Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will not attend the wedding of Hugh Grosvenor, the Duke of Westminster, a development reported by the Sunday Times. The event is scheduled for June 7, 2024, at Chester Cathedral, and it will mark the union of the Duke’s long-standing partner Olivia Henson with a historic lineage that ties back through generations to the Romanov era in Russia. Hugh Grosvenor, described as a great-great-great grandson of Alexander Pushkin and Natalia Goncharova, carries a family heritage that several commentators note goes beyond mere aristocratic tradition. His mother, Natalia Grosvenor, is identified as a key link in that lineage. Beyond titles and ancestry, Hugh has also been observed in circles close to the British royal family, forming friendships with Prince Harry and becoming a godfather to Harry’s son Archie. This intertwining of families has often been highlighted by royal watchers as a sign of enduring personal connections amid public life.
Observers describe a sense of disappointment around the decision not to bring Harry and Meghan to the ceremony. An insider—speaking on condition of anonymity—emphasized how Hugh continues to maintain lines of communication with both William and Harry, aiming to keep tensions from spilling into the wedding day. The person noted that Hugh wants the celebration to remain focused on Olivia and the couple’s future, rather than allowing residual disagreements to cast a pall over the proceedings. The insider added that Hugh hopes for reconciliation among the parties involved, even if a full resolution remains unlikely ahead of the event. The overall sentiment, as conveyed by those close to the matter, centers on a desire to prevent awkwardness and preserve the dignity of the occasion for the bride and groom.
In the wake of these developments, it was announced that the role of best man at the wedding would be given to Prince William, shifting the traditional lineup in a way that reflects the evolving arrangements within the royal network. This change has been interpreted by some observers as a practical response to the realities of the moment, allowing the bride and groom and their families to maintain a sense of unity as the ceremony approaches. Royal commentators have noted that such adjustments are not uncommon in large, high-profile weddings, where personal dynamics can influence ceremonial roles while still honoring longstanding family responsibilities.
Separately, royal biographers have revisited the cultural moments surrounding Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle, including discussions about how the women have illustrated or invoked Princess Diana in public appearances. These reflections—often framed within the broader narrative of the modern monarchy—highlight the enduring influence of Diana’s public persona on today’s royal public image. As the wedding day draws nearer, analysts continue to explore how past relationships and shared history shape the present conversations within royal circles, even as the couple at the center moves forward with their plans and commitments.