As the Royal Wedding approaches, many have speculated who the attendees will be. Over the past few months, there has been much debate over whether the Obama’s or President Trump should be invited. The Palace announced yesterday, “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,” a Kensington Palace spokesman said.
“Her Majesty’s Government was consulted on this decision, which was taken by the Royal Household,” they continued.
President Barack Obama talks with the Duke of Cambridge while the Duchess of Cambridge plays with Prince George; at left First Lady Michelle Obama speaks with Prince Harry of Wales, at Kensington Palace in London 22 April 2016. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
Considering the friendship that has blossomed between the Obama’s and Prince Harry, it would seem quite natural to add them to the guest list. Former President Barack Obama supported Harry during the last year’s Invictus Games, while Michelle Obama attended the previous year in Orlando, demonstrating the closeness of their friendship.
In April 2009, after being inaugurated as President of the United States, Barack Obama travelled to the United Kingdom for his first official visit. This would be the first of five visits Obama would make to the UK during his eight years in office. During the Obamas’ last trip in 2016, the couple met The Queen at Windsor Castle before meeting the former Prime Minister David Cameron.
President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama attend a State Banquet hosted by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace in London, England, 24 May 2011. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)
Since taking office, President Donald Trump has not yet formed a close relationship with the Royal Family, making his lack of an invitation to the wedding quite reasonable. In 2016, Meghan Markle gave an interview on The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore, in which she described Trump in a very unflattering way.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on their wedding day. Photo: Robbie Dale (CC BY-SA 2.0)/Wikimedia Commons
The wedding day of Prince Harry will be very different to that of his brother, Prince William, which reflects their positions. William will one day be King, making his wedding to then-Kate Middleton a political affair. Harry’s wedding will not have any political figures, creating a more intimate vibe. Only people with a direct connection with the couple will be attending the impending nuptials. St George’s Chapel is quite smaller, which is also another reason the couple is said to have kept the guest list more private. Regardless of his relation to the direct line of succession, royal fans will undoubtedly do what they can to get a glimpse of the beloved Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on their wedding day.
