The Duchess of Sussex will not be among the guests at King Charles’s coronation on 6 May, it was confirmed earlier this week.
The Sussexes are no longer working with royals after their decision to step back from royal duties in 2020.
However, different circumstances have meant that the Duchess has missed out on a few public appearances.
King Charles’s coronation
In a statement, the palace said: “Buckingham Palace is pleased to confirm that the Duke of Sussex will attend the Coronation Service at Westminster Abbey on 6th May. The Duchess of Sussex will remain in California with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.”
While no reason was given for Meghan’s absence, Archie’s fourth birthday coincides with his grandfather’s coronation and that is thought to be a key reason behind the decision.
Easter Sunday church service
King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla hosted the royals at Windsor for the annual Easter Sunday church service last week, but it’s an event that Meghan hasn’t attended.
Heavily pregnant Meghan was just weeks away from her due date when the Easter Sunday service took place on 21 April 2019.
Harry and Meghan were also absent from the 2018 Easter Sunday service, which took place just weeks before their royal wedding. It was reported at the time that the future royal bride and groom spent the bank holiday in private, according to sources.
Prince Philip’s funeral
The Duchess of Sussex was also absent from the late Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral in Windsor on 17 April 2021.
A palace spokesperson said at the time that Meghan had been advised not to travel by her doctors due to the advanced stage of her pregnancy.
The Duke attended his grandfather’s funeral alone and walked in the procession, but the Duchess sent a wreath made up of thoughtfully selected purple and blue flowers, with a beautiful handwritten note.
Harry and Meghan’s daughter Lilibet Diana was born just weeks later on 4 June 2021 at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital.
