that the Sussexes' non-attendance would likely generate more media attention than if they attended, further fueling the rift and allegations against the Royal Family.
Their absence could also reignite interest in the couple's Netflix series and Harry's memoir, which have faded from the public eye. Coram-James told the Express that the "shadow of their absence" could overshadow the ceremony and create an unwanted distraction.
The relationship between the Sussexes and the Royal Family has been fraught with tension, stemming from various issues such as their departure from royal duties, their move to the United States, and allegations made in the book Spare. These events have contributed to the strained relationship and increased scrutiny from the public and media.
Earlier this month, insiders told the Mirror that Harry and Meghan were yet to make a decision about whether to attend the celebrations, which awkwardly falls on their son Archie's fourth birthday.
The couple has since confirmed they have been officially invited, with their spokesman saying: "I can confirm The Duke has recently received email correspondence from His Majesty's office regarding the coronation. An immediate decision on whether The Duke and Duchess will attend will not be disclosed by us at this time."
If the couple decides to attend the Coronation, it could potentially mark a turning point in their relationship with the Royal Family, allowing for a chance to mend bridges and work towards a more unified front. However, their absence would likely intensify the ongoing conflict, drawing further attention to the rift and reinforcing negative perceptions of both parties. With the future of their relationship with the Royal Family hanging in the balance, the Sussexes' decision to attend or not attend the King's Coronation is significant and will be closely watched by the public and media alike.
