Meghan Markle seen for first time since missing father-in-law King Charles’ coronation

The Duchess of Sussex has been spotted for the first time since being a no-show at the coronation, which her husband, Prince Harry, attended solo.

Meghan Markle has been spotted for the first time since she was a no-show at her father-in-law King Charles III’s coronation on the weekend.

One day after the monarch was officially proclaimed the King of the United Kingdom and its 14 Commonwealth nations during a historic ceremony in London, Meghan was seen looking carefree and content while hiking with friends in Calfifornia.

Meghan Markle is spotted hiking with friends on May 7, one day after she was a no-show at her father-in-law’s coronation on Saturday. Picture: Backgrid

The Duchess of Sussex looked relaxed while hiking in Santa Barbara, California, on May 7. Picture: Backgrid

The Duchess of Sussex was all smiles under her wide-brimmed hat as she took a 40-minute hike with friends Markus Anderson and Heather Dorak near her $14 million ($20.7 million) mansion in Montecito.

Anderson holds a senior position at the uber-exclusive Soho House, a members-only club with locations all over the world, including New York, London and Toronto, where Meghan once lived when filming her TV series Suits.

Meanwhile, Dorak has been the Duchess’ pilates and yoga instructor for many years and the pair have become close friends.

Meghan Markle was joined by friends Markus Anderson and Heather Dorak on her 40-minute hike. Picture: Backgrid

Meghan was not accompanied by husband Prince Harry, who had just returned to the US after a whirlwind trip to England. Picture: Backgrid

It’s believed Meghan Markle stayed in California as it was son Prince Archie’s birthday. Picture: Backgrid

There was no sign of Meghan’s husband, Prince Harry, who has since returned home to California following a whirlwind trip to London for the coronation, which he attended solo after Meghan declined an invitation from the palace.

She was noticeably absent from the pomp and circumstance at Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace this weekend, opting instead to remain in California with their children, Princess Lilibet, 23 months, and Prince Archie, whose fourth birthday coincidentally fell on coronation day.

Prince Harry arrives at Wesminster Abbey in London for his father’s coronation on May 6. Picture: Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images

Prince Harry walked inside the abbey alone, flanked by cousins Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice and their partners. Picture: Aaron Chown/Pool/AFP

According to People, Meghan stayed home to prepare for Archie’s “low-key party” at their Montecito home, which will be attended only by select family and friends.

The outlet also reported that she opted to be absent from the festivities after copping backlash from the UK media for attending Queen Elizabeth’s funeral last year.

“Meghan wants to be there to support her father-in-law, but at the same time, the scrutiny she receives outweighs the support,” her friend told People. “There’s always going to be that other side challenging their reasoning, and who wants to put themselves in that position?”

Originally published as Meghan Markle seen for first time since missing father-in-law King Charles’ coronation