Prince Harry to attend father's coronation solo

Prince Harry will attend the coronation next month of his father, King Charles, a spokesperson for Buckingham Palace said on Wednesday.

Harry's wife, Meghan, will remain in California with their children, the spokesperson said.

The announcement ends speculation as to whether the King's youngest son would attend following his high-profile and stinging criticism of the Royal Family since he stepped back from royal duties in 2020.

Charles will be crowned next month in a ceremony full of pomp, pageantry and traditions that date back 1,000 years, following the 70-year reign of his mother, Queen Elizabeth, who died in September.

"Buckingham Palace is pleased to confirm that the Duke of Sussex will attend the coronation service at Westminster Abbey on May 6," the palace spokesperson said.

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

Book, miniseries revelations

Preparations for the event have been overshadowed in recent months by Harry's damning revelations about his father and his brother, the heir-to-the-throne William, in his recent memoir, a Netflix documentary and a series of TV interviews.

Asked in one interview in January whether he would attend the coronation if given an invitation, Harry said: "There's a lot that can happen between now and then. But the door is always open."

Harry used his book to reveal friction within the family, including loud arguments with William. Spokespeople for King Charles and Prince William have declined to comment.

Harry last month made a surprise appearance at a court hearing involving one of the lawsuits he's filed against British tabloids. According to reports, he did not meet with his father during the trip.

Charles's coronation is expected to draw guests that includeforeign heads of state and dignitaries.

The Canadian delegation that will attend the coronation has yet to be announced.

Jill Biden will lead the U.S. delegation, with President Joe Biden accepting an invitation from Charles in a phone call reported last week to visit"in the near future."

WATCH | Royal Family 'stuck in a time capsule,' says journalist:

Royal Family 'stuck in a time capsule,' says journalist

1 year ago

Duration 3:19

With Prince Harry set to attend King Charles's coronation without Meghan and their children, broadcast journalist and author Genelle Aldred says it will look like the Royal Family is stuck in the past, while the rest of the world has continued forward.