Inside Prince Harry’s absence from the biggest royal wedding of the year with old pals

Amidst the grandeur of the Duke of Westminster’s wedding in Chester, one notable absence was Prince Harry, who reportedly chose not to attend due to his strained relationship with his older brother, Prince William.

Prince Harry shares a longstanding friendship with Hugh Grosvenor, the Duke of Westminster, having bonded over the years, including attendance at Hugh’s lively 21st birthday celebration in 2012. Their camaraderie was evident when Hugh was bestowed with the significant honor of becoming the godfather to Harry’s son, Prince Archie, in 2019. However, despite their close bond, Prince Harry’s attendance at Hugh’s wedding was overshadowed by the complexities of his relationship with Prince William.

Reports indicate that Prince Harry was indeed invited to the wedding but ultimately declined the invitation following a discussion with the groom, Hugh Grosvenor, in what was described as a mutually respectful decision. This move paved the way for Prince William to fulfill his duties as an usher at the ceremony, where he was observed entering the Chester cathedral through a discreet side entrance.

According to insider sources, Prince Harry had initially received a “save the date” card for the wedding but subsequently reached out to Hugh Grosvenor, expressing discomfort at attending alongside Meghan Markle. In an effort to prevent any potential awkwardness, Prince Harry made the decision to decline the invitation, a choice that was reportedly understood and respected by Hugh.

Acknowledging the delicate nature of the relationship between the royal brothers, Hugh Grosvenor was keen to maintain a sense of harmony and celebration on his wedding day. Despite his desire to have both Prince Harry and Prince William in attendance, he ultimately prioritized ensuring that the occasion remained free from any tension or discomfort.

Speaking exclusively to the Mirror, royal expert Tom Quinn shed light on Prince Harry’s feelings regarding his absence from the wedding festivities. Quinn revealed that Prince Harry may have felt slighted by not being included in the groom party, as his brother, Prince William, assumed a prominent role. This perceived snub may have intensified Prince Harry’s sense of alienation from his old circle of friends.

This isn’t the first time Prince Harry has missed significant events in the lives of his friends. Alongside his wife, Meghan Markle, he was notably absent from the wedding of his former military comrade, Jack Mann, last summer. Prince Harry’s distancing from his longtime friends is indicative of broader rifts within his social circle, extending even to his relationship with Hugh van Cutsem, who shares connections with both Prince William and Prince Charles.

In his autobiography “Spare,” Prince Harry candidly revealed tensions with Hugh van Cutsem’s family following his explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey. This rift highlights the complexities of Prince Harry’s relationships and the challenges he faces in navigating his evolving role within the royal family and broader society.