As Prince Harry heads to London for King Charles III's coronation on May 6, Meghan Markle will remain in Montecito, California, to celebrate their son Archie's 4th birthday. Sources told Page Six that the decision comes amidst continued "awkwardness" between the Sussexes and the royal family.

The Duchess of Sussex, 41, prioritizes her son's birthday celebration, with a source saying, "There was no way that Meghan was going to miss her son's birthday." In a rare move, Buckingham Palace officials referred to the Sussexes' children as Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet in their statement confirming the couple's plans.

A well-placed source expressed disappointment that Archie and Lilibet, affectionately called Lili, will not attend the "historic occasion." The palace statement read, "The Duke of Sussex will attend the Coronation service at Westminster Abbey on May 6th. The Duchess of Sussex will remain in California with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet."

Archie, born in London, has only visited the UK once since the family's relocation to the US in 2020. That visit coincided with Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee in June. Lilibet, born in California, celebrated her first birthday during the Jubilee, marking her initial trip to her father's homeland.

Prince Harry, 38, has previously expressed his desire for an apology from his father for the alleged mistreatment he and Meghan have endured from the royal family, including his older brother, Prince William. In January, when ITV reporter Tom Brady inquired about his attendance at the coronation, Harry replied, "There's a lot that can happen between now and then. But, the door is always open. The ball is in their court. There's a lot to be discussed, and I really hope that they're willing to sit down and talk about it."

As Page Six reported, Harry sent a list of questions to the palace regarding the coronation, including seating arrangements and security. The coronation will be Harry's first reunion with his family since revealing bombshell accusations in his book, "Spare."

A high-ranking royal insider commented on the situation, saying, "Even though Meghan is not going, it's still going to be extremely awkward." Kate Middleton, Harry's sister-in-law, reportedly described her walkabout with the Sussexes after Queen Elizabeth II's death as the "hardest" thing she's had to do.

In his upcoming book, "Our King," veteran royal correspondent Robert Jobson claims that the Princess of Wales felt uncomfortable due to the "ill feeling" between the couples.