Meghan Markle is putting Archie and Lilibet above her royal duties regardless of the consequences - analysis by Cameron Walker
Prince Harry and Meghan's relationship with the Royal Family has been turbulent after their controversial Netflix series and Harry's bombshell memoir 'Spare' - accusing his older brother, William, of physically attacking him and Palace staff of leaking negative stories to the press.
Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace have not commented on the allegations.
The short statement from Buckingham Palace this afternoon has ended months of speculation on whether the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will formally accept The King's invitation to attend the historic event on May 6.
The statement reads: "Buckingham Palace is pleased to confirm that 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".
Harry and Meghan's spokesperson has also released a nearly identical statement: “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.”
This will be welcome news to both Buckingham Palace and the Home Office who can finally crack on with confirming security arrangements and the widely reported seating plans inside Westminster Abbey.
Some will inevitably jump to the conclusion that Meghan Markle is snubbing the Coronation, perhaps unhappy with reported demands not being met or maybe worried she will be met with an unwelcoming reception from British crowds.
Harry, on the other hand, will be travelling to the United Kingdom without his wife - a similar situation to April 2021 when he attended his grandfather Prince Philip's funeral without Meghan, who stayed in California.
The reason given at the time, was Meghan being pregnant with Princess Lilibet.
Prince Archie, Harry and Meghan's son, turns four on the day of the Coronation.
Perhaps Meghan simply wants to celebrate her son's birthday in private rather than attend the historic ceremony without him.
However, her decisions are a clear sign that the Duchess of Sussex is putting her children above royal duties, whatever the consequences.
Others will argue, therefore, that Meghan is using Archie as a convenient excuse to stay out of the limelight.
Whatever the reasons, the Sussex soap opera has been given more ammo to provide an unwanted distraction just weeks before the most important day of The King's life.
By releasing a public statement, Buckingham Palace will be hoping the focus will shift back onto The King and Queen Consort.
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