Duke of Sussex continues to face royal exclusion despite recent peace overtures
The Prince of Wales is expected to be named godfather to the Duke of Westminster’s newborn daughter—a role that may once have been destined for his younger brother, the Duke of Sussex.
Although both Harry and William share longstanding ties with Hugh Grosvenor, insiders suggest it’s William who is now the clear frontrunner for the prestigious honor. Hugh and his wife Olivia recently welcomed their daughter, Cosima Florence Grosvenor, on July 27. While the godparents have yet to be officially announced, speculation is mounting in royal circles that William will be chosen.
The future king shares a close friendship with the Duke of Westminster, having selected him as godfather to Prince George and even serving as an usher at Hugh’s highly publicised wedding in June. In contrast, Harry did not attend the event and hasn't been seen publicly with Hugh for some time, fuelling talk of a weakened bond.
This development reinforces Harry’s longstanding sentiment of being relegated to a secondary role within the royal family. Despite recent reports that the Duke of Sussex is willing to coordinate his public engagements with Buckingham and Kensington Palaces, signs of reconciliation remain limited.
William has not publicly commented on Cosima’s birth but is believed to have sent his congratulations privately. At the time, he was in Switzerland attending the Women’s Euro Final alongside his daughter.