Prince Harry’s reported exclusion from cousin Peter Phillips’ upcoming wedding has sparked renewed attention on 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.
Prince Harry will reportedly not be on the guest list for cousin Peter Phillips’ upcoming wedding to Harriet Sperling, with royal insiders suggesting the decision reflects strained family dynamics and long-standing divisions within the royal household.
Royal commentator Emily Nash told Page Six that the exclusion appears to stem from a gradual cooling of relations between Harry and Phillips, noting that the two have reportedly not been in close contact for several years.
She added that Phillips is understood to be particularly close to the Prince of Wales, Prince William, and is highly protective of that relationship.
According to Nash, Phillips has long acted as a steady presence within the wider royal family, even serving as a calming figure during moments of tension, 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 Netflix documentary, may have further deepened the distance.
She also argued that keeping Harry off the guest list may help prevent the wedding from being overshadowed by royal drama, allowing the focus to remain on the couple’s celebration.
Senior Royals Expected At Peter Phillips’ Wedding As Family Dynamics Draw Attention
Senior royals, 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 members of the extended family, in m what Nash described as a more modern and blended royal gathering.
Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie will likely be present at the wedding, marking a notable appearance amid continued scrutiny of their father, Prince Andrew.
Nash suggested their presence could signal that they still hold a place within the wider family, though she emphasized that the event remains a private family occasion rather than an official royal engagement.
“It will kind of show that there is still a place for them within the family,” Nash said of their attendance, adding, “I think it’s going to be fascinating to see how they interact with other members of the family,” she said. However, their mother, Sarah Ferguson, is not expected to attend.
Prince Harry Blames The Future King For Alleged Wedding Snub, Insider Claims
Meanwhile, Harry reportedly believes William may have influenced his exclusion from the wedding, according to insider claims.
A source told 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 external pressure.
The insider alleged that Harry feels William has “pressured Peter to take sides,” adding that he had expected an invitation given their family ties.
Harry and Phillips have shared key moments over the years, including Phillips attending Harry’s 2018 wedding to Meghan Markle, as well as Harry’s presence at Phillips’ 2008 wedding to Autumn Kelly.
The Duke Of Sussex Was Left ‘Hurt’ By The Wedding Snub: ‘He Knows What A Bully William Can Be’
The royal source who spoke to The Examiner further claimed that Harry views the situation as part of a broader pattern of family estrangement.
However, the Duke of Sussex reportedly does not place all the blame on his cousin, Phillips, due to William’s influence when it comes to royal matters.
Harry is said to be “hurt” by the perceived snub but still understands Phillips’ position within the family dynamic.
“He knows what a bully William can be and how he likes to throw his weight around,” the insider added.
Meghan Markle Prioritizes Business Growth Amid Ongoing Royal Tensions, Says Author
Meanwhile, Meghan Markle is reportedly focusing on her own professional direction, with sources saying she is prioritizing her business ventures over ongoing royal-related controversies involving Harry.
Royal author Duncan Larcombe told The Mirror that Meghan is increasingly separating her brand-building efforts from the public narrative surrounding her husband.
His comments come amid renewed reports of Harry’s exclusion from royal events, including Phillips’ upcoming wedding.
Larcombe claimed that Meghan is concentrating on developing her lifestyle brand, As Ever, and shaping a more controlled, aspirational public image.
He suggested that while Harry remains frequently tied to royal disputes in the media, Meghan is working to distance herself from that narrative and maintain focus on her business ventures.
The author also alleged that the As Ever founder sees public appearances as part of a broader branding strategy, while “determined” and “focused” on carving out an independent path as a businesswoman, aiming to build a career that stands apart from ongoing royal drama.