Members of the Royal Family came together in a scenic countryside setting to celebrate the wedding of Peter Phillips and Harriet Sperling over the weekend. The noticeable absence of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle was a topic of discussion. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were reportedly not included in the guest list for the wedding ceremony, which united Peter, 48, and Harriet, 45, in marriage at a small church gathering.
The joyous newlyweds were all smiles as they exited the church as a married couple, sharing happy moments with guests. Following the ceremony, the couple, who began their relationship in 2024, enjoyed further festivities with family and friends near Princess Anne’s Gatcombe Park estate.
Unlike previous royal weddings, Peter and Harriet opted for a more intimate celebration. Both had been married before, with Peter having divorced Autumn Kelly in 2021 and Harriet having separated from Antonio St John Sperling. While the guest list was kept modest, the absence of Harry and Meghan raised questions about their exclusion.
Reports suggest that despite a once-close relationship between Peter and Harry, the Duke of Sussex was not invited to the wedding due to a lack of recent communication between the two. Allegedly, the cousins drifted apart over the years, particularly after Harry’s relocation to the United States.
The ongoing strained relationship between Harry and much of the Royal Family has been highlighted by this reported snub. Past events, such as the fallout from Peter’s previous wedding to Autumn Kelly in 2008, have contributed to the rift between Harry and his cousin. The decision to sell exclusive wedding photos to a magazine without Harry’s knowledge reportedly soured their relationship.
The absence of Harry and Meghan, along with other notable figures like Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Sarah Ferguson, from the guest list underscored the divisions within the Royal Family. Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie made a rare appearance at the gathering, marking their first inclusion in a major royal event since their father’s controversies.
As the senior royals showed up in full support of Peter’s wedding, the absence of Harry served as a reminder of the lingering family tensions. While the Sussexes were far away in California, their non-attendance may reignite discussions about the unresolved rifts within the Royal Family.