Will The Obamas Attend The Royal Wedding?

Barack and Michelle Obama did not receive an invitation to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding. The couple's close friendship with Prince Harry was hindered by their connection to the White House, which prevented them from landing a spot on the guest list. A Kensington Palace spokesperson stated that an official list of political leaders—both U.K. and international—is not required for the wedding, and that all guests would know the couple personally. This decision was also influenced by the size of the venue, as the church had a maximum capacity of 900 guests.

The Obamas were not invited to Harry and Meghan's wedding

A Kensington Palace spokesperson explained that "an official list of political leaders—both UK and international— [was] not required" for the wedding, as Prince Harry is not a future king. This decision was made in consultation with the UK government and the royal household. It is worth noting that Harry's wedding to Meghan Markle was also considerably smaller than his brother William's wedding to Kate Middleton in 2011, where foreign royals, Commonwealth governors-general, ambassadors, senior religious figures, and politicians from around the world were invited due to William's position as a future monarch.

The decision not to invite political leaders was not limited to the Obamas; UK political leaders Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn, as well as US President Donald Trump, were also not in attendance. While this may have been a disappointment to some, it is important to note that the guest list for Harry and Meghan's wedding was carefully curated to include those with a close relationship to the couple.

Despite not being invited to the wedding, the Obamas remained on good terms with the royal couple. A royal source stated, "President and Mrs. Obama are not coming to the wedding, but the couples look forward to seeing each other soon." This sentiment was echoed by sources who shared that while the Obamas would not be present at the wedding, they "are very much looking forward to seeing [Harry and Meghan] soon."

The couple are friends, but the Obamas understood

The Obamas were not invited to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding. Despite the former first couple's close friendship with Prince Harry, their connection to the White House prevented them from landing a spot on the guest list. This was also the case for other political leaders in the U.K. and internationally, such as the Trumps and British Prime Minister Theresa May.

A Kensington Palace spokesperson told the Daily Express:

> "It has been decided that an official list of political leaders—both U.K. and international—is not required for Prince Harry and Ms. Markle's wedding. Her Majesty's Government was consulted on this decision, which was taken by The Royal Household."

Since Harry is not a future king like Prince William, "official guests" such as heads of state were not necessary. All the guests present at St. George's Chapel on the day of the wedding knew the couple personally.

Although the Obamas were not present when Harry and Meghan got married, a royal source said that "the couples look forward to seeing each other soon". This was echoed by sources who told the Daily Mail that although the Obamas won't be there to see them say "I do", they "are very much looking forward to seeing them soon".

The Obamas understood the reasons for their absence from the wedding. Royal biographer Duncan Larcombe said that the British government had likely pleaded with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to exclude Michelle and Barack for diplomatic reasons. Larcombe added that the British royal family have historically remained politically neutral and that "diplomacy is very important".

The Obamas sent congratulations to a same-sex couple who invited them to their wedding

In a heartwarming gesture, former US President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle Obama, sent a congratulatory message to a same-sex couple who had invited them to their wedding. Bree and Jean Woodrum, the couple in question, shared their excitement on TikTok after receiving a response from the Obamas, which included a letter bearing their signatures.

The Woodrums, who reside in Richmond, Virginia, had extended invitations to several famous individuals, including the Obamas, while preparing for their wedding in September 2023. Bree Woodrum explained that the Obamas were at the top of their list because Barack Obama's legalization of gay marriage allowed them to marry as a same-sex couple. She also expressed her admiration for the Obamas as a "powerhouse couple" and her fond memories of his presidency.

Months after sending out the invitations, the Woodrums received a response from the Obamas. In a video posted to TikTok, Bree can be seen eagerly waiting for her wife, Jean, to return home from work so they could open the letter together. The letter, addressed specifically to Bree and Jean, began with warm congratulations and well-wishes for their marriage. It continued, "This occasion marks the beginning of a lifelong partnership, and as you embark on this journey, know that you have our very best for the many joys and adventures that lie ahead."

The Woodrums were delighted to discover that the Obamas' signatures on the letter were handwritten, indicating that the couple had personally handled the letter. Bree's video sharing their experience has garnered over 2.7 million views, with many commenters expressing their excitement and sending well-wishes to the newlyweds.

While the Obamas were not able to attend the Woodrums' wedding, they have a history of responding to invitations and sending congratulatory messages to couples celebrating their marriages. Even after leaving the White House, the Obamas continue to send replies to people celebrating significant life events, demonstrating their ongoing connection and support for their fellow Americans.

Michelle and Barack Obama married in Chicago in 1992

The Obamas were not invited to the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. A Kensington Palace spokesperson explained that an official list of political leaders was not required for the wedding, and that all guests would know the couple personally. It was also noted that there is precedent for US presidents not to attend royal weddings.

Barack and Michelle Obama were married long before their time in the White House. The couple wed in 1992, marking 31 years of marriage in 2024. They first met in 1989 when Michelle was assigned to mentor Barack at a Chicago law firm. Their first date included lunch at the Art Institute of Chicago, a walk in the park, and a movie. They got engaged in 1991 at Gordon's restaurant in Chicago, celebrating Barack passing the bar exam.

On October 3, 1992, the Obamas tied the knot at the Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago. Their first dance was to Stevie Wonder's "You and I". After the ceremony, they held their wedding reception at the South Shore Cultural Center and honeymooned along the California coast.

The couple spent the early years of their marriage in Chicago, where they both worked in law. They had their first child, Malia, in 1998, and their second, Sasha, in 2001. In 2004, Barack Obama was elected to the US Senate, catapulting the family into the national spotlight.

Photos from the Obamas' wedding day are hard to find

Barack and Michelle Obama were not invited to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding. A Kensington Palace spokesperson told the *Daily Express* that "it has been decided that an official list of political leaders—both UK and international—is not required" for the wedding. This decision was made in consultation with the royal household and the UK government.

Now, on to the Obamas' wedding day. Photos from the former first couple's wedding day are hard to find. However, here is a description of their wedding, which took place on October 3, 1992, in Chicago.

Michelle and Barack Obama were married at the Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago. The bride's brother walked her down the aisle, and the groom's brother, Abon'go Malik Obama, served as best man. The bride wore a traditional off-the-shoulder, long-sleeved gown, a poofy veil, and statement drop-pearl earrings. Her bridesmaids, including Barack's sisters, Maya and Auma, wore black dresses with Bardot-style necklines and puffed sleeves. The reception was held at the South Shore Cultural Center, where the couple danced most of the night to their first dance song, "You and I" by Stevie Wonder. The couple then jetted off to California for their honeymoon.

One of the rare images of their special day was published in 2018 on Michelle's personal Instagram profile, 26 years after their engagement. In the caption, she wrote:

> "It doesn't show in this photo, but Barack woke up on our wedding day in October 1992 with a horrible cold. Somehow, by the time I found him at the altar, the cold had miraculously disappeared and we ended up dancing most of the night.”

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