Prince Harry has drawn attention after choosing not to attend the wedding of a close friend, despite being invited. The Duke of Sussex was absent from Charles Vivian’s wedding, held the weekend of April 5, 2025, prompting questions given their long friendship.
Lord Vivian, 58, a public relations expert who has supported Harry over the years and helped with charity efforts in Africa, married Saweda Kamara at Chelsea Old Town Hall. Prince Harry had previously been an usher at Vivian’s first wedding, making his absence notable.
In response to inquiries about Harry’s absence, Lord Vivian told the Daily Mail: “I don’t know. He has a lot on.”
Sources close to the Duke cite security concerns as the main reason for his absence. “Security wasn’t provided for the visit, which makes attending events or moving around the UK very challenging,” a source noted.
The wedding coincided with Prince Harry’s unannounced trip to London, where he arrived on Sunday, April 6, for a Court of Appeal hearing over his legal battle concerning security arrangements in the UK. Since stepping back from royal roles in 2020, Harry has sought to regain his taxpayer-funded police protection, which was altered following his change in status.
Harry’s attorney argued that his safety, security, and life were at stake without top-level police protection. The government defended its stance, stating that Harry’s security was adjusted due to his “change of status” and relocation abroad, and that a “bespoke” protection strategy was adopted.
Harry’s visit to the UK also coincided with a rare chance to see his father, King Charles, with whom he reportedly hasn’t met since the monarch’s cancer diagnosis over a year ago. King Charles left for a state visit to Italy shortly after Harry arrived in London. It remains unclear if they met.
This UK visit comes amid issues with Harry’s African charity, Sentebale, which he co-founded in 2006 to support children with HIV/AIDS in Southern Africa. Harry and co-founder Prince Seeiso of Lesotho recently stepped down as patrons following a conflict with the charity’s chairwoman, Sophie Chandauka.
The internal conflict led the UK Charity Commission to launch a compliance case to examine governance issues. Harry expressed concern over the situation, calling it “heartbreaking” to see the chairwoman facing allegations of bullying and harassment in efforts to remove her.
Several senior officials resigned from Sentebale following the dispute with Chandauka, who refused to resign despite being asked to do so. The disagreement seems to revolve around a shift in the charity’s focus from supporting children with HIV/AIDS to addressing “issues of youth health, wealth and climate resilience in Southern Africa.”
Chandauka has leveled serious accusations about the charity’s management, citing “poor governance, weak executive management, abuse of power, bullying, harassment, misogyny, misogynoir.” She also suggested Prince Harry’s “toxicity” has hindered potential donors.
Harry supports the Charity Commission’s investigation, hoping it will “unveil the truth” and allow the organization to be “put in the right hands.” The dispute has personally affected Harry, as Sentebale was integral to his public image since his early twenties.
Reports indicate tensions at Sentebale may have started with an incident involving Meghan Markle. According to one account, Meghan allegedly had an issue with Chandauka after appearing impolite and disengaged at a charity event. Harry reportedly asked Chandauka to support Meghan publicly, but she did not, potentially sparking the feud.
While Harry manages these challenges in the UK, Meghan Markle remains in California, preparing to launch her new podcast series, “Confessions of a Female Founder.” Produced in collaboration with Lemonada Media, the podcast offers advice on turning small ideas into successful ventures.
Harry’s ongoing legal case and charity issues underscore the continuing challenges he faces since stepping away from royal duties. A written decision on his security appeal is expected from the judges after Easter.
