Princess Eugenie's stylish appearance at the Duke of Westminster's wedding subtly referenced Meghan Markle's absence through a clever fashion choice.
Eugenie made a fashion statement by donning a white fascinator paired with a stunning green dress, reminiscent of Meghan Markle's signature style. Eugenie's outfit at the wedding of Olivia Henson and the Duke of Westminster seemed to pay homage to one of Meghan Markle's iconic ensembles, down to the choice of footwear.
She wore a pair of Gianvito Rossi pumps, similar to those worn by Meghan on previous occasions. With her choice of attire, Eugenie appeared to send a playful nod to her cousin Harry's wife, who was notably absent from the event due to not being invited.
The wedding of Hugh Grosvenor to Olivia Henson at Chester Cathedral brought the ongoing drama between Prince William and Prince Harry into the spotlight once again. Royal experts were unsurprised at William taking the spotlight over his estranged brother, with the Prince of Wales even playing the role of usher. According to royal biographer Ingrid Seward, it was a given that William would be the main event at the wedding.
Prince Harry had made it clear that he wouldn't attend after discussing the situation with Hugh and agreeing to step aside. The Duke of Westminster, godfather to both Prince William's son George and Prince Harry's son Archie, reportedly reached a civilized understanding with Harry for him to miss the wedding, allowing for William's participation as an usher. Seward added that Meghan's reluctance to attend a high-profile society event, where she would likely face criticism, also played a role in their absence.
The wedding, dubbed the society wedding of the year, was attended by 400 guests, including Prince William. However, the King's absence was noted due to ongoing cancer treatment and his busy schedule with the D-Day celebrations. Royal commentator Michael Cole suggested Harry's absence highlights the ongoing feud between the brothers, noting they can't be in the same room together without embarrassment. Cole remarked, "Imagine William showing Harry to his seat; it'd be quite the spectacle."
Despite missing the wedding, Cole predicted that Harry and Meghan would send their well wishes from Montecito, calling Harry's decision a diplomatic solution to a family problem. Host Nana Akua expressed sadness over the situation, saying, "It's unfortunate; can't they just grow up and move on?" Seward noted the deep rift between William and Harry shows no signs of healing, reflecting their troubled relationship that prevents them from being together. What once might have been sibling banter is now headline news, a great shame considering the past.
Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams added that Harry's absence was bound to happen. Speaking to the Express, Fitzwilliams stated that Harry's nonappearance at the wedding of the year was inevitable. He pointed out that Harry and Meghan don't attend comparable events in California, suggesting Harry might feel genuine regret as his friendship with Hugh Grosvenor reportedly endures, along with so many friends from his former life being present.
Fitzwilliams noted that William's presence made Harry feel he couldn't attend the ceremony, highlighting the sad sign of the rift between the brothers. This rift has grown since Harry's last visit to Britain for the Invictus service at St. Paul's, amid extraordinary briefings about whether his father was too busy to see him and if there was enough security at a royal palace, which he was reportedly offered. Fitzwilliams concluded that the rift in the royal family couldn't be wider.
