Here's why Michelle Obama wasn't at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding despite being their friend
LONDON, UK: Former first lady Michelle Obama allegedly wasn’t allowed at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding despite playing a hand in bringing them together.
However, as it appears, Obama’s absence was not due to any personal reason, but rather because of a political cause.
The Obamas were not ‘allowed’ to attend Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding
Previously, it was reported that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were left devastated when they learned that the Obamas would not be invited to their wedding, as the former first lady was instrumental in bringing them together.
However, a source close to the Sussexes spoke to Mail on Sunday, when they spilled that Harry was a friend of Barack Obama and their friendship started when the 63-year-old politician was still in office in 2015.
During that time, they bonded over Invictus Games among others. In fact, a year before Harry’s nuptials, he was also seen laughing with the former president during the Invictus Games Toronto 2017.
However, it is not only the men who are friends as the source revealed that Michelle played a role in introducing Harry with his then-future wife.
"Michelle had a hand in introducing Harry to Meghan,” shared the source, adding it was preposterous to Harry that the former first lady would not be invited.
“In his mind there wouldn’t be a wedding without her and that is reason enough to invite them,” added the source before continuing, “He was not happy such a legitimate reason was ignored."
However, their wish was disregarded allegedly due to a political reason. While duke and duchess are not known to be the biggest fan of the now-Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, the 78-year-old former POTUS was in office during the Sussexes wedding.
Thus, it was impossible to snub Trump in favor of inviting his rival Obama and his family to the wedding.
However, the situation was handled by the Firm diplomatically as they decided that inviting world leaders to Harry’s wedding was not necessary as he was unlikely to become a king one day.
Per The Mirror, a Kensington Palace spokesman said at the time: "It has been decided that an official list of political leaders - both UK and international - is not required for Prince Harry and Ms Markle's wedding. Her Majesty's Government was consulted on this decision, which was taken by The Royal Household."
Prince Harry and Barack Obama share 'same kind of mind-set'
In 2017, when Harry was a guest editor at BBC Radio's 'Today' program, the royal admitted that he shared quite a few traits with the former president.
Harry said, "We share the same kind of mind-set and the outlook on the charitable sector, on foundations and mainly on the youth of today," per Today.
The information about Harry's wedding surfaced just a week after he and his wife urged the American voters to cast their voting rights in the upcoming elections.
In a statement from their Archewell Foundation, the Sussexes wrote, “Voting is not just a right; it’s a fundamental way to influence the fate of our communities."
They added, "At The Archewell Foundation, we recognize that civic engagement, no matter one’s political party, is at the heart of a more just and equitable world. By participating in initiatives like this, we aim to amplify the message that every voice matters."
Per People, they concluded the statement with, "Let’s work together to ensure every eligible voter is informed and empowered to help shape America’s future.”
