King Charles’ coronation: Prince Harry playing ‘transatlantic ping pong’ with ‘fairly quick’ UK visit

Prince Harry will attend his father’s coronation alone, with Meghan set to remain in California, it was revealed yesterday.

After delicate negotiations, described to the Mail as a game of “transatlantic ping pong”, Buckingham Palace announced the Duke of Sussex would be at the coronation ceremony.

But he will be coming alone, with the Duchess of Sussex due to stay at home with Prince Archie — who turns four that day — and Princess Lilibet, one.

Royal insiders view his decision to attend the Westminster Abbey coronation service as a potential olive branch, following an earlier demand that his family apologise to him and Meghan if they consider coming.

But he is not expected to participate in the procession after the service or join other members of the Royal Family on the balcony of Buckingham Palace or for other celebrations.

Sources said the decision by Meghan to remain in California with the couple’s two young children had come as a relief in some circles, following fears her presence could have heightened family tensions.

It is also understood there was genuine concern in the Sussex camp about the public reception the couple would have received if they had attended the Coronation together.

Friends, including Meghan’s biographer Omid Scobie, suggested her decision was mainly due to the coronation falling on the same day — May 6 — as Archie’s fourth birthday.

The couple had delayed answering their invitation for weeks, causing difficulties for organisers tasked with complex seating plans, transport and security for senior members of the Royal Family, world leaders and other dignitaries.

Sources described the negotiations as a game of “transatlantic ping pong”, and Harry was said to have wanted numerous assurances about arrangements.

The day will see him come face-to-face with his father and brother in public for the first time since the release of his controversial memoir, in which he described a physical fallout with William and branded his stepmother Camilla “dangerous”.

Such is the sensitivity at Buckingham Palace over anything to do with Harry and Meghan; only a tiny group of senior officials were party to the conversations between the Royal Family and the Sussexes.

The Royal Family and the Sussexes. Courtiers have been treading eggshells for fear of being accused by the couple of “leaking” information about their presence and sparking another round of attacks on the King in the run-up to his historic day.

And, while many in the royal household contest much of what the couple has alleged, all are keen not to make things more difficult for the 74-year-old monarch.

The news was timed explicitly for a dual announcement on both sides of the Atlantic at 3 pm British time to minimise any inflaming of tensions.

“Buckingham Palace is pleased to confirm that the Duke of Sussex will attend the Coronation Service at Westminster Abbey on May 6. The Duchess of Sussex will remain in California with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet,” a statement in London said.

Harry is only planning a flying visit, with sources close to the Sussexes indicating yesterday that he won’t return to Buckingham Palace to gather with the rest of the family or participate in other events over the coronation weekend.

“Expect a fairly quick trip to the UK for Prince Harry,” Mr Scobie tweeted.

Sussex supporters said he understood it was the biggest day of his father’s life and felt it was right to be present, despite his attacks on the family.

Harry has publicly called on his family to apologise to himself and Meghan for what they see as slights.

He also demanded that his father and brother sit with him before May 6 to thrash their issues.

But insiders have told the Mail that Charles and William are both hurt and angry at Harry’s behaviour — and neither man has been inclined to pander to him.

The Mail has reported that while William would never have stopped his brother from attending the coronation, he had no plans to speak to him.

His opinion hasn’t changed, although no one is ruling out the possibility — however unlikely — that there could be a gesture of goodwill for their father.