Coronation Sadness: King Charles III Regrets Meghan Markle's Absence

Unfortunately, Meghan Markle will not be attending King Charles III’s coronation in May, which has left the monarch feeling disheartened. A source explained exclusively to Us Weekly, “Charles is sad that Meghan will not be in attendance. Charles was hoping the coronation would be a chance to better connect and maintain healing between them.” The insider added, “King Charles is sad Meghan can not attend but is thrilled [Prince] Harry will be in attendance.”

King Charles III immediately became king after Queen Elizabeth II’s death in September 2022, but his official coronation is scheduled for May 6th, which happens to be Archie’s 4th birthday. Buckingham Palace announced that Prince Harry will attend the ceremony while “the Duchess of Sussex will remain in California with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.” The couple has been invited to the big day, as confirmed in March by a spokesperson for the couple. Though Meghan and Harry have been at odds with the royal family since they stepped back from their roles as senior royals in 2020, Harry agreed to attend the event even though he is currently estranged from his father and brother, Prince William.

The Duke of Sussex has criticized the family business in many interviews, but he has expressed a desire to mend fences with his family. During his ITV sit-down earlier this year, Harry said that he wants to reconnect with his father and brother, who have “shown absolutely no willingness to reconcile.” Though Meghan and Charles have had their share of turmoil in the family, they've also shared many good moments. The former Prince of Wales walked Meghan down the aisle during her nuptials to Harry in 2018, and she later recalled the touching moment on Harry & Meghan.