After weeks of speculation, we finally have an answer: Harry’s coming, but Meghan isn’t.
This is a big decision. It is also, perhaps, the outcome the Royal Family would have hoped for.
There had been fears the arrival of the Sussexes could create a distracting media circus, diverting attention from the coronation.
This way, Harry marks the moment and Meghan stays away from any potential controversy.
She’ll stay in the US with the children, and don’t forget the coronation falls on Prince Archie’s fourth birthday.
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Buckingham Palace isn’t making any further comment other than to confirm Prince Harry’s attendance.
We don’t know if space will be made for him in the carriage procession or even if he’ll now be offered a spot on the balcony. Or to that point, if Harry would want to be part of either.
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Harry made it clear in his biography and subsequent interviews that “there is a lot to be discussed” before he decided whether to come.
He said he wanted sit-down conversations with his family, and that “the ball is in their court”.
Whether those chats happened isn’t known, but something has persuaded Harry to come.
Meghan’s decision not to come is much more nuanced. We haven’t seen her in the UK since the Queen’s funeral.
Her absence will certainly seem like the rift between her and the Royal Family is far from healed.
In fact, there’s no suggestion of any rapprochement between Harry and senior royals.
Either way, for the King this will be welcome news and he will be pleased to have both his sons watch his crowning moment.
