Barack Obama Is Not Attending Prince Harry’s Wedding and We Are Heartbroken

Organizing a wedding and locking down a guest list is a tricky enough business, but when you’re a royal, it’s a whole different ballgame. Case in point: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are not inviting some very important people to their upcoming nuptials.

The Daily Mail has reported that Meghan and Harry are leaving former US President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle Obama, current President Donald Trump, and UK Prime Minister Theresa May off the guest list for their special day because Harry isn’t heir to the throne, so the invite list doesn’t need to be that formal.

“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,” a Kensington Palace spokesperson said. “Her Majesty’s Government was consulted on this decision, which was taken by The Royal Household.”

The Sun previously claimed that UK government officials had voiced warnings over Harry’s wish to invite Barack and Michelle to the wedding. Politicians have been said to have “deep fears” about how Trump would have reacted if he were to be snubbed from the guest list, while his predecessor scored an invite.

“Harry has made it clear he wants the Obamas at the wedding, so it’s causing a lot of nervousness,” a senior government source told the British tabloid late last year. “Trump could react very badly if the Obamas get to a royal wedding before he has had a chance to meet the Queen. Conversations are ongoing about and ministers will eventually have to decide. If the PM lays down the law, Harry will just have to suck it up.”

Prince Harry has made several public appearances with the Obamas during their time in the White House and beyond, always notably looking to be at ease and enjoying himself. In early December, Harry roped in his friend to be interviewed by him for a BBC radio show. Harry has yet to meet Donald Trump, but his daughter Ivanka Trump was slammed after offering up a late congratulations to Harry and Meghan on Twitter.

The wedding guest list is in the hands of Buckingham Palace as the event is not a state occasion, but the UK government can consult on it. But even though Harry wanted Barack and Michelle there, it seems he won’t get his way. Perhaps we can just take their place?

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Parts of this post were written by Emily Kerr. They originally appeared on our sister site, Now to Love.