Phone call behind Prince Harry’s high-profile absence at close pal’s wedding

New details have surfaced about the awkward phone call that had to be made as an incredibly tense Harry and William scenario arose.

New details have surfaced about why Prince Harry will not be attending his close friend’s lavish wedding in the UK later this week, following reports he’d been left off the guest list.

The announcement that Hugh Grosvenor, the Duke of Westminster, was set to marry his fiancee, Olivia Henson, months ago quickly sparked speculation about how the delicate issue of Harry and his estranged brother, Prince William, would be handled.

The pair grew up with the duke – or “Hughie” as he’s known within his inner circle – and he’s even godfather to Harry and Meghan’s son, Prince Archie.

However, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be at home in California when the exclusive society wedding takes place in Chester, England, on Friday – while the Prince of Wales has been honoured with the role of usher at the ceremony.

Kate, the Princess of Wales, is not expected to attend due to her ongoing cancer treatment.

Conflicting reports have swirled about whether it was Harry or Hugh who ultimately decided he shouldn’t be there for the big day, but according to the UK’s Times, it was the result of a phone call where they both came to a “civilised understanding”.

Harry and Meghan will not be at the wedding. Picture: Emmanuel Osodi/Anadolu via Getty Images

Hugh Grosvenor and Olivia Henson’s society wedding will see William serve as an usher. Picture: Grosvenor 2023

When Harry’s looming lack of attendance was first reported last year, a friend of the warring brothers described the situation as “incredibly sad”.

“It’s incredibly sad it has come to this. Hugh is one of the very few close friends of William and Harry’s who has maintained strong bonds and a line of communication with both,” the source told the Times.

“He wishes they could put their heads together and patch things up, but realises it’s unlikely to happen before the wedding. He wanted to avoid anything overshadowing the day, especially for Olivia, and doesn’t want any awkwardness.”

There’s been no sign of any easing of tension between Harry and William, with the latter reportedly still furious about his brother’s heavy public criticism of himself and Kate since leaving royal duties.

Charles - who is Hugh’s godfather - will also be absent from the event. Picture: Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Meanwhile, Harry’s absence at the Duke of Westminster’s wedding may be the most high-profile, but he’s not the only royal unable to attend.

King Charles, who is the duke’s godfather, is also likely to skip the occasion. The monarch, who recently returned to public-facing engagements during his cancer treatment, will be travelling to France alongside Queen Camilla and William for D-Day commemorations the day prior.

Regardless, it’s still on track to be a massive event, with over 400 guests invited to witness the nuptials at Chester Cathedral.

Following the service, guests will attend an opulent reception at the Grosvenors’ nearby 11,000-acre estate, Eaton Hall, the couples’ new home.

On June 8, a second, more intimate reception will be held at the same venue.