Prince Harry may miss official coronation portraits

Despite confirming his attendance to King Charles' coronation last month, it's likely Prince Harry will not make it to all associated events.

With reported plans to make a swift return to California to attend his son Prince Archie's birthday celebrations, the Duke of Sussex may miss out on the official coronation portraits with fellow royal family members.

According to The Telegraph, a source close to the duke said he would "do his best" to attend as many coronation events as possible but without firm commitments, whether he'll make it is hard to determine.

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Though it's not part of the Liber Regalis or 'Royal Book' written in the 14th century, taking photos or creating paintings of monarchs is a tradition carried on through centuries.

The late Queen Elizabeth II was the first monarch to have her photo taken on her coronation day, with previous monarchs having their portraits painted.

This means King Charles III will be the first male monarch to have his photo taken as a means of capturing his coronation portrait.

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During the sessions, it's not uncommon for the royal's family to also get photos with the new monarch.

Due to Harry's decision to step away from his royal duties in 2020, he didn't join other royals during the grand procession from Westminster Abbey to Buckingham Palace, and will not be appearing on the palace balcony.

To make it to the portrait session, which is set to take place after the flyover, the duke would have to stick around in London for a while.

Many expect he may leave prior to the informal lunch likely to occur before the portrait session with the official coronation photographer Hugo Burnand, due to the tensions that caused Harry to drift from his family.

He has confirmed, however, that he is attending the coronation, with growing hopes of a reconciliation with his father, thus making his attendance to the family lunch questionable.

The duke's decision to attend reportedly pleased King Charles, who is eager to have both of his sons attending in support during his ceremony.

In the meantime, Meghan Markle, 41, will be in California with children Archie and one-year-old Lilibet preparing for, and hosting, the young prince's fourth birthday party.