With less than a month until King Charles and Queen Camilla's coronation, the guest list remains incomplete, as it is still uncertain whether Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will attend the event in Westminster Abbey on May 6. Although the couple has been invited, their decision to attend has not been made public, amid strained relations with Prince Charles and Prince William.
Prince Harry's controversial memoir, Spare, was released just months before the coronation, revealing his troubled relationships with his father and brother. Royal author Alexander Larman, who wrote The Windsor At War, suggests that if Harry chooses not to attend the coronation, it could signal the end of his relationship with his royal relatives and impact his future.
Speaking on the Royally Us podcast, Larman said, "It seems clear to me, Harry has no interest whatsoever in reconciling with his family." He added, "He's got a new life now, it is a completely different life. He can't go back to it, there is absolutely no possibility he is going to come back to Britain and lead a normal life."
Larman continued, "I will be amazed if at least Harry doesn't [attend the coronation] because if he didn't go to the Coronation, he is essentially saying 'I'm not going to have any relationship with my family ever again'." He also noted the challenges of being a celebrity based on a former royal status, calling it a "difficult long-term means of sustaining your fame."
However, should Harry and Meghan decide to attend the coronation, they will not be included in the balcony appearance. The Mirror reports that King Charles and Queen Camilla will celebrate their historic day on the Buckingham Palace balcony with working royals only, showcasing the king's vision of a slimmed-down monarchy.
The grand finale on May 6 will also feature a spectacular flypast over the royal family's headquarters. King Charles has chosen to share the moment with a select group of royals who have dedicated their lives to public service, emphasizing "the heartbeat and future of his family." The final group of 15 will not include Harry and Meghan, but will feature the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.