'Foolish' Meghan's Coronation mistake - get the news from experts on Palace Confidential

The Duchess of Sussex may rue her 'foolish' decision to miss the Coronation, that's the view of the the Daily Mail's Editor at Large, Richard Kay.

Prince Harry will attend his father's historic event alone, with Meghan Markle set to remain in California, it was revealed earlier this week. 

Speaking on our royal talk show Palace Confidential, the veteran royal correspondent believes it would have been better for both sides if she had decided to come.

'It feels like a compromise – Meghan staying away – I think she may come to regret that in the years to come, you don't get very many coronations and to have a ringside seat at one is seems pretty foolish that she shouldn't have accepted and come over,' he tells the programme. 

'I think it is the wrong call. I think it would have been better for her and for the Royal Family if they'd both been there.'

The Duchess of Sussex may rue her 'foolish' decision to miss the Coronation, that's the view of the Daily Mail's Richard Kay

Speaking on our royal talk show Palace Confidential, the veteran royal correspondent believes it would have been better for both sides if she had decided to come

He added that despite Harry's decision to come, it doesn't mark a rapprochement between the Sussexes and the rest of the family, but a 'ceasefire'.

'If they can put their differences aside for Harry to come, then it does possibly show that there is a path for the future. 

'But one thing I would say about this, is that this is not a truce in the war between the Royal Family and the Sussexes, it's more of a ceasefire.'

The Daily Mail's Diary Editor Richard Eden meanwhile believes that by agreeing to come, Harry has effectively 'given in' in his battle to get his family to apologise to him and Meghan.

'I think this is him giving in really,' he tells the show. 'You might remember there was a string of comments all these TV interviews he was giving, saying that they needed to sit down and discuss things, before they would even consider whether they would come, they wanted apologise that kind of thing and from everything I've heard, that simply hasn't happened. 

'Let's be clear, I think that's why Meghan isn't coming because they haven't got what they wanted.'

After delicate negotiations, described to the Mail as a game of 'transatlantic ping pong', Buckingham Palace announced earlier this week the Duke of Sussex will be at the Coronation ceremony.

The Daily Mail's Diary Editor Richard Eden meanwhile believes that by agreeing to come, Harry has effectively 'given in' in his battle to get his family to apologise to him and Meghan 

 Richard Eden said it's clear Meghan 'isn't coming' because the Sussexes 'haven't gotten what they wanted'

He added that despite Harry's decision to come, it doesn't mark a rapprochement between the Sussexes and the rest of the family, but a 'ceasefire' (pictured, King Charles and Queen Camilla) 

But he will be coming alone, with the Duchess of Sussex due to stay at home with Prince Archie – who turns four that day – and Princess Lilibet, one.

His decision to attend the Westminster Abbey Coronation service is viewed as a potential olive branch by royal insiders, following an earlier demand that his family should apologise to him and Meghan if they were to consider coming.

But he is not expected to take part in the procession after the service or join other members of the Royal Family on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, or for other celebrations.

Sources said the decision by Meghan to remain in California with the couple's two young children had come as a relief in some circles, following fears her presence could have heightened family tensions.

It is also understood there was real concern in the Sussex camp about the public reception the couple would have received if they attended the Coronation together.

Friends, including Meghan's biographer Omid Scobie, suggested her decision was largely due to the Coronation falling on the same day – May 6 – as Archie's fourth birthday.

The couple had delayed answering their invitation for weeks, causing difficulties for organisers tasked with complex seating plans, transport and security for senior members of the Royal Family, world leaders and other dignitaries.

Sources described the negotiations as a game of 'transatlantic ping pong', and Harry was said to have wanted numerous assurances about arrangements.

The day will see him come face-to-face with his father and brother in public for the first time since the release of his controversial memoir, in which he described a physical fallout with William and branded his stepmother Camilla 'dangerous'.

Such is the sensitivity at Buckingham Palace over anything to do with Harry and Meghan, only a tiny group of senior officials were party to the conversations between the Royal Family and the Sussexes.

Courtiers have been treading on eggshells for fear of being accused by the couple of 'leaking' information about their presence and sparking another round of attacks on the King in the run up to his historic day. And, while many in the royal household contest much of what the couple have alleged, all are keen not to make things more difficult for the 74-year-old monarch.

In the event, the news was specifically timed for a dual announcement on both sides of the Atlantic at 3pm British time to minimise any inflaming of tensions.

A statement in London said: 'Buckingham Palace is pleased to confirm that the Duke of Sussex will attend the Coronation Service at Westminster Abbey on 6th May. The Duchess of Sussex will remain in California with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.'

Harry is only planning on a flying visit, with sources close to the Sussexes indicating yesterday that he won't even return to Buckingham Palace to gather with the rest of the family or take part in any further events over the Coronation weekend. Mr Scobie tweeted: 'Expect it to be a fairly quick trip to the UK for Prince Harry.'

Sussex supporters said he understood that it was the biggest day of his father's life and felt it was right to be present, despite his attacks on the family.

Harry has publicly called on his family to apologise to himself and Meghan for what they see as slights. He also demanded that his father and brother sit down with him before May 6 to thrash their issues out.

But insiders have told the Mail that Charles and William are both hurt and angry at Harry's behaviour – and neither man has been inclined to pander to him.