Meghan has instead chosen to stay home in California with their two children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, as Archie’s fourth birthday also falls on May 6.
In his autobiography Harry said how difficult he found it growing up in the shadow of his older brother, heir to the throne Prince William.
Royal expert and historian Dr Tessa Dunlop told The Mirror it will take some guts for Harry to show his face at the Abbey with the rest of the Firm.
She explained: “Yes, I think it will take guts for the Duke of Sussex to walk into Westminster Abbey alone on Saturday.
“But if we’ve learnt anything about Harry over the last few years it’s that he doesn’t shy away from a challenge. He’s addicted to the rush of adrenaline.”
She continued: “Detonating verbal bombs against the institution of monarchy and the British press is not a hobby for the faint-hearted. Nor is facing down several massive publishing companies in court…
“But no matter how gutsy he is, and despite a lifetime of training in the public eye, Saturday will be a massive challenge for Prince Harry.”
READ MORE: Last Coronation preparations underway as rehearsals held overnight
Dr Dunlop added that without the supportive presence of his wife and family Harry will undoubtedly find the service harder, especially given Prince William and his nephew Prince George have important roles in the service.
She believes the prominence of William and George will further aggravate Harry’s pain at feeling like the neglected youger sibling.
She said: “Going solo into that Abbey, under the gaze of a thousand lenses, exchanging pleasantries with people he is no longer speaking to, that’s a very tough gig for any man.
“And one made emotionally harder because the entire Coronation ceremony is about affirming and reaffirming the line of succession.
“Saturday is King Charles’ big day, and in second place comes Harry’s brother William, the Prince of Wales and heir to the throne, and then his nine-year-old nephew, Prince George, one of eight honorary pageboys.
“The Coronation service will double down on the painful fact that Harry is and always has been, the spare.
“Amidst pomp and ceremony he is no longer part of, sitting several rows back and stripped of his military uniform, Harry won’t find the service easy.”
Harry is not expected to stay long at the ceremony and will likely jet straight back to Meghan and his children, as he will not be appearing on the Buckingham Palace balcony for the traditional flypast.
