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Obama, Trump, Theresa May not on Prince Harry's wedding guest list

April 10, 2018 23:45 IST

Instead, 1,200 members of the public who are perceived by the couple to have made an impact within their community have been invited.

British Prime Minister Theresa May and United States President Donald Trump are among the world leaders who have not been invited to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding next month.

Kensington Palace said that in a departure from usual protocol, no "official list of political leaders" will be compiled for the royal wedding on May 19 at Windsor Castle.

 

Instead, 1,200 members of the public who are perceived by the couple to have made an impact within their community have been invited alongside guests with a close relationship to the couple.

"It has been decided that an official list of political leaders – both UK and international – is not required for Prince Harry and Markle's wedding. Her Majesty's government was consulted on this decision, which was taken by the royal household," said a spokesperson for Prince Harry, the fifth in line to the British throne.

It has also been confirmed that former US President and First Lady, Barack and Michelle Obama, who are friends of Harry, have also been left out of the guest list.

The decision was reportedly made based on the size of the wedding venue, St George's Chapel, and the fact Prince Harry is much further down the line of accession.

The guest list for the wedding of Prince William, second in line to the throne, and Kate Middleton in 2011 included foreign royals, Commonwealth governors-general, ambassadors, senior religious figures and many politicians from around the world.

The royal couple had already announced plans to invite members of the public and some of those who have already received their invitation in the post include a 12-year-old girl injured in the terrorist attack during an Ariana Grande concert at Manchester Arena in May last year.

Amelia Thompson had damaged her vocal chords from screaming in horror in the aftermath of the suicide bombing.

Prince Harry, 33, and Meghan Markle, 36, are set for a very different kind of royal wedding, having announced on Monday that guests should consider donations to their chosen charities in place of showering them with wedding gifts.

Among their chosen charities is Myna Mahila Foundation, an organisation that works with women in Mumbai's slums to provide them with employment opportunities.

Aditi Khanna
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