Duke of Westminster's Wedding, Harry and Meghan Snubbed
In a surprising turn of events, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, are reportedly not making an appearance at the most high-profile wedding in Britain this year. The Sunday Times claims that the global powerhouse couple won't be gracing the celebration of Hugh Grosvenor, the Duke of Westminster, and his bride-to-be, Olivia Henson.
Grosvenor, a close friend of Prince William and Harry, had a hard decision to make. It seems he wanted to avoid any unwanted drama at his wedding, especially considering the strained relationship between Harry and his brother, William. The ceremony is set to take place on June 7th at Chester Cathedral in Northwest England.
Mutual Friend Speaks Out
A mutual friend of William and Harry was quoted in the Sunday Times, stating, "It's incredibly sad that it's come to this. Hugh is one of the few close friends of William and Harry who maintains a strong friendship and line of communication with both of them. He wishes they could patch things up, but he's aware that's unlikely to happen before the wedding. He didn't want anything to detract from the day, especially for Olivia, and didn't want any embarrassment."
Despite the rumors, a representative for Grosvenor evaded commenting on the guest list. It is worth noting that the Duke of Westminster is a man of immense wealth, as reported by the Daily Mail. King Charles III, Queen Camilla, and Princess Kate will be present at the ceremony.
Hugh Grosvenor's Royal Connections
Grosvenor, as a godfather to Prince George and Prince Archie, has a special bond with the royal family. Even more remarkable, his mother, Natalia Grosvenor, is Princess Kate's godmother. Grosvenor's Anson Co., an investment and real estate firm, enjoys a significant presence in the UK. The Grosvenor family is also known for its extensive charity work.
Royal Family Feud
The web of connections between the Sussexes and the British royal family is complex. Although Grosvenor and the Duke of Westminster are friends with both Princes, the tension between Harry and his brother, William, is not a secret. This tension allegedly stems from Meghan's flirtatious behavior and memoir, Spare, in which Harry shared personal family conflicts and physical altercations between himself and his brother.
Although the sources do not provide specific reasons why Harry and Meghan were not invited, the ongoing rift within the royal family and Harry's alleged exile in California are contributing factors to the speculation.