A decision regarding whether or not they will attend the King’s coronation next month is reportedly “on the verge” of being made by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
The Duke of Sussex is reportedly set to finalize his arrangements for the ceremony but still has “a lot of uncertainties about how the occasion will work.”
The event, which will see Charles take the throne on May 6, is presently being finalized at Buckingham Palace. It will take place in Westminster Abbey.
But despite the deadline for RSVPs reportedly passing on Monday, it is understood the Sussexes have yet to tell palace aides if they will be flying in from California for the service.
‘There have been lengthy discussions between the Sussexes and the palace,’ a source told the New York Post.
‘There is a time crunch on this, of course. It is such a historical event and it’s hoped that Harry and Meghan will be there.’
Another source added: ‘All families are difficult, but this is no normal family, of course.
‘Harry has a lot of questions about how the event will work.’
However, now that President Biden has informed Charles he will not be attending the ceremony and will be sending his wife Jill instead, the Sussexes are expected to reveal their plans within the next few days.
A source told The Times: ‘I hear they are going to confirm their plans soon, particularly now that Biden has.’
If Harry and Meghan do attend the service, they will not take part in the Coronation procession afterwards nor join senior royals on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, it was previously reported.
Instead Prince William will be the only royal liege at the ceremony, and only he will kneel to ‘pay homage’ to the King, before touching the crown and kissing his father’s cheek.
The action is usually performed by all the royal dukes, but Charles scrapped the traditional obligation, effectively absolving Prince Harry of any ceremonial duties.
Harry and Meghan’s children, Archie, aged three, and one-year-old Lilibet, are too young to perform roles in the ceremony. They have reportedly not been invited to the event.
But although Harry is likely to attend in some capacity, not all royals are looking forward to his appearance.
Last month, a royal source said: ‘There have been discussions among the family, including Edward and Anne.
‘They do not want private conversations at the coronation making it into the paperback edition of Spare.’