Barack Obama celebrated his 60th birthday over the weekend with a bash worthy of a former president, but the absence of a royal couple had firm watchers buzzing.

The likes of Jay Z, Beyonce, Bradley Cooper and George Clooney were among the 200 heavyweights at the huge event held at Obama’s massive mansion in Massachusetts on America’s east coast.

COVID restrictions meant the gathering was scaled back from an initial list of 500, but noticeable to observers — even given the cuts — was the absence of Prince Harry and wife Meghan Markle.

Royal expert Camilla Tominey suggested the Obamas have pulled back from the royal pair because they are unhappy with the way the Sussexes have attacked the firm in recent months.

“It arguably will not have gone down well with a couple who have always put ‘family first’ to see Harry and Meghan being so openly critical of their royal relatives during their Oprah interview in March,” Tominey told The Telegraph.

Royal expert Camilla Tominey suggested the Obamas have pulled back from the royal pair because they are unhappy with the way the Sussexes have attacked the firm in recent months. Credit: Pete Souza/Official White House Photo by Pe
COVID restrictions meant the gathering was scaled back from an initial list of 500, but noticeable to observers — even given the cuts — was the absence of Prince Harry and wife Meghan Markle.
COVID restrictions meant the gathering was scaled back from an initial list of 500, but noticeable to observers — even given the cuts — was the absence of Prince Harry and wife Meghan Markle. Credit: Karwai Tang/WireImage
“When it comes to Harry and Meghan, it seems, the former president and first lady remain firmly of the view that blood is thicker than water.”

During a bombshell interview with Oprah in March, the couple sent shockwaves through the monarchy with multiple claims against them – including racism.

Meghan said that when she was pregnant with Archie, an unnamed member of the royal family raised “concerns and conversations about how dark his skin might be when he’s born”.

In May Prince Harry launched an extraordinary attack on the Royal family, taking aim at Prince Charles and even the Queen.

During a bombshell interview with Oprah in March, the couple sent shockwaves through the monarchy with multiple claims against them – including racism.
During a bombshell interview with Oprah in March, the couple sent shockwaves through the monarchy with multiple claims against them – including racism. Credit: Joe Pugliese/AP

According to The Sun, Meghan was crushed not to get an invite to Obama’s birthday. Meghan and Obama were both born on August 4.

“The fact is, Harry and Meghan were never even on the original list (of 475 guests),” author Angela Levin said.

“While I don’t think they won’t have anything to do with Harry and Meghan in the future, I feel they want to step back.”