Prince William missed key event to step in for King Charles

Hugh Grosvenor, 33, will marry duchess-to-be Olivia Henson in a lavish ceremony at Chester Cathedral today, in what is tipped to be the wedding of the year - and William has an important role in the nuptials.

William will serve as the groom’s usher on the big day, which will see over 400 guests flock to their 11,000-acre Eaton Estate to celebrate.

However, instead of attending the rehearsal dinner of his long-time friend, William had to step in for his father at a D-Day event, which was considered “a step too far” for the monarch.

The King missed the ceremony at Omaha Beach to commemorate the Normandy Landings in light of his ongoing cancer treatment. Instead, William took his place, and was joined by world leaders President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron.

Charles embarked on his first overseas trip since being diagnosed with cancer in January, arriving at Ver-sur-Mer, Normandy earlier in the day for a UK national commemorative event for the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

However, he did not attend the international event with world leaders on Omaha Beach later in the afternoon, with royal sources confirming that he had taken the advice of doctors who considered the ceremony too taxing for the monarch.

The King was reportedly “delighted” that his son could deputise for him for the first time.

A Palace source said: “While His Majesty’s doctors are very encouraged with the progress made so far, the King is continuing with his treatment programme - and thus we have to prioritise and protect his continued recovery.

“On that basis, each event/ day has to be carefully calibrated - and given the King’s other commitments on the day, it was advised that the international event later in the afternoon may be a step too far at this stage. He is of course delighted that the Prince of Wales will be attending to represent the nation.”

Before heading to the Omaha beach memorial, William attend a ceremony at Juno beach where he hailed the “bravery and sacrifice” made by Canadian D-Day forces on June 6, where thousands of Canadian troops lost their lives.

Whilst William was nowhere to be seen for the rehearsal, he will be present in a prominent role at today’s nuptials. However, Harry, an equally good friend to the Duke of Westminster, will not make an appearance at at all.

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It has previously been reported that Harry and Meghan turned down the invite to the nuptials. However now, a source has shed light on the apparent reason why the Prince said no.

A source said that the Prince has “agreed to stay away” in order to let his brother perform the key role in the ceremony.

“It is understood that a civilised understanding was reached between the Duke [of Westminster] and Harry over the phone. It’s a long way to come from California, after all,” the source told The Times.

They added: “Harry was invited but then agreed to stay away. The Duke’s diplomacy then cleared the way for William to perform the role of usher during Friday’s ceremony — a job that would have been beyond awkward if he was obliged to show Harry to his pew, even though he might enjoy telling him where to go.”