PR expert Edward Coram-James, chief executive of SEO specialists Go Up, told Express.co.uk media attention on Meghan’s decision “risked casting a long shadow over events”.
He said: “However, had Meghan come, every glance, smile, grimace and word (or lack thereof) would have been pored over and dissected by the same international press.”
Describing the Duchess as “broadly unpopular with the British public”, he added that a show would have “increased” the risk of booing from the crowd.
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Coram-James continued: “From the perspective of the Royal Family, this decision is perhaps the best case scenario, given the circumstances.
“By the Duke of Sussex attending solo, events and, as importantly, narrative, are much more likely to remain within the control of the Royal household.
“A total no show from the Sussexes would have risked turning the ceremony into a bit of a Sussex circus.”
Royal watchers began speculating about whether the couple would show at the King’s big day when the date was first announced last year.
The Coronation ceremony is taking place on May 6, which also happens to be the son Archie’s fourth birthday.
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The significance of the date for Harry and Meghan left many questioning whether the couple would use their son’s big day as a reason to not attend.
A source told the Mirror that “Archie’s birthday has provided the perfect excuse for Meghan to stay behind and, with all things considered, it’s probably the right thing to do”.
The source added that the King was “likely to be delighted” that Harry will attend what is set to be the most important day in his royal life.
The insider added that Charles has previously “spoken of loving both his sons” – with this still remaining the case.
It has previously been reported that Meghan and Harry’s two children were not included on the invite.
The likely reason is due to their ages, with Lilibet set to turn two in June.
