On Sunday, Meghan Markle was spotted hiking in California with close friends Markus Anderson and Heather Dorak, following her decision not to attend King Charles III's coronation in London the day before.
The Duchess of Sussex enjoyed a 40-minute hike near her Montecito Mansion in Santa Barbara, dressed casually in a loose top, leggings, and brown hiking boots, accessorized with wide-framed sunglasses. Photos captured by TMZ showed her looking cheerful and smiling, despite the buzz about her absence from her father-in-law's coronation.
Meghan chose to stay in California to celebrate her son Prince Archie's fourth birthday on May 6, the same day as the coronation. According to royal author Omid Scobie, she refrained from attending the event to avoid drawing unwanted attention and to "protect her peace."
Scobie, co-author of "Finding Freedom," discussed Meghan's decision on ITV's "This Morning," explaining that the duchess realizes that she attracts significant attention when she is near a royal story. He added that if she had attended the coronation, the focus would have shifted from King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
Recalling Meghan's attendance at Queen Elizabeth II's funeral in September 2022, Scobie pointed out that her presence was criticized. He suggested that the duchess is better off in her peaceful California haven with her family.
Scobie also dismissed the idea that Meghan's absence was solely due to Prince Archie's birthday, stating that she wanted to protect her peace as well. He speculated that the royal family might be "relieved" that she did not attend the coronation, as it allowed the spotlight to remain on the newly crowned king and queen.
Prince Harry attended the coronation in the UK alone, interacting with his cousins Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie and their husbands at Westminster Abbey. However, he appeared somewhat isolated as he took his seat in the third row and conversed with Jack Brooksbank, Princess Eugenie's husband.
Reports suggest that Prince Harry left for California immediately after the lengthy coronation service to celebrate Prince Archie's birthday. He was not present on the Buckingham Palace balcony following the service, nor did he attend the Coronation Concert on May 7.
Before arriving in London, Scobie told ET that the Duke of Sussex had spoken with his father several times about the coronation and matters related to Frogmore Cottage.
Regarding Prince Archie's birthday celebration, Scobie mentioned that Meghan had organized a small gathering with close friends and family while Prince Harry attended the coronation in the UK.