As King Charles III's coronation nears, the monarch is not preoccupied with the controversies surrounding his son Prince Harry and daughter-in-law Meghan Markle, according to a royal author. Gyles Brandreth, a British TV host and former politician, suggested that the couple's situation is likely not a priority for the King at this time.
"I don't think they [Charles and Queen Camilla] are obsessing about it the way that we are. They are just getting on with it," Brandreth told Page Six, pointing out that the royal family is focused on the May 6 coronation ceremony. The author of "Elizabeth" also noted that King Charles seemed to have made his stance clear regarding Prince Harry and Markle's life in California during his first speech as monarch in September 2022.
"He settled [it]," Brandreth said. "He announced that William was going to be the Prince of Wales. He sort of made the situation clear and wished Harry and Meghan love and well as they build their life overseas. So, you know, in this country, I think we've accepted. Well, that's what they're doing. .... We're just getting on with it."
Brandreth, who has met King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla multiple times and often attends charity events at Clarence House, mentioned that photos of Prince Harry and Meghan are displayed in the royal couple's London residence.
Buckingham Palace confirmed earlier this month that Prince Harry will attend his father's coronation, while Markle will stay in California with their two children, Prince Archie, 3, and Princess Lilibet, 1. An insider told People that Prince Harry and King Charles have had "positive conversations" ahead of the event.
While the King is "pleased" that his younger son will be present, a broader reconciliation has not yet occurred. "At this point, it's become so personal," a close friend of the Sussexes told People. "Maybe what they wanted wasn't achieved, but at the end of the day, he's going there to support his dad."
Markle's decision to forgo the coronation has prompted various theories among royal experts. Lady Colin Campbell speculated that Markle may have been "blocked" by the palace after making certain "demands." Former BBC journalist Tom Bower joked that the royal family was probably "delighted she's not coming" and had taken measures to ensure her absence from the historic event.
