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What does Meghan Markle’s absence from coronation mean for her future in royal family?

Prince Harry will attend King Charles’s coronation on his own

king charles prince harry meghan markle
Gemma Strong
Online Digital News Director
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After much speculation, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's plans for the coronation were finally revealed last week.

Buckingham Palace confirmed that the Duke of Sussex would be making the trip across the Atlantic alone, with his wife and children remaining at their home in Montecito

While Archie and Lilibet won't be present, King Charles's other grandchildren will all be there -  find out about their special roles on the day here...

Coronation - The Roles Of The Royal Grandchildren

The decision has sparked a great deal of discussion, with particular focus on Meghan and Harry's future within the royal family.

For many, Meghan's decision not to attend has left questions about her relationship with her in-laws going forward.

king charles harry meghan© Photo: Getty Images
Meghan has decided not to attend the King's coronation

Royal watchers have speculated that her absence from the coronation makes it unlikely she will attend any future royal gatherings – not least because of the enormity of the historic event.

DON'T MISS:  How Harry and Meghan's coronation announcement differed from Buckingham Palace

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Her absence from such an important occasion could indeed signal her intentions moving forward, with one follower asking: "If Meghan has decide not to travel for the coronation, it seems unlikely she will travel to attend smaller/ less significant royal events in the future."

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle after the service of thanksgiving © Getty
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped back from royal duties in 2020

Meghan's resolution to stay away came as a surprise to many. It was thought that perhaps the Sussexes would travel together in an attempt to build bridges with Harry's family.

MORE:  Sarah Ferguson shares emotional message with fans after coronation snub

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Relations are certainly strained. At the weekend, it was revealed that Queen Camilla was still left “hurt” by the critical comments Harry made about her in his tell-all memoir, Spare.

prince harry camilla© Photo: Getty Images
Camilla has been left 'hurt' by Harry's comments

Harry even later dubbed Camilla "dangerous" in his 60 Minutes interview with Anderson Cooper. "She was the villain, she was a third person in the marriage, she needed to rehabilitate her image," Harry said.

Now, in an exclusive interview with The Times, Lady Lansdowne – one of Camilla's six royal companions – revealed how much the Duke's comments had upset King Charles’s wife. She explained: "Of course it bothers her, of course it hurts.

King Charles and Queen Camilla© Suhaimi Abdullah
King Charles and Queen Camilla

"But she doesn't let it get to her. Her philosophy is always, 'Don't make a thing of it and it will settle down — least said, soonest mended.'" 

It remains to be seen how Harry will be received by his family next month. During his recent visit back to London to attend a Hugh Court hearing, neither his father nor his elder brother William reunited with the Prince.

And with the gulf between the couple and the rest of the royals ever increasing, fans have been left wondering whether it's a divide that will ever be bridged.

 LISTEN: Want to hear more about the royal family? Check out the best of 'A Right Royal Podcast' 

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