Prince Harry's Quick Departure Post-Coronation Alleged as a 'Snub,' Claims Royal Biographer
Royal biographer Angela Levin claims that Prince Harry will "snub" his father's coronation celebration by leaving the UK immediately following King Charles III's crowning ceremony on Saturday. Reports from various outlets, including royal correspondent Omid Scobie, suggest that Prince Harry's trip to London will be brief, with no plans to attend other events related to the coronation. The Duke of Sussex is reportedly flying back to California soon after the ceremony, which coincides with his son Prince Archie's 4th birthday.
Levin, the author of "Harry: A Biography of a Prince," discussed Prince Harry's apparent decision to make a swift exit. Speaking to GB News host Dan Wootton, she said, "To me, it's a snub that he's going so fast because he won't have time to say congratulations. He won't have time to hug his father or hug his brother [Prince William]. He'll be off like a rocket."
Levin also noted the unlikelihood of Prince Harry making it to his son's birthday party if he departs within hours after the ceremony, considering the flight from England to California takes over ten hours.
The royal biographer seemed to place responsibility for Prince Harry's quick departure on Meghan Markle. Levin questioned why the birthday party could not be held on Sunday and suggested that Meghan had insisted Harry return home immediately, causing him additional stress.
International Business Times could not verify Levin's claims independently.
Last month, Buckingham Palace announced that Prince Harry would attend his father's coronation at Westminster Abbey, while Meghan Markle would remain in California with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. An anonymous source told People that Markle would host a small party at their Montecito home to celebrate Archie's birthday.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's relationship with the royal family has been fraught since they stepped back from their royal duties and moved to California. The couple's Netflix docuseries "Harry & Meghan" and Prince Harry's memoir "Spare" have reportedly fueled tensions further.
Omid Scobie, the co-author of Harry and Meghan's biography "Finding Freedom," told Entertainment Tonight that Prince Harry does not intend to meet with any family members during his upcoming UK visit. "He's really only coming here for the ceremony, so any hopes for reconciliatory moments or private heart-to-heart between father and son or any of his family members, I think they'll be waiting for another time," Scobie said.