What a heartbreaking snub — Barack and Michelle Obama are officially not invited to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding on May 19. Despite the brewing bromance between the former president and Prince Harry, the couple has decided to exclude all political leaders in the U.K. and internationally. This includes British Prime Minister Theresa May as well as President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump.
A Kensington Palace spokesperson told Daily Express reporter Richard Palmer, “It has been decided that an official list of political leaders—both U.K. and international—is not required for Prince Harry and Ms. Markle’s wedding. Her Majesty’s Government was consulted on this decision, which was taken by The Royal Household.” He took to Twitter to leak the news.
There will be no official UK or overseas guests at Prince Harry and Meghan’s wedding. No Theresa May, President Trump or Obamas.
— Richard Palmer (@RoyalReporter) April 10, 2018
A KP spokesman says: “It has been decided that an official list of political leaders – both UK and international – is not required for Prince Harry and Ms. Markle's wedding. Her Majesty's Government was consulted on this decision, which was taken by The Royal Household.”
— Richard Palmer (@RoyalReporter) April 10, 2018
The reasoning behind the snub is a perfectly logical one — unlike his brother Prince William, Harry isn’t an heir to the throne and therefore, “official guests” or heads of state are not necessary to invite. The couple reportedly wants to keep the affair relatively intimate (as intimate as possible, considering the world will be watching) by only inviting guests who know the Harry and Meghan personally.
Essentially, it’s been decided that there’s no need for official guests, as Prince Harry is not likely to be a future King. Everyone inside the chapel will know Harry and Meghan personally.
— Richard Palmer (@RoyalReporter) April 10, 2018
Foreign royalty who are friends of Harry’s may make the list but “nobody will be invited because of the position they hold,” according to a subsequent Palmer leak.
Traditionally, sitting United States presidents do not attend any royal weddings. President Obama was not invited to Prince William and Dutchess Kate Middleton’s nuptials in 2011 “on account of the added security costs his presence would have brought,” The Telegraph reports.
And while the Obamas didn’t make the cut, a selection of the British public will be attending. As previously reported by DFR, 2,640 Brits will be invited to the grounds of Windsor Castle to watch the happy couple arrive and leave the chapel. On Tuesday, the Palace took to their Instagram Stories to reveal a handful of the lucky winners.
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