Meghan Markle Plans Cozy Birthday Party for Archie as Prince Harry Attends Coronation
Meghan Markle is reportedly organizing a "low-key" birthday celebration for her son, Prince Archie, while Prince Harry attends King Charles III's coronation in the U.K. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be apart for their son's 4th birthday on May 6, as Markle is set to host a small party at their Montecito, California home.
Sources spoke to Us Weekly and People about Markle's birthday plans for Prince Archie. "It's going to be a low-key party at home," an anonymous source told People. "They'll have friends around them and Meghan's mom, Doria [Ragland]. Meghan will definitely have support that weekend."
The couple's daughter, Princess Lilibet, 1, is expected to join her older brother's festivities. A source shared with People that the siblings have a close relationship, with Archie often inquiring about Lilibet when she's not around.
An unnamed source told Us Weekly that the Duchess of Sussex "is planning something really low-key to celebrate Archie's birthday" next month. "Since Harry won't be able to attend, she just wants to do something intimate with family and a few very close friends," the insider said.
While the celebration won't be extravagant, Markle is looking forward to her son's "special day." "She can't believe he's turning 4 already," a tipster said. "It feels like the years have flown by. She loves being a mom and can't wait to celebrate her little boy's special day."
Archie's birthday was a crucial factor in Markle's decision to skip the coronation, according to British journalist and biographer Omid Scobie. "Expect it to be a fairly quick trip to the U.K. for Prince Harry, who will only be attending the coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey," Scobie tweeted.
Various royal commentators have speculated on Markle's absence from her father-in-law's crowning ceremony since Buckingham Palace's announcement earlier this month. GB News presenter Dan Wootton claimed Markle "knew" she would be booed at the event and "didn't want to put herself through that."
However, Daily Mail Diary editor Richard Eden suggested that unfulfilled demands, such as an apology from the royal family, might have played a role in Markle's decision to stay in California. Regardless of the reason, royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams told the Daily Mail that he believes it was an "ideal compromise" for the family.