**Prince Harry Declines Royal Reunion to Avoid Awkward Encounters Amid Growing Rift**

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have reportedly opted out of attending the highly anticipated society wedding of the year to steer clear of potential uncomfortable situations with Prince William and Princess Kate.

The decision was made to sidestep any potential confrontations that could arise due to the ongoing rift within the royal family.

The couple's absence from the event has sparked speculation and raised eyebrows among royal enthusiasts.

According to sources, Prince Harry personally reached out to the groom, Hugh Grosvenor, after receiving the invitation, expressing their regrets and citing the need to avoid any awkwardness that their presence might bring.

Despite their longstanding friendship with Grosvenor, who also serves as the godfather to their son, Prince Archie, Harry and Meghan felt it best to decline the invitation in light of the current strained relations within the royal family.

An insider revealed to Page Six that Prince Harry had initially received a save-the-date card several months ago but ultimately decided against attending the wedding.

The decision was driven by the desire to prevent any potential tensions that could arise from a reunion between Meghan and Kate, especially in the wake of recent reports suggesting that Meghan has expressed reluctance to return to the UK.

The upcoming wedding, scheduled for next year at Chester Cathedral, is expected to be a grand affair, with invitations already extended to various members of the royal family, including King Charles, Queen Camilla, and the Prince and Princess of Wales.

However, the absence of Prince Harry and Meghan from the guest list has raised questions about the dynamics within the royal circle and the implications of their decision.

Notably, the Duke of Westminster, a close friend to both Prince Harry and Prince William, had extended the invitation to Harry and Meghan in an effort to maintain harmony within the royal family.

However, reports suggest that the decision to exclude the couple was a deliberate move to prevent any potential clashes or tensions during the event.

The strained relationship between Meghan and Kate, which reportedly dates back to 2019 and has not shown signs of improvement since the Sussexes' departure from royal duties in 2020, adds another layer of complexity to the situation.

Omid Scobie's recent book, “Endgame,” delves into the intricacies of the rift within the royal family, shedding light on the challenges faced by the members involved.