Prince Harry warned against skipping major upcoming royal event

As preparations begin for the upcoming royal wedding of Peter Phillips and Harriet Sperling, speculation has arisen over whether Prince Harry will make the journey from California to attend. 

While the date of the ceremony has yet to be announced, royal watchers anticipate a gathering of senior royals to celebrate the engagement of Princess Anne’s son and his partner.

Peter Phillips, 46, and Harriet Sperling, 45, confirmed their engagement last week in a formal statement. 

Though Prince Harry has not publicly commented on the engagement, royal commentators have begun to weigh in on whether he will attend the ceremony. 

Cultural commentator and television presenter Nick Ede suggested the Duke of Sussex may want to consider attending, not just for family, but for optics.

"Prince Harry has always been close to Peter Phillips and has been known to attend major royal occasions on his own,” Ede told The Express. 

“I think it would be a good thing for his popularity if he attended the wedding.”

Ede added that Harry's presence could be seen as a conciliatory gesture, amid ongoing tensions between the Sussexes and the royal family. 

“If he is looking to gain favour with his family, this could be a nice way of starting to heal the rift,” he said.

However, he cautioned that skipping the wedding could be perceived negatively. “If he doesn’t attend, it will look a bit petty and that he is not supporting his cousin on his special day.”

RELATED: Prince Harry eyes new path after Sentebale charity dispute