Obama's Royal Invite: Harry's Wedding Guest List

There was much speculation about whether former US President Barack Obama would be invited to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding. Some sources claimed that Harry and Meghan had decided to invite the Obamas, despite the potential for diplomatic issues with the US. However, others reported that Harry and Meghan would not be inviting Obama, as they did not want to cause a diplomatic row with then-President Donald Trump, who was not invited. Ultimately, no political leaders were in attendance at the royal wedding, including Barack and Michelle Obama.

Harry and Meghan's decision to invite the Obamas was against aides' advice

Harry and Meghan were determined to "do things their own way", and their friendship with the Obamas was a key factor in their decision. The two couples had grown close over the years, with Harry and Obama bonding over their shared interest in sports and their wives, Michelle and Meghan, working together on projects.

The potential diplomatic fallout was a serious concern, however. The British government worried that inviting a former US president without inviting the current president could cause offence and strain the relationship between the two countries. There were also concerns about causing a diplomatic timebomb if Trump felt snubbed by the Obamas' presence.

Ultimately, Harry and Meghan decided to extend the invitation to the Obamas, leaving the final decision to the former president and first lady themselves. While it is not known whether the Obamas attended the wedding, their presence would have been a notable moment in the ceremony.

The Obamas were not invited to avoid causing a diplomatic row with the Trumps

The Obamas were not invited to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding to avoid causing a diplomatic row with the Trumps. The wedding, which took place on Saturday, May 19, 2018, was a private affair with no official list of political leaders in attendance. This decision was made by the Royal Household, in consultation with Her Majesty's Government.

Speculation was rife in the lead-up to the wedding that former US President Barack Obama and Prince Harry's close friendship would result in an invitation to the royal wedding. However, it was feared that such a move would outrage current US President Donald Trump and strain diplomatic ties between the two countries.

A royal source confirmed that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle wanted to "do things their own way" and that the final decision on invitations was theirs. Nonetheless, the potential diplomatic fallout from inviting one US President over another was a significant consideration.

Royal biographer Duncan Larcombe commented that the British government's pleas to exclude the Obamas were likely true, stating that "diplomacy is very important" and that the royal family has historically remained politically neutral. He added that the Foreign Office, responsible for protecting and promoting British interests worldwide, typically advises inviting foreign royals, dignitaries, and diplomats to royal weddings.

The size of the venue, St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle, which can accommodate up to 900 guests, was also a factor influencing the guest list. Ultimately, the decision to exclude political leaders, including the Obamas and Trumps, from the wedding guest list was made to avoid causing any political or diplomatic rows.

Harry and Obama's friendship is said to go beyond work

Royal biographer Duncan Larcombe acknowledged that the pair had forged a "very genuine friendship" over the years. He said: "I think part of their understanding is that Harry served as a soldier at the time when Obama was Commander-in-Chief. But there's a different friendship there, rather than like a business relationship."

Harry and Obama's friendship was also described as a "bromance" by Women.com. The two men were spotted hanging out together at the Invictus Games, and Obama agreed to be interviewed by Harry for BBC Radio 4.

Despite their close relationship, Harry and his then-fiancée Meghan Markle decided not to invite Obama to their wedding. It was feared that such a move would outrage then-US President Donald Trump, who was also not invited, and rock diplomatic ties between the US and the UK.

The Obamas sent their good wishes to the couple via Twitter

The Obamas did not attend the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. However, they did send their good wishes to the couple via Twitter. "We wish you a lifetime of joy and happiness together," they tweeted after the couple announced their engagement.

The Obamas' absence at the wedding was due to diplomatic reasons. A Kensington Palace spokesman said that no official list of political leaders was needed for the wedding. "Her Majesty's Government was consulted on this decision, which was taken by The Royal Household," they added.

Prince Harry and Barack Obama are known to have a close friendship. They have been photographed together at the 2017 Invictus Games, and Harry has interviewed the former president for BBC Radio 4's Today programme. Despite this, it was decided that inviting the Obamas could cause a diplomatic row with the US, as President Donald Trump was not invited.

Harry and Meghan were also advised by aides not to invite the Obamas, but they chose to send out the RSVP, leaving the final decision to the Obamas. Ultimately, the Obamas did not attend the wedding, but they did extend their well wishes to the happy couple.

The Obamas were not invited to Harry's wedding, but they were invited to Princess Eugenie's

The Obamas were not invited to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding. The couple's decision not to invite political leaders to their wedding was influenced by the venue's size and the potential for diplomatic issues.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were wed on May 19, 2018, at St. George's Chapel in Windsor Castle. The venue's capacity was 900 guests, less than half the number invited to Prince William and Kate Middleton's wedding in 2011.

In the lead-up to the wedding, there was much speculation about whether former US President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle Obama, would be invited. Obama and Prince Harry had a well-publicised friendship, and Obama had even tweeted his congratulations to the couple upon their engagement. However, it was ultimately decided that no political leaders would be in attendance at the wedding, including Barack and Michelle Obama.

The decision not to invite the Obamas was reportedly influenced by diplomatic considerations. There were concerns that inviting the Obamas without inviting the current US President, Donald Trump, could cause a diplomatic row and strain the relationship between the US and the UK. Additionally, there were reports that the British government had advised against inviting the Obamas to avoid offending Trump.

In contrast, Princess Eugenie, Prince Harry's cousin, did invite the Obamas to her wedding in 2018. The Obamas were not able to attend, but their presence on the guest list did not cause the same level of speculation and debate as it did for Prince Harry's wedding.

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