King Charles and Queen Camilla 'could miss wedding of the year' in Chester after invite snub

King Charles and Queen Camilla are potentially going to be absent as Chester plays host to what's being called the "wedding of the year". A response to their invite is yet to be issued, even though the event is just three weeks away.

Reports are indicating that confirmation from the pair on whether they will attend the nuptials between the Duke of Westminster, Hugh Grosvenor, and fiancée Olivia Henson is still pending. This has fuelled speculation regarding discord among these groups, stemming from the King and Queen previously declining an invitation to the wedding of the duke's sister Lady Tamara Grosvenor in 2004.

Lady Grosvenor tied the knot with Edward van Custem, one of His Majesty's godsons, at Chester Cathedral the planned venue for next month's ceremony. During those earlier festivities, Camillathen recognised by her former surname, Parker Bowleswas informed she was not permitted to sit with Prince Charles and would have to sit multiple rows back and arrive separately.

This rule was put in place because Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip as well as Princes William and Harry attended the event. According to Richard Eden, Royal correspondent for MailOnline, a source confirmed: "Their Majesties have not forgotten what happened at the wedding of Hugh's sister. There is still a lot of tension that exists."

Speaking on the matter, Royal commentator Sarah Bradford unveiled that a furious Queen told Charles the customary way was no longer satisfactory. A source stated at that time: "Her Majesty is a stickler for protocol. It would be inappropriate for Mrs Parker Bowles to sit beside Prince Charles since she has no official standing."

The atmosphere was further strained with allegations that Emilie van Cutsem, mother of the groom, and Camilla were at loggerheads after criticizing each other's children's behaviour. Unable to resolve the conflict, Charles excused himself from attending, citing a visit to Warminster barracks to meet with families of Iraq serving soldiers as his reason, while his partner was "otherwise engaged".

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are set to miss next month's wedding, despite Hugh reportedly being godfather to their son Prince Archie. The duke has apparently made the decision to avoid inviting the pair in order to sidestep any potential Royal tensions, following a mistaken 'save the date' email they received.

A source close to the Sussexes explained later: "Harry called Hugh and said it would be too awkward if he and Meghan Markle attended, so he made his apologies and Hugh understood."

The future King and Queen Consort and their eldest child, Prince George, who is also Hugh's godson, have been invited to the nuptial ceremony. However, Catherine's absence is anticipated due to her ongoing cancer treatment.

Buckingham Palace spokespeople chose not to comment on the matter.

NEWSLETTER: Sign up for CheshireLive email direct to your inbox here