Royals Relieved as Meghan Markle to Miss King Charles III's Coronation
The royal family is reportedly content with Meghan Markle's absence at King Charles III's upcoming coronation.
"Everyone's delighted she's not coming," said former BBC reporter Tom Bower in an exclusive interview with Page Six.
Bower, author of "Revenge: Meghan, Harry and the War Between the Windsors," humorously added that the royal family ensured Markle's nonattendance by informing her she would have to curtsy three times, be away from the spotlight, and be seated in the 54th row behind a column.
Following much speculation, Buckingham Palace confirmed earlier this month that Prince Harry will attend his father's coronation alone. A palace spokesperson told Page Six on April 12, "The Duchess of Sussex will remain in California with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet."
The coronation coincides with Archie's 4th birthday.
Page Six exclusively reported that Markle felt attending the coronation would be "inauthentic," given the fallout from her and Harry's 2020 royal departure.
An insider familiar with the family said, "They had to make a decision that felt genuine and authentic, especially after everything that has been said and all the things that have gone down." They added, "They care about their family, so Meghan is going to stay [in California] and Harry is going to support his dad."
In a 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, the 41-year-old "Suits" actress accused the royal institution of driving her to suicidal thoughts. "I just didn't want to be alive anymore," she said.
Markle noted that it was "very clear" she was having suicidal thoughts, adding that it was all happening "just because I was breathing."
Sarah Ferguson, Prince Andrew's ex-wife, is another member of the royal family not attending the coronation. However, the Duchess of York, who divorced Andrew in 1996, stated she isn't offended about being left off the guest list. She said on "Good Morning Britain" Thursday, "You can't have it both ways. You mustn't sit on the fence. You're either in or out, but don't muck around."
The coronation will mark the first time Prince Harry, 38, sees his family since the release of his contentious memoir, "Spare," in January.