Real reason behind Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s coronation decision revealed

Just hours after they finally announced their coronation RSVP, sources close to the pair have revealed the real reason they landed on that decision.

The real reason behind Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s decision on whether or not to attend the coronation of King Charles and Camilla, Queen Consort has been laid bare by sources close to the couple.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s long-awaited decision on whether or not to travel from California to London for the historic event, to be held at Westminster Abbey on May 6, was revealed by Buckingham Palace on Wednesday afternoon, UK time.

“Buckingham Palace is pleased to confirm that the Duke of Sussex will attend the coronation service,” a palace spokesman said.

“The Duchess of Sussex will remain in California with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.”

The coronation ceremony falls on the same day as Archie’s birthday – and that ultimately became a factor in the outcome, according to Finding Freedom author and friend of Meghan, Omid Scobie.

“I understand that Archie’s fourth birthday (also on May 6) played a factor in the couple’s decision,” he tweeted, following news of the couple’s decision.

“Expect it to be a fairly quick trip to the UK for Prince Harry, who will only be attending the coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey.”

The brothers and their wives had a very awkward reunion following the Queen’s death in September. Picture: Chris Jackson – WPA Pool/Getty Images

The announcement overnight followed months of speculation about their RSVP after it was confirmed on March 4 that they’d received an invitation.

Harry and Meghan’s delay in making a decision had reportedly been causing problems for organisers, with seating plans yet to be finalised. The cut-off date for RSVPs was April 3.

Their invitation came just a couple of months after the release of their Netflix docuseries and Harry’s bombshell memoir, Spare, both of which depicted the royals in an extremely unflattering light, exposing their issues with the monarchy and specific members of his family.

According to Page Six, Meghan ultimately decided it would be “inauthentic” for her to attend her father-in-law’s coronation, but that she “fully supports” her husband going.

“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,” an insider told the publication.

“The words that Harry and Meghan have said about the importance of their family are lining up with their actions.

“They care about their family, so Meghan is going to stay [in California] and Harry is going to support his dad.”

However, landing on that decision was a “lengthy process” that spanned “weeks”, a source told Page Six.

“It’s a decision they made together as a family,” the insider said, arguing that it dispelled the notion that Meghan was “controlling” over her husband.

“If she was super controlling, then she could have made sure that Harry didn’t go. She’s all good, she supports Harry – they both have nothing more to prove.”

Another source added: “There is not one right answer. Prince Harry is going to support his dad … and then he’ll be coming home as soon as possible to be with his son.”

“For all the people who say they want to be half in and half out of the royal family, this proves just the opposite.”

Sources close to the couple have detailed the reasons behind their decision. Picture: Daniel Leal-Olivas/AFP

‘Complete chaos’ behind the scenes

Meanwhile, concerning new details about the latest plans for the coronation have painted a picture of “complete chaos” behind the scenes.

According to British newspaper The Mirror, with just over three weeks to go, organisers are now in a “race against time”, with major issues cropping up and wreaking havoc on the structure of the event.

While the ceremony has been stripped back from a more than three-hour event to one which is supposed to run for a significantly shorter 90 minutes, the one rehearsal to have taken place so far “overran significantly”. There are fears that viewers will switch off.

“It’s all very frantic; complete chaos to be frank,” an insider told the publication.

“There is a plan, which is supposed to be the blueprint of how the day should operate, but things are changing daily which is causing massive headaches.”

However, another royal source eased concerns somewhat, telling The Mirror that while it will “go down to the wire”, there is “huge confidence” everything will go to plan on the day.

They added: “This is naturally a huge event and the important point is everyone is pulling in the right direction.

“The King and Queen Consort want it to be perfect, as does everyone involved, which is why everything is being done to make it so.”

Originally published as Real reason behind Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s coronation decision revealed