Prince Harry clears way for Prince William to perform major role with ‘diplomatic’ move

Prince Harry has cleared the way for Prince William to perform a major role this week with a “diplomatic” move, it has been reported. Despite being friends with the groom for many years, Prince Harry has chosen to step back and not attend the Duke of Westminster’s wedding on June 7.

After a source previously claimed that the decision would come as a “shock” to the groom and the Royal Family, William is set to be an usher on Friday. As reported by The Times, a source said: “It is understood that a civilised understanding was reached between the Duke [of Westminster] and Harry over the phone. It’s a long way to come from California, after all.”

Speaking of a”diplomatic” move, they added: “Harry was invited but then agreed to stay away. The Duke’s diplomacy then cleared the way for William to perform the role of usher during Friday’s ceremony — a job that would have been beyond awkward if he was obliged to show Harry to his pew, even though he might enjoy telling him where to go.”

The Princess of Wales is not set to join William as she is still undergoing cancer treatment following her diagnosis earlier this year. Hugh Grosvenor, the 7th Duke of Westminster is marrying Olivia Henson at Chester Cathedral on Friday. A source recently stated that Harry’s absence on Friday is due to him not ready to be in the same room as William. Speaking to the Mirror, royal author Tom Quinn said: “Harry’s decision not to attend his old friend Hugh Grosvenor’s wedding was probably inevitable once he realised his brother would be there.

“A friend of Harry’s said: ‘Harry definitely had second thoughts about turning down the invitation to Hugh’s wedding but he can’t bear the idea of being in the same building as his brother let alone the same room’.” Speaking of the pair’s friendship, Mr Quinn added: “Harry hates the idea of completely losing touch with his old Etonian and army friends and he was close to Hugh Grosvenor, but attending a wedding at which his brother will be an usher is just history repeating itself in the most painful way.”

Harry reportedly felt like it was right for his brother to take on the role of usher. Mr Quinn added: “Harry felt he should have been invited to be an usher, but once again his brother takes precedence.” Prince Harry last visited the UK in May, where he attended a special ceremony in London to mark the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games.

The Duke, who appeared delighted upon arriving at St Paul’s Cathedral on May 8, founded the Games back in 2014. Following speculation over a meeting with his father during the trip, Harry said that the pair wouldn’t be meeting due to the King’s busy schedule.