Prince Harry Drama Reportedly Leaves King Charles Heartbroken For His Grandkids After Coronation

King Charles III had hoped to get some time to visit with Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, during a family lunch after his May 6 coronation ceremony. Instead, Harry declined the invitation, opting to head home after an under 24-hour coronation visit to Britain. Charles was "genuinely quite disappointed that he didn't stay," a source informed the Daily Mail. In addition to toasting William, Prince of Wales' three children for their participation in the event, Charles paid tribute to "those that weren't there," and included birthday greetings for Prince Archie "wherever he was" (per Daily Mail).

"Charles is a doting grandpa, and I have no doubt that apart from all the acrimony it pains him to be separated from two of his five grandchildren," royal author Christopher Andersen told Fox News Digital. However, even though she decided not to come for the coronation, Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, has indicated she'd like to see a connection between Charles and Archie and Princess Lilibet. "She wants her children to know their grandfather, Charles, particularly when they are not going to know their other grandfather [Markle's long-estranged father, Thomas Markle]," a source shared with Page Six.

Giving Charles the chance to get to know Archie and Lilibet is especially important in light of Harry's rift with the royals. By getting to know their grandfather, Charles can be "the link between cousins and other members of the extended family," Sarah Hawkins, CEO of National Family Mediation, explained to Express.