The society wedding of the year is less than three weeks away, but King Charles and Queen Camilla still haven’t confirmed their attendance, I hear.
And the delay has caused heated speculation among friends and family of the Duke of Westminster, Hugh Grosvenor, and his future wife, Olivia Henson.
“Their Majesties have not forgotten what happened at Hugh’s sister’s wedding,” a source told me. “There is still a lot of tension.”
The King and Queen chose to decline their invitations to the 2004 wedding of the Duke’s sister, Lady Tamara Grosvenor, and Edward van Cutsem, a godson of Her Majesty. It took place at the same venue as the Duke’s wedding next month: Chester Cathedral.
Camilla Parker Bowles, as she then was, had been informed that she would not be allowed to sit with Prince Charles and would instead be seated several rows back and would be required to arrive separately . Indeed, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip were present at the ceremony, alongside Princes William and Harry.
The society wedding of the year is less than three weeks away, but King Charles and Queen Camilla still haven’t confirmed their attendance, I hear.
The Duke of Westminster, Hugh Grosvenor, and his future wife, Olivia Henson. The king and queen’s delay caused intense speculation among friends and family. “Their Majesties have not forgotten what happened at Hugh’s sister’s wedding,” a source told me. “There is still a lot of tension.”
Harry and Meghan have already been excluded from next month’s wedding, even though Hugh, whose fortune is estimated at £10 billion, is said to be godfather to their son Prince Archie. Hugh reportedly thought the Sussexes’ appearance could cause tension with the royal family.
According to royal author Sarah Bradford, Camilla was so furious that she told Charles the status quo was no longer acceptable. Their own engagement was announced three months later
“His Majesty is very attached to protocol,” explained a courtier. “It would be inappropriate for Ms. Parker Bowles to sit alongside Prince Charles as she has no official status.”
Tensions were heightened by reports that Emilie van Cutsem, the groom’s mother, and Camilla had a falling out after each criticized the behavior of the other’s children.
Charles finally excused himself from the event with days to go, saying he had to go to Warminster barracks to meet the families of soldiers serving in Iraq. Camilla was described as “otherwise engaged”.
According to royal author Sarah Bradford, Camilla was so furious that she told Charles the status quo was no longer acceptable. Their own engagement was announced three months later.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have already been ruled out of next month’s wedding, even though Hugh, whose fortune is estimated at £10 billion, is said to be godfather to their son Prince Archie.
Hugh reportedly thought the Sussexes’ appearance could cause tension with the royal family. Harry allegedly received a “to remember” email by mistake
The marriage of Lady Tamara Grosvenor and Edward van Cutsem. The King and Queen chose to decline their invitations to the 2004 wedding.
Chester Cathedral where the Duke’s wedding is set to take place next month
Hugh reportedly thought the Sussexes’ appearance could cause tension with the royal family. Harry allegedly received a “to remember” email by mistake
Prince Harry and Prince William at the wedding of Edward van Cutsem and Lady Tamara Grosvenor in 2004
The Prince and Princess of Wales and their eldest son, Prince George, Hugh’s godson, are invited to the wedding. However, Catherine is not expected to attend as she is undergoing treatment for cancer.
However, sources “close” to the Sussexes later said: “Harry called Hugh and told him it would be too awkward if he and Meghan Markle were there, so he apologized and Hugh understood.”
The Prince and Princess of Wales and their eldest son, Prince George, Hugh’s godson, are invited to the wedding. However, Catherine is not expected to attend as she is undergoing treatment for cancer.
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson declined to comment. The Duke of Westminster’s spokesperson also remains silent.
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