It is a sad state of affairs at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Montecito mansion as the Duke of Sussex is set to watch old friend Hugh Grosvenor's wedding on TV. The royal rebels declined to attend what has been billed as the "society wedding of the year" in Britain.
"The fact that he couldn’t be there will be a painful reminder of all that he has lost," royal author Tom Quinn told a publication.
"But then he knew that if he attended the wedding, he would come face to face with his brother, who is Grosvenor’s best man," he added. "It's a situation that an expert says will be leaving Harry feeling overlooked by his friend. Harry will be watching Hugh Grosvenor‘s wedding with very mixed feelings."
Prince William and his elder brother seem to be the source of all the fiery-haired princes' frustrations, as Quinn continued: "Grosvenor’s wedding brought up other sadnesses for Harry — he had hoped to be asked to be best man but now feels that once again he is overlooked in favor of his brother. At every turn, he is made to feel second choice, second best. Always the spare."
The Prince of Wales will be performing usher duties at the nuptials, which had many analysts and insiders suggesting his presence was the singular reason Harry was skeptical of attending.
"Totally because of Big Willy playing a major part as an usher for the big day," a palace insider spilled. "How could anyone fail to see this is the reason Harry is refusing to attend? How exactly, unless you are delusional or biased?"
Another insider shared how Grosvenor "is a lot closer in age to Harry, whereas William is eight or nine years older."
They added: "When they were growing up, Harry and Hugh were much closer. Hugh was a young boy when William was in his late teens and early twenties. That’s why this has all come as such a shock."
Grosvenor, who will wed Olivia Henson, is the richest Briton under the age of 40.
A friend of the bride and groom stated: "It means a lot to the couple to be getting married at Chester Cathedral, it is where they will be putting down roots for the future. They are making a conscious effort to involve local and regional suppliers in several aspects of their day. The couple are incredibly grateful for the support and messages of congratulations they have received, especially from people in the region."
The Prince of Wales and Duke of Sussex have reportedly not spoken to one another since September 2022.
Daily Mirror reported on Quinn's comments.