While some royal family members are reportedly relieved that Meghan Markle is skipping King Charles’ upcoming coronation, one expert believes the Duchess of Sussex made the move to benefit her own brand.
Royal biographer Ingrid Seward told The Mirror on Thursday that Markle’s decision to forgo the festivities means she can portray herself as a “martyr” who was persecuted by the monarchy.
“Now Meghan can play the martyr if she pleases,” Seward said of the former “Deal or No Deal” star, 41, who has been previously labeled a “professional victim” by critics.
Seward additionally claimed Markle may have worried about not being positioned prominently enough amid the proceedings — something that may have also adversely impacted her image.
“For a girl who makes a huge fuss about which table she has in a restaurant, it would be a terrible insult not to have one of the top seats at the coronation ceremony,” Seward declared.
“To add to this possibility, the disgrace [of] being excluded from the Buckingham Palace balcony line-up would be more than she could bear,” the royal expert continued, saying the snub would be “embarrassing” for the Duchess.
While Markle will not jet to the UK for the historic event, Buckingham Palace confirmed that Prince Harry would be in attendance at the May 6 ceremony.
“I suspect Meghan was the driving force in persuading Harry to attend,” Seward speculated.
“She is smarter than him and would have realized it might mean the end of their future dreams if he didn’t appear,” she added, saying a snub by the both of them could have negatively impacted future income and the possibility of ever rejoining the royal family.
Markle is staying home in Montecito, California, with their children, Princess Lilibet and Prince Archie; the latter will turn 4 on the day of the king’s coronation.
Despite the decision to skip the ceremony possibly working to Markle’s advantage, Seward said it will be birthday boy Archie who will miss out most.
“The real loser is little Archie. How exciting it would have been to see the soldiers, carriages and horses of his grandfather’s armies,” she declared. “What a shame he was denied the opportunity, however hard for his parents.”
Seward’s comments come after an unnamed royal watcher told the Daily Mail on Wednesday that some royals are “relieved” Markle has chosen not to attend.
“It would have been particularly uncomfortable for Kate,” the source stated, saying that relations between the sisters-in-law remain fractious.
“The rest of the family will [also] be relieved that Meghan won’t be there,” they added.
However, another source told the Sun that Charles is saddened his daughter-in-law won’t be there to see his milestone moment,
“The king is happy that Harry, his son, who he calls his ‘darling boy,’ will be at the Abbey. He wanted him there,” the insider said
“It is sad, he is very disappointed that he won’t see Meghan or his grandchildren but understands the situation.”
News that Harry would be present at the coronation was announced on Wednesday, ending months of speculation as to whether the Sussexes would attend.
“Buckingham Palace is pleased to confirm that the Duke of Sussex will attend the coronation service at Westminster Abbey on May 6,” a spokesperson stated. “The Duchess of Sussex will remain in California with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.”