According to royal sources, King Charles is “very disappointed” that he won’t be able to see Meghan or his grandchildren at his coronation.
He is reportedly pleased that Harry would travel across the pond for his momentous day, though.
The Duke of Sussex will visit Westminster Abbey on May 6, according to an announcement made by Buckingham Palace yesterday.
The Duchess, meanwhile, will remain at home in California with Archie, who turns four on the same day as the ceremony, and Lilibet, a year old.
Royal experts have said it is an ‘ideal compromise’ but some have described the decision as a ‘snub’ after the King accompanied Meghan down the aisle when she married his younger son.
The news follows the enduring row between the Sussexes and the rest of the royals, which has become more heated in recent months following the release of Prince Harry’s memoir Spare.
A royal source told the Sun last night: ‘The King is happy that Harry, his son, who he calls his “darling boy” will be at the Abbey.
‘He wanted him there. It is sad, he is very disappointed that he won’t see Meghan or his grandchildren but understands the situation.’
According to Coronation plans seen by The Times there is no intention of giving Harry a role in the ceremony or procession from the Abbey to Buckingham Palace afterwards.
The couple had delayed answering their invitation for weeks, causing difficulties for organisers tasked with complex seating plans, transport and security for guests.
Sources described the negotiations as a game of ‘transatlantic ping pong’, and Harry was said to have wanted numerous assurances about arrangements.
But one source said it seemed ‘genuine’ of Harry to want to attend the coronation.
They said: ‘It is important for Harry as the King’s son to show up for his father. That seems quite genuine.
Another added: ‘It is about showing up, showing support and being there for his father.’
The day will see him come face-to-face with his father and brother in public for the first time since the release of his memoir Spare.
Sources said the decision by Meghan to remain in California with the couple’s two young children had come as a relief in some circles, following fears her presence could have heightened family tensions.
It is also understood there was real concern in the Sussex camp about the public reception the couple would have received if they attended the Coronation together.
In the event, the news was specifically timed for a dual announcement on both sides of the Atlantic at 3pm British time to minimise any inflaming of tensions.
A statement in London said: ‘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.’
One royal observer commented after the news was announced: ‘Charles will be pleased. The rest of the family will be relieved that Meghan won’t be there – it would have been particularly uncomfortable for Kate.’
Harry is only planning on a flying visit, with sources close to the Sussexes indicating he won’t even return to Buckingham Palace to gather with the rest of the family or take part in any further events over the Coronation weekend.
Omid Scobie tweeted the news of Harry’s forthcoming attendance and then added: ‘I understand that Archie’s fourth birthday (also on May 6) played a factor in the couple’s decision.
‘Expect it to be a fairly quick trip to the UK for Prince Harry, who will only be attending the coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey.’
Sussex supporters said the Duke understood that it was the biggest day of his father’s life and felt it was right to be present, despite his attacks on the family.
But Rob Jobson, author of upcoming book Our King: The Man and the Monarch Revealed, said it calls into question whether Meghan will ever play a role in the royal family again.
He said: ‘It is good news that Harry has accepted the invite and will be there to support his father.
‘It is the most pragmatic move in a difficult situation and Harry has got it right. He would deeply regret it if he didn’t attend the biggest day of his father’s life.
‘But the fact his wife is not attending means it is now highly unlikely we will ever see her attend an official or Palace event again — apart from maybe the King’s funeral.’