Prince Harry’s The reported exclusion from cousin Peter Phillips’ upcoming wedding has sparked renewed attention to ongoing tensions within the royal family.
Insiders claim the Duke of Sussex believes Prince William may have influenced the decision, deepening existing divisions between the brothers.
Royal commentators suggest the guest list reflects strained relationships and a desire to avoid overshadowing the ceremony with family drama involving Prince Harry.
Refusal of Prince Harry’s wedding invitation linked to ongoing tensions in royal family, sources say
Prince Harry is reportedly not on the guest list for cousin Peter Phillips’ upcoming wedding to Harriet Sperling, with royal sources suggesting the decision reflects strained family dynamics and long-standing divisions within the royal household.
Royal commentator Emily Nash said Page six that the exclusion appears to stem from a gradual cooling in relations between Harry and Phillips, noting that the two have reportedly not been in close contact for several years.
She added that Phillips is particularly close to the Prince of Wales, Prince William, and is very protective of the relationship.
According to Nash, Phillips has long acted as a constant presence within the wider royal family, even serving as a calming figure during tense moments, including Prince Philip’s funeral in 2021, when he was positioned between Harry and William.
She suggested that ongoing family disagreements, combined with Harry’s public revelations in his memoir “Spare” and in the Netflix documentary, may have deepened the distance further.
She also argued that keeping Harry off the guest list could help prevent the wedding from being overshadowed by royal drama, allowing the focus to remain on celebrating the couple.
Royals expected at Peter Phillips’ wedding as family dynamic draws attention
Royal family members including William and Princess Kate are expected to attend the June 6 ceremony, with King Charles also likely to make an appearance.
Zara Tindall and Mike Tindall are also expected, alongside several extended family members, in what Nash described as a more modern and mixed royal gathering.
Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie will likely attend the wedding, marking a notable appearance amid the scrutiny of their father, Prince Andrew.
Nash suggested their presence could signal that they still hold a place within the extended family, although she stressed that the event remains a private family occasion rather than an official royal engagement.
“It will kind of show that there’s still a place for them within the family,” Nash said of their presence, adding, “I think it’s going to be fascinating to see how they interact with other family members,” she said. However, their mother, Sarah Ferguson, is not expected to attend.
Prince Harry blames future king for alleged wedding snub, insiders say
Meanwhile, Harry believes William may have influenced his exclusion from the marriage, according to inside reports.
A source said The examiner that the Duke of Sussex sees William’s close relationship with Phillips as a possible factor, suggesting he would not have been left off the guest list without outside pressure.
The source claimed Harry believed William had “pressured Peter to take sides”, adding that he expected an invitation given their family ties.
Harry and Phillips have shared key moments over the years, including Phillips’ attendance at Harry’s wedding to Meghan Markle in 2018, as well as Harry’s attendance at Phillips’ wedding to Autumn Kelly in 2008.
The Duke of Sussex was ‘hurt’ by his marriage snub: ‘He knows how much of a tyrant William can be’
The royal source who spoke to The Examiner further claimed that Harry saw the situation as part of a larger pattern of family estrangement.
However, the Duke of Sussex would not place all the blame on his cousin Phillips, due to William’s influence on royal affairs.
Harry is said to be “hurt” by the perceived snub, but still understands Phillips’ position within the family dynamic.
“He knows how much of a bully William can be and how he likes to go all out,” the insider added.
Meghan Markle prioritizes growing her business amid ongoing royal tensions, says author
Meanwhile, Meghan Markle is reportedly focusing on her own professional direction, with sources saying she is prioritizing her businesses over ongoing royal controversies involving Harry.
Royal author Duncan Larcombe said The mirror that Meghan is increasingly separating her brand-building efforts from the public narrative surrounding her husband.
His comments come amid new reports of Harry’s exclusion from royal events, including Phillips’ upcoming wedding.
Larcombe claimed that Meghan was focused on developing her lifestyle brand, As Ever, and forming a more controlled and aspirational public image.
He suggested that while Harry remains frequently linked to royal conflicts in the media, Meghan is working to distance herself from that narrative and stay focused on her business ventures.
The author also alleged that the As Ever founder views public appearances as part of a broader branding strategy, while being “determined” and “focused” on charting an independent path as a businesswoman, with the aim of building a career that stands out from the ongoing royal drama.