The Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle is not attending the coronation of King Charles III and the Queen Consort, Camilla, at Westminster Abbey in London.
Duchess Markle stayed behind in California with her two children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, where she lives with her husband Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex. Prince Archie is, coincidentally, turning 4 on the same day as the coronation.
Prince Harry, who is the younger son of King Charles and Diana, Princess of Wales, is, however in attendance.
The Duchess and the Duke were formally invited despite weeks of speculation over their attendance following the publication of Prince Harry's explosive memoir 'Spare' which reportedly strained further their relationship with the Royal Family.
"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," Buckingham Palace announced in a statement.
The couple relocated to the U.S. soon after they announced their intention to step down from their roles as senior members of the royal family in January 2020.
Prince Harry, who is currently fifth in line to the throne, arrived in London on Friday, May 5, and is reportedly expected to return to California after the historic occasion at Westminster Abbey for his son's birthday celebrations.
He was last publicly seen with King Charles and his brother William - the first in line to the throne - in September 2022 at the funeral of his grandmother Queen Elizabeth II.
During Queen Elizabeth II's funeral, Prince Harry and Duchess Markle were relegated to the end of the second row beside Princess Beatrice and her husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi.
Harry was, according to the Independent, reportedly not permitted to wear his military uniform to his grandmother's funeral despite serving 10 years in the army including two tours of Afghanistan.
He only wore it after being permitted by the King at the final vigil for the late Queen at Westminster Hall ahead of the funeral service, added the Telegraph.
On Coronation day, Prince Harry was also not permitted to wear the uniform and spotted a black three-piece set of tails and military medals on his chest as well as a Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order star around his neck.
The Prince was also relegated to the third row inside the abbey and was sandwiched between Princess Eugenie's husband Jack Brooksbank and Princess Alexandra.
Senior working royals; Prince William and Princess Catherine of Wales, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh - Edward and Sophie, sat in the front row during the historic ceremony, according to the Daily Mail.
