Who's Attending Harry's Wedding? Obama's Invited Or Not?

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding was a star-studded affair, with the couple having many high-profile pals. However, the Obamas were not on the guest list. A Kensington Palace spokesman explained that an official list of political leaders was not required for the wedding, and that the decision was made by the Royal Household. While Harry and Meghan have become close to the Obamas, their guest list was reserved for long-standing friends they have known for years.

Harry and Meghan's wedding was not an official state occasion

A Kensington Palace spokesman explained:

> "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. Her Majesty's Government was consulted on this decision, which was taken by The Royal Household."

This meant that the guest list was largely made up of close friends of the couple, and members of the public, rather than dignitaries and politicians.

Harry and Meghan's wedding was also not declared a bank holiday, which is another way in which it differed from an official state occasion. The wedding was held on a Saturday, which broke with royal tradition, as royal weddings usually take place on a weekday.

The decision not to invite political leaders was partly due to the limitations of the venue, and also took into account Harry's position as sixth in line to the throne. The only politician invited was former Prime Minister Sir John Major, who was appointed as a special guardian to William and Harry after the death of their mother, Princess Diana.

Despite the absence of political leaders, the wedding was still a star-studded affair, with guests including George and Amal Clooney, Serena Williams, Priyanka Chopra, David and Victoria Beckham, and Oprah Winfrey.

Harry and Meghan's wedding venue was smaller than William and Kate's

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding venue was smaller than that of Prince William and Kate Middleton's. Harry and Meghan chose to tie the knot at St. George's Chapel in Windsor Castle, which has a capacity of around 800 people. In contrast, William and Kate got married in Westminster Abbey, London, which can accommodate up to 2,000 guests.

The more intimate setting of St. George's Chapel reflected Harry and Meghan's desire to have a low-key and relaxed wedding. They were not obligated to invite world leaders, heads of state, or political figures as William and Kate had done, allowing them to focus on friends and family. The guest list included celebrity friends such as Oprah Winfrey, George and Amal Clooney, and Serena Williams, as well as members of the public who were recognised for their community contributions.

While the venue was smaller, Harry and Meghan's wedding still captivated audiences worldwide. In the United States, more people tuned in to watch their wedding than William and Kate's, with 29 million Americans across 15 channels. The choice of venue and guest list showcased Harry and Meghan's unique style and their intention to forge their own path as royals.

Harry and Meghan's wedding was a private ceremony

The ceremony was a traditional Anglican service, conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby. The wedding was noted for its inclusion of African-American culture, with a gospel choir singing "Stand By Me" and the couple walking out to Etta James' "This Little Light of Mine". Meghan's bouquet included forget-me-nots, Princess Diana's favourite flower, and her veil was embroidered with flowers from all 53 countries of the Commonwealth.

The bride and groom exchanged vows, with Meghan notably omitting the word "obey". They shared their first married kiss on the steps of St. George's Chapel, before hopping into an open-top Ascot carriage for a procession through the streets.

Following the ceremony, the Queen hosted a lunchtime reception in St. George's Hall, with 600 guests in attendance. Elton John performed a mini-concert, and Harry gave an impromptu speech. Later in the day, Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles hosted a more intimate evening reception at Frogmore House for 200 close friends of the couple.

While it was rumoured that Harry and Meghan had a private ceremony in their backyard three days before the official wedding, the Archbishop of Canterbury has since confirmed that the legal wedding took place on the Saturday, and any other meetings were private and pastoral.

Harry and Meghan's wedding was not attended by any political leaders

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding was a star-studded affair, with the couple having many high-profile friends. However, the guest list did not include any political leaders, including Barack and Michelle Obama. A Kensington Palace spokesman explained that "an official list of political leaders—both UK and international—is not required" for the wedding, and that the royal household made this decision in consultation with the UK government. This meant that other political figures such as Donald Trump and Theresa May were also not in attendance.

The decision to exclude political leaders from the guest list was likely due to diplomatic reasons and the British royal family's tradition of remaining politically neutral. Royal biographer Duncan Larcombe suggested that the British government may have advised the couple to exclude the Obamas to avoid any political overtones. Additionally, the wedding was not an official state occasion, so there was no expectation to invite political leaders.

Despite the Obamas' absence, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have a close relationship with them. Harry and Barack Obama forged a genuine friendship over the years, bonding at the 2017 Invictus Games and the Obama Foundation Summit. Harry even interviewed Obama for BBC Radio 4's Today programme. The Obamas were also reportedly close to Meghan Markle, with Michelle working alongside her on behalf of veterans.

While the Obamas were not invited to the wedding, a royal source stated that the couples looked forward to seeing each other soon, indicating that the relationship was amicable despite the diplomatic considerations.

Harry and Michelle Obama have a close relationship

Harry and Michelle's friendship has been evident in their mutual support for each other's initiatives. Michelle supported Harry's Invictus Games in 2017, and Harry attended the first Obama Foundation Summit. In addition, Obama sent the royal couple a congratulatory tweet when they announced their engagement. The Invictus Games, an international sporting event for sick and injured veterans and serving military members, is a cause particularly close to both Harry and Michelle's hearts, given their shared commitment to honouring and supporting veterans.

Harry and Michelle's friendship has also been marked by their collaboration on various projects. Harry chose to interview Obama for his guest editorship of BBC Radio 4's Today programme, showcasing their mutual admiration and respect for each other's work. Their close relationship has even sparked rumours of a potential Obama wedding attendance, indicating the special bond they share.

The Invictus Games provided an opportunity for Harry and Michelle to connect and forge a genuine friendship. Their relationship has grown stronger through their shared interests and dedication to veteran support. Harry and Michelle's friendship transcends their professional lives, as evidenced by their willingness to engage in lighthearted interactions. This close relationship has sparked speculation about the Obamas' potential involvement in Harry's wedding, even though they ultimately did not attend due to the event's diplomatic nature.

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