Meghan Markle and Prince Harry 'Were Never Going to Accept Wedding Invite' From Duke of Westminster

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle did not attend Hugh Grosvenor, Duke of Westminster, and Olivia Henson's lavish wedding on Friday, June 7, 2024. Although rumors have swirled recently about whether the Sussex duo would show up, one source claims they never intended to do so.

"The deep rift within the royal family has ensured that Harry and Meghan were never going to accept an invitation to the wedding of Hugh Grosvenor, Duke of Westminster, godfather to Archie and a close friend of Harry," royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams shared.

"They knew William would be there, reportedly as one of the ushers," he added. "They also knew that their presence would cause a media storm, especially since Meghan has not visited Britain since Queen Elizabeth's funeral."

In the lead-up to Britain's "society wedding of the year," both analysts and insiders pondered on the reason behind the duo's ambivalence to attend.

This led a publication to state: "The decision certainly avoided the inevitable clamor had estranged brothers Prince William, 41, and Prince Harry both attended the nuptials, eliminating the possibility of the big day being overshadowed for the couple."

The outlet continued: "The Duke of Sussex sends 'his love and support and admiration for the couple' for their wedding day."

Another insider shared how Grosvenor "is a lot closer in age to Harry, whereas William is eight or nine years older."

They added: "When they were growing up, Harry and Hugh were much closer. Hugh was a young boy when William was in his late teens and early twenties. That’s why this has all come as such a shock."

Of the nuptials, a friend of the bride and groom stated: "It means a lot to the couple to be getting married at Chester Cathedral, it is where they will be putting down roots for the future. They are making a conscious effort to involve local and regional suppliers in several aspects of their day. The couple are incredibly grateful for the support and messages of congratulations they have received, especially from people in the region."

William and Harry have been feuding allegedly as early as the late 2000s but "certainly since Harry popped the question to Meghan" in 2017. Although the royal rebels' "Megxit" in early 2020, and explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey in March 2021 soured relations, late 2022 saw the rift to go "nuclear."

The couple released their long-awaited Netflix documentary, Harry & Meghan, in December of that year which showed both criticizing the monarchy on camera. But the release of Harry's memoir, Spare, one month later "broke William's heart" and led him to "hate" his younger brother with fiery anger.

Daily Mirror reported on Fitzwilliams' comments.