It’s official, Meghan Markle will not attend King Charles coronation in May, with Prince Harry set to attend solo. The news comes after months of speculation over whether the couple would attend the ceremony next month, questions about the ongoing tension within the royal family still rife.
‘Buckingham Palace is pleased to confirm that the Duke of Sussex will attend the Coronation Service at Westminster Abbey on 6 May,’ a royal statement said on Wednesday. ‘The Duchess of Sussex will remain in California with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.’
The coronation date falls on Archie’s fourth birthday, which royal author Omid Scobie said on Twitter ‘played a factor in the couple’s decision.’ Unsurprisingly, opinions about whether or not Meghan has made the right decision are nonetheless causing intense discourse online.
While some have condemned Meghan, viewing the choice as a ‘snub’ against His Majesty, others have a more empathetic take: Meghan is taking back control.
‘How empowering for Meghan Markle to say “No” to Britain’s most powerful family,’ Dr Shola Mos-Shogbamimu, Author of _This Is Why I Resist. ‘_A family that held her in contempt and constantly fed her to vultures. Any wife with bad in-laws knows she just took back control. I’m here for Meghan not giving a damn what anyone thinks.’
It’s true that Meghan’s situation is actually quite relatable, how does the saying go again? ‘When you marry someone, you're also marrying their family’. For those of us that have found that particularly difficult, be it due to cultural divides, communication differences or boundaries overstepped, it’s all too familiar that feeling of relief when you finally decide to prioritise your happiness – and put the demands, or desires, of your partner’s in-laws second.
‘Meghan is absolutely amazing,’ one Twitter user said. ‘Women - look up to a woman like Meghan Markle. Set boundaries, say no if you're not respected in a place. Walk away.'
‘I'm so happy for Meghan,’ another added. ‘The best decision for her. Her mental health is all that matters. Plus, it's Prince Archie's Birthday that day too so, he can enjoy his day at home with his/their friends.’
So, perhaps those who seek to condemn Meghan should actually be congratulating her – whether it was merely about Archie’s birthday or a bigger decision to protect her own emotional wellbeing, Meghan doing what she feels is right for her family is an empowering example for many.