According to a royal expert, Prince William and Kate Middleton might feel "relieved" that Meghan Markle will not be attending King Charles III's coronation on May 6. Writer Eloise Parker spoke with Entertainment Tonight on Wednesday, suggesting that the Prince, 40, and Princess of Wales, 41, might be more at ease without the Duchess of Sussex present, as there would be "less emphasis on them, who's looking where, who's lip reading, [and] what's going on between them."
Parker, the royal expert, elaborated, "There's such a fever of interest in these relationships, and the truth is we're never going to see a 'Real Housewives' moment between these women." She continued, "Everything is going to be kept firmly under wraps, and I think for Kate, the fact that Meghan isn't attending helps her keep it that way."
Neither William nor Kate have issued an official statement regarding their feelings about Markle's absence at the monumental event. Page Six's requests for comment from their representatives went unanswered.
Earlier on Wednesday, sources indicated that the Duchess of Sussex made the "genuine and authentic" decision to skip the coronation due to lingering "awkwardness" with the royal family. An insider close to the Sussexes commented that the choice was made "after everything that has been said and all the things that have gone down," adding that "the words that Harry and Meghan have said about the importance of their family are lining up with their actions."
The rift between Prince William and Prince Harry has persisted for years, with more family tensions unveiled in Harry's memoir, "Spare," released in January. The book included revelations about a physical altercation between the brothers, which a source claimed the future king considered unforgivable.
Kate Middleton was also reportedly "outraged and hurt" by the memoir's disclosure of her icy relationship with Meghan. Meanwhile, Harry asserted that he and his wife experienced "institutional gaslighting" during their tenure as senior members of the royal family.
Meghan's decision not to attend King Charles III's coronation is not solely due to the strained relationship with the royal family. The former "Suits" actress also wants to prioritize her son Archie's birthday, which falls on the same day as the coronation. An insider stated, "There was no way that Meghan was going to miss her son's birthday."
Buckingham Palace confirmed earlier on Wednesday that, while Meghan, 41, Archie, 3, and Lilibet, 1, will not be present, Prince Harry will be at Westminster Abbey in London to witness his father's formal crowning as the King of England.