Prince Harry & Meghan Markle 'Did Not Achieve What They Wanted' During Coronation Negotiations
Buckingham Palace confirmed Prince Harry will attend King Charles' coronation without Meghan Markle and their two kids, but Meghan's reason for skipping the anticipated event could be linked to her demands not being met.
It was reported prior to the palace's announcement that the couple wanted to be included in Charles' balcony appearance. However, a friend of the pair shared they "did not achieve what they wanted," and "at this point, it's become so personal."
"Maybe what they wanted wasn't achieved, but at the end of the day, he's going there to support his dad," the source added.
Despite those closest to the Sussexes believing the pair had pure intentions, members of Prince William's circle have a conflicting opinion. "William is baffled by Harry not publicly saying that he is coming to the coronation, especially because everyone thinks he will be there," the source said in a statement. "Relations have never been this bad and it feels like Harry is just stringing it out to try and be difficult, frankly."
This wouldn't be the first time people with personal ties to the royal family shared the complexities behind Harry going to Charles' enthroning. The Royal Observer previously reported Princess Diana's former butler Paul Burrell thinks Harry's return to the U.K. will be met with some pushback from his family. "Relations have never been this bad and it feels like Harry is just stringing it out to try and be difficult, frankly," the former royal employee said.
"Harry's got a problem because he’s going to have to sit amongst family who he’s pushed under the bus and criticized and what kind of reception is he going to get," Burrell shared. "A very cold and icy one because the Windsors don’t forgive, they do hold a grudge."
"The family do push people out on the margins if they don’t conform and follow the party rules. The King has laid down the rules and Harry should follow them," he added.
Although Burrell was vocal about his opinions on the royal family, he believes Harry going to Charles' crowning — without Meghan Markle — was the best decision.
"It's the least he could’ve done, to do his father a favor and come to the coronation, even if he is by himself," the former palace employee said. "Meghan has a great excuse not to come because it's Archie’s birthday on the coronation day, isn't that wonderful?"
"She's got a birthday on the weekend of the coronation so she’s going to have to stay behind, isn't she," he added.
Sources spoke to GBN.