Prince Harry pulled out of the society wedding of the year – which William is going to – after realising ‘challenges of his attendance’, it has been claimed
Prince Harry pulled out of attending the society wedding of the year after realizing ‘the challenges of his attendance’, it has been claimed.
Sources close to the former royal family informed People magazine after weeks of speculation, claiming he had personally spoken to the Duke of Westminster, Hugh Grosvenor, to discuss the tricky situation.
Both Harry, 39, and his estranged brother, Prince Williamare long-standing friends of Hugh, one of the richest men in Britain, who will marry Olivia Henson at Chester Cathedral tomorrow (Friday).
William will inaugurate the event, which will also be attended by dozens of mutual friends, some of whom have no longer negotiated with the Duke of Sussex.
He could possibly have been asked to show his brother to his seat, even though the two had not spoken in at least two years.
Now People magazine, also the only publication invited to officially accompany Harry and Meghan on their recent quasi-royal tour to Nigeriasays it can ‘confirm’ the prince was invited to the wedding, despite previous claims the Duke of Westminster had ‘ruled out’ the Sussexes to avoid a clash with the senior royal houses.
Both Harry, 39, and his estranged brother, Prince William, are long-standing friends of Hugh Grosvenor. In the photo: Prince Harry and Meghan
Sources close to the former royal family informed People magazine after weeks of speculation, claiming he had personally spoken to the Duke of Westminster, Hugh Grosvenor, to discuss the tricky situation. Pictured: Hugh Grosvenor and Olivia Henson
William will inaugurate the ceremony, which will also be attended by dozens of mutual friends
It continues: ‘However, there was recognition on both sides that it would be difficult for Harry to attend.’ The magazine adds: ‘It was an ‘understanding between the two friends’, a source describes the conversation between the two dukes.
An insider close to the bride and groom told People that Harry and the Duke of Westminster made the agreement between themselves.
‘The decision certainly avoided the inevitable uproar that brothers Prince William, 41, and Prince Harry had been estranged, and that Prince Harry both attended the wedding, eliminating the possibility of the big day being overshadowed for the couple.’
The publication added: “The Duke of Sussex sends ‘his love, support and admiration to the couple’ on their wedding day.”
The magazine sympathetically concluded that ‘transatlantic trips to Britain are fraught for Harry due to security concerns in his home country’, pointing out that he no longer receives 24-hour official police protection and can no longer use his former home in Windsor. Frogmore cottage.
This is despite the fact that the Prince can and has received limited protection from the Metropolitan Police in Britain if necessary, and that his father even offered him a place to stay in a royal residence during his trip to Britain last month.
He and Meghan also both traveled to Nigeria with their personal security team, despite it being one of the most dangerous places in Africa.
Hugh Grosvenor, 33, and his family have had close ties to the royal family for generations.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle drive through Windsor after their wedding ceremony at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle
Hugh Grosvenor, Duke of Westminster, Charlie van Straubenzee and Arthur Landon attend Prince Harry’s wedding to Ms Meghan Markle at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle
Prince Harry, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge arrive at Windsor Castle to attend Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip’s wedding anniversary dinner
The Duke of Westminster, who inherited the title and family fortune at the age of 25 when his father died suddenly in 2016, is godfather to both Prince George, ten, William and Kate’s eldest son, and Prince Archie, five.
He is himself a godson of King Charles – who will not attend the wedding as he continues to undergo cancer treatment – and his mother, Natalia, the Dowager Duchess of Westminster, is godmother to Prince William.
Hugh and Olivia’s wedding will take place at Chester Cathedral on Friday at noon and was chosen because of the Westminster family’s close personal connection with the city.
The couple plans to spend more time at the family seat, Eaton Hall, once they are married.
Hugh, whose fortune is believed to be around £10 billion through property and land holdings, has nevertheless begun to use his enviable position to undertake greater charitable endeavors, particularly in helping vulnerable children and young people.
His bride-to-be, who has worked in the sustainable food industry until now, will accompany him.
Other prominent guests expected tomorrow include Hugh’s sisters, Lady Edwina and Lady Tamara, and their husbands, presenter Dan Snow and banker Edward van Cutsem, also a close friend of both William and Harry.
