Prince Harry has chosen not to attend the Duke of Westminster's wedding this Friday, allowing Prince William to take a prominent role in the ceremony.
Despite his long-standing friendship with the groom, Hugh Grosvenor, the 7th Duke of Westminster, Prince Harry decided to step back. This decision, described as "diplomatic," underscores the ongoing tension between the royal brothers.
According to The Times, a source said, "A civilised understanding was reached between the Duke [of Westminster] and Harry over the phone. It’s a long way to come from California, after all."
This diplomatic move permits Prince William to act as an usher, avoiding potential awkwardness. "Harry was invited but then agreed to stay away. The Duke’s diplomacy then cleared the way for William to perform the role of usher — a job that would have been beyond awkward if he was obliged to show Harry to his pew," the source added.
The Princess of Wales will not attend due to her ongoing cancer treatment. The wedding at Chester Cathedral is expected to be a grand affair.
Royal author Tom Quinn told the Mirror that Prince Harry's decision was influenced by his reluctance to be in the same room as his brother. "Harry's decision not to attend his old friend Hugh Grosvenor's wedding was probably inevitable once he realised his brother would be there," Quinn explained.
A friend of Prince Harry's said, "Harry definitely had second thoughts about turning down the invitation but he can’t bear the idea of being in the same building as his brother."
Quinn added, "Harry hates the idea of losing touch with his old friends and was close to Hugh Grosvenor, but attending a wedding with William as usher is just history repeating itself in the most painful way."
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