Why Barack and Michelle Obama Will Not Attend Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Royal Wedding

Despite former president Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama's close friendship with Prince Harry over the years, it looks like the couple will not be attending his wedding to Meghan Markle in May.

Despite former U.S. president Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama's close friendship with Prince Harry over the years, it looks like the couple will not be attending his upcoming wedding to Meghan Markle in May.

A Kensington Palace spokesman told ET in a statement on Tuesday that Prince Harry and Meghan will not be inviting political leaders to their wedding.

“It has been decided that an official list of political leaders -- both U.K. and international -- is not required for Prince Harry and Ms. Markle’s wedding," the statement reads. "Her Majesty’s Government was consulted on this decision, which was taken by The Royal Household.”

A source also tells ET that Prince Harry and Meghan’s wedding will not be “a state occasion” where dignitaries and other heads of state will be invited.

Presumably, current U.S. president Donald Trump will not be at the wedding, as well as British Prime Minister Theresa May.

“William is heir to the throne and one day will be King so his wedding was a state event unlike Harry’s,” the source says, referencing Prince William and Kate Middleton's 2011 wedding. "President and Mrs. Obama are not coming to the wedding, but the couples look forward to seeing each other soon."

In November, Obama tweeted his congratulations to Prince Harry and Meghan after their engagement.

"Michelle and I are delighted to congratulate Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on their engagement," he wrote. "We wish you a lifetime of joy and happiness together."

Last December, Prince Harry interviewed Barack Obama for a BBC Radio 4, and Obama referenced Harry's close friendship with his wife.

"You've gotten to know Michelle quite well, and she is a spectacular, funny, warm person," Obama gushed to the 33-year-old royal.

Be sure to keep up with all of ET's coverage of the royal family as we count down to May 19.

In April 2016, Prince William and Kate hosted the Obamas for a private dinner at Kensington Palace -- with special guest Prince Harry -- when Prince George made an adorable brief appearance in pajamas.

Watch below:

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