Prince Harry will reportedly skip the wedding of his once close friend Hugh Grosvenor, the Duke of Westminster, due to concerns about his wife Meghan Markle’s waning popularity in the United Kingdom. Hugh Grosvenor, who is not only a leading figure in the British aristocracy but also godfather to Prince George and Prince Archie, is scheduled to marry Olivia Henson in June 2024.
Royal commentator Ingrid Seward spoke with Sun, explaining that the Duke of Sussex is likely to miss the celebrations to support his wife during this difficult time. This decision underscores the ongoing complexities Harry and Meghan face in balancing their public lives and personal relationships after stepping away from their primary royal duties and moving to the United States.
She said: “Harry and Meghan obviously probably have no intention of flying 5,000 miles to go to a wedding. It is the society wedding of the year in which that society does not want to meet them, especially Meghan.” Ingrid added: “I guess what I mean is that the last thing Meghan wanted to do was fly to the UK, where she is deeply unpopular, and be paraded around, if she wanted to, which one she would be.”
These comments came after royal expert Duncan Larcombe said OK! Magazine that Harry lives ‘under the shadow’ of Meghan. She said that Meghan is a very strong character, very motivated, extremely ambitious, and those are the kind of characteristics that mean that she will almost always inevitably overshadow Harry and catch his attention.”
Hugh Grosvenor’s wedding is expected to be a major social event, attracting many high-profile guests from across the UK’s elite circles, including members of the royal family. The absence of Prince Harry, who has shared a close bond with Grosvenor, is likely to be keenly felt, highlighting the personal sacrifices involved in his and Meghan’s new life away from the direct royal spotlight.
This situation reflects the broader narrative of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s evolving relationship with the British public and the royal family. Since their departure from the United Kingdom and royal duties, the couple has faced several challenges related to public perception and media scrutiny, particularly in Britain, where Meghan’s popularity has fluctuated markedly.
Some see the decision to skip the wedding as a protective gesture by Prince Harry, who prioritizes his wife’s comfort and well-being over social obligations. This move, while likely disappointing long-time friends and associates, aligns with the couple’s demonstrated commitment to forging a path that respects their boundaries and mental health.
As the wedding date approaches, the royal family and friends of the Duke of Westminster are preparing for what will undoubtedly be a lavish ceremony. Meanwhile, Harry’s absence will likely spark more discussions about the long-term implications of his and Meghan’s decisions on her relationships within British society and the royal family. This incident is just one example among many of the ongoing adjustments and considerations the couple has had to make as they navigate their unique position in the public eye.