Buckingham Palace announced on Wednesday that Prince Harry will attend his father King Charles III's coronation, but Meghan Markle will not accompany him. The ceremony, which will crown King Charles and Queen Camilla, is set for May 6 at London's Westminster Abbey. The palace stated, "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."
According to a friend, Prince Harry, 38, wants to support his father during this pivotal event in his life. Although the coronation will encompass three days of festivities, including a concert at Windsor Castle and a volunteer day, Harry is not expected to participate in any other events apart from the ceremony. The palace has not provided any information or guidance on whether Prince Harry will join King Charles, Queen Camilla, and other royal family members on the Buckingham Palace balcony following the coronation.
Meghan, 41, will remain in California with their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. May 6 also marks Prince Archie's fourth birthday, and Meghan plans to celebrate the weekend with him and 22-month-old Lilibet.
In September, Prince Harry and Meghan, who relocated to California after stepping down as senior royals in 2020, last joined the royal family in the U.K. for Queen Elizabeth II's funeral. In March, the Sunday Times reported that Prince Harry and Meghan had received an invitation to the coronation, but their attendance was not confirmed. The couple's spokesperson stated, "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."
In January, during an interview with ITV's Tom Bradby about his memoir Spare, Harry commented on the coronation, saying, "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 are willing to sit down and talk about it."
A source close to the royal household told PEOPLE, "It is such a momentous occasion for Charles, and he would want his son to be at the coronation to witness it. He would like to have Harry back in the family. If they don't sort it out, it will always be part of the King's reign and how he has left his family disjointed. He has had a reputation as a distant parent, and it would be awful for him for that to continue."
The couple recently confirmed that their daughter Princess Lilibet was christened in California. This announcement marked the first time Prince Harry and Meghan referred to their children's royal titles. Their son is now styled as Prince Archie of Sussex.
As grandchildren of the monarch, Archie and Lili were granted the titles of prince and princess upon Queen Elizabeth's death in September. The titles will be used in formal settings and not in everyday use.
In March, the couple's Archewell Foundation spokesperson confirmed to PEOPLE that they had been asked to vacate their U.K. residence, Frogmore Cottage.
Royal historian Robert Lacey noted that despite tensions, the family has managed to come together in the past. "There have been some very grave disagreements between them," Lacey told PEOPLE. "But the Platinum Jubilee and the funerals of the Queen and Prince Philip did demonstrate that they could put personal enmity aside for the sake of the bigger cause. And that is what the coronation will be all about."
Royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith added, "The monarchy is bigger than a family argument."
While Meghan and the children will not attend the coronation, it is evident that Prince Harry wants to support his father during this significant moment in the royal family's history. As preparations for the coronation continue, the royal family will undoubtedly focus on ensuring a smooth and memorable event, despite the ongoing tensions and uncertainties.
With the coronation drawing nearer, it remains to be seen how the royal family will navigate the challenges and emotions that accompany such a monumental occasion. However, the confirmation of Prince Harry's attendance is a positive sign that, for the sake of the monarchy, the family can put aside their differences and come together to celebrate this historic event.
