PRINCE Harry is reportedly not attending his son’s godfather’s wedding after ‘challenges’ over his attendance were exposed.
The royal, 39, has snubbed the event set to celebrate his billionaire childhood pal, the Duke of Westminster Hugh Grosvenor, and Olivia Henson on Friday.
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Prince Harry has snubbed the wedding of childhood pal and Duke of Westminster Hugh GrosvenorCredit: Getty
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Hugh Grosvenor is set to marry Olivia Henson in the ‘wedding of the year’ on FridayCredit: PA
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Prince William, pictured with suited Hugh in 2018, is understood to be given the role as an usher at the weddingCredit: AFP
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It was unlikely Meghan Markle would have been Harry’s plus one as she ‘never wants to return’ to the UKCredit: Getty
Estranged from his family, Harry is said to have spoken personally to Hugh about his and wife Meghan Markle’s invite to Chester Cathedral tomorrow.
The Duke of Sussex and Hugh made the decision to avoid the “inevitable clamour” between the now-US-based Prince, his brother William and dozens of mutual friends who aren’t on speaking terms with Harry.
A source close to the Sussexes told People magazine: “There was an acknowledgement on both sides that it would be difficult for Harry to attend.
“It was an understanding between the two friends.
“The decision certainly avoided the inevitable clamour had estranged brothers Prince William and Prince Harry both attended the nuptials, eliminating the possibility of the big day being overshadowed for the couple.”
Hugh, who “owns half of London” is expected to have Prince William as an usher at the “wedding of the year”.
The property mogul, who owns nearly 2,000 buildings all around the world, is the godfather to cousins Prince George, 10, and Archie, five.
Rumours were sparked that Hugh and wife-to-be Olivia had avoided inviting the Sussexes all together when plans got underway following their engagement last year.
According to the Sunday Times, the 7th Duke of Westminster didn’t want there to be any awkwardness for the Royal Family.
It comes hours after the couple were excluded from a royal event.
Harry and Meg have not received an invite to the Trooping the Colour ceremony on June 15 this year.
It marks the second time the pair, who quit the UK in 2020, have been shunned from the occasion.
After making the transatlantic relocation four years ago, the couple have launched a barrage of vile attacks against the Firm.
With Meghan “never wanting to come back” to England, it was extremely unlikely the mum-of-two would have been a wedding guest if Harry had decided to come.
Princess Kate has been invited to attend the wedding with doting husband Wills but it is unclear whether she will go as she continues with preventative chemo.
William attended a D-Day anniversary event on Wednesday with King Charles and Queen Camilla.
The Heir gave a moving speech thanking veterans and their families before giving a short and sweet update on Kate’s condition.
He told attendees she was feeling “better”, adding: “She would’ve loved to be here today.”
Meanwhile, the King was introduced to a 99-year-old paratrooper who turns 100 in August. Charles said: “I’ll have your card ready.”
Earlier in the day the Monarch made his first speech since his cancer diagnosis – in two health battles that shook the Firm.
He stood tall with medals on his chest and Camilla at his side, telling veterans and their families: “We are all eternally in their debt.”
He added: “The stories of courage, resilience and solidarity which you have heard today and throughout our lives cannot fail to move us, to inspire us and to remind us of what we owe to that great wartime generation, now tragically dwindling to so few.”
Charles said it was our privilege to hear the stories.
He added: “It is our duty to ensure that we and future generations do not forget their service and their sacrifice in replacing tyranny with freedom.”
Wills stood not far from some of the country’s last surviving veterans as they looked back on the campaign that opened the path to peace and freedom in Europe.
