Prince Harry Will Attend King Charles' Coronation, But Not Accompanied By His Wife And Two Children

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. (Wikimedia Commons/Northern Ireland Office)

JAKARTA - Prince Harry will attend the coronation of King Charles III at Westminster Abbey, London, England on May 6, Buckingham Palace announced on Wednesday.

However, wife Meghan and their children will not be traveling from their home in California, United States, the palace added.

The news ends months of speculation about whether the couple will make an appearance for the big day of the King who is also the prince's biological father.

"Buckingham Palace is pleased to confirm that the Duke of Sussex will attend the Coronation Service at Westminster Abbey on 6 May," the palace said in a statement.

"The Duchess of Sussex will remain in California with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet," the announcement continued.

Meanwhile, Archewell, the Sussex charity, issued a statement almost identical to the palace statement confirming the duke would join guests at the coronation.

It's no coincidence that May 6 is also the fourth birthday of Harry and Meghan's baby, eldest Prince Archie.

Omid Scobie, the couple's trusted contact, tweeted: "I understand that Archie's fourth birthday (also on May 6) played a role in the couple's decision."

"Expect a fairly short trip to England for Prince Harry, who will only be attending the coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey," he added.

Prince Harry's hesitation to attend has been of particular concern to organizers who were unable to finalize seating, transportation, and security arrangements for VIPs.

Organizers were "irritated" with the couple, who publicly complained about the family over the past three years in a series of documentaries, interviews, and books, reported the Mirror.

The paper claimed that the duke and duchess had been in "email correspondence" with the palace regarding their presence, but the prince was reportedly in "difficulty" whether or not to confirm their places.

It is known that Prince Harry's presence came despite the family rift that was revealed in his best-selling book, 'Spare'.

The revelations, including details of private conversations with his father and brother Prince William, stoked tensions.

Spare also includes allegations that members of the royal family regularly provide the press with unflattering information about other members of the House of Windsor in exchange for positive coverage of themselves.