Apparently Prince Philip might have to miss Princess Eugenie’s wedding

Here's why...

(Image credit: REX)

Here's why...

2018 is undoubtedly the year for royal weddings. But it’s not Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s nuptials that are gripping the world this month, instead it’s his cousin Princess Eugenie and her partner Jack Brooksbank’s ceremony, set to take place in October.

The next few months for the couple will be a whirlwind of cake tastings, wedding dress fittings and organising the dreaded table settings, but the biggest talking point around the wedding has been the guest list, with Eugenie and Jack inviting members of the public to their nuptials at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, the very same venue as Harry and Meghan.

While the public will be waiting outside the chapel doors, the pews are strictly reserved for royal wedding guests - celebrity pals and royal family.

But in some surprising news, it has emerged that all of the royal family might not be in attendance, with rumours that the bride's grandfather Prince Philip might sit the event out.

REX

But it's not the 97-year-old's health that would stop him from attending, previously making a huge effort to attend Prince Harry's wedding in May, less than a month after hip surgery. Instead, it would be down to his frosty relationship with the mother of the bride, Sarah Ferguson, with the two reported to loathe each other.

According to reports, Prince Philip has never forgiven his former daughter-in-law for the royal scandal that led to her 1996 divorce from Prince Andrew, after she was photographed kissing Texan financial advisor, John Bryan, as well as her reportedly trying to sell access to the royal family.

REX

So given the fact that Fergie is said to be 'very involved' in the wedding prep, it is thought that Prince Philip might choose not to be involved in the occasion.

'He does what he wants,' a royal insider told PEOPLE, and seeing as he is now officially retired, he is not obliged to attend any royal events.

'He made a supreme effort for Harry,' the source continued, before adding: 'I would be very surprised if he did go, because he is so estranged from Fergie. I think he will decide at the 99th hour.'

But will the 97-year-old make an exception for his beloved granddaughter?

It looks like we’ll have to wait until the big day to see.

Jenny Proudfoot
Features Editor

Jenny Proudfoot is an award-winning journalist, specialising in lifestyle, culture, entertainment, international development and politics. She has worked at Marie Claire UK for seven years, rising from intern to Features Editor and is now the most published Marie Claire writer of all time. She was made a 30 under 30 award-winner last year and named a rising star in journalism by the Professional Publishers Association.