Wills-Kate snub Blair, Brown

Prince William and Catherine Middleton's upcoming wedding has taken on a political dimension, following the snubbing of former British prime ministers Tony Blair and Gordon Brown from the guest list

Wills-Kate snub Blair, Brown

Prince William and Catherine Middleton's upcoming wedding has taken on a political dimension, following the snubbing of former British prime ministers Tony Blair and Gordon Brown from the guest list.

The Labour leaders will not join the 1,900-strong congregation at Westminster Abbey this Friday, despite their Conservative predecessors John Major and Margaret Thatcher both receiving invitations.

Baroness Thatcher has declined on health grounds while Sir John will attend the much-anticipated nuptials in London.

Not invited: Both Gordon Brown and Tony Blair will not join the
1,900-strong congregation at Westminster Abbey to give their blessing
to Prince William and Kate Middleton. File pic/getty images

A spokesman for St James' Palace said that Blair and Brown had not received invitations because neither were Knights of the Garter, unlike Sir John and Lady Thatcher.

A Clarence House spokesman said, "It's not a state occasion so there's no reason why former prime ministers should be invited. Baroness Thatcher was invited as she is a Lady of the Order, and Sir John Major as he became legal guardian to William and Harry after Diana died.

All surviving former UK prime ministers, Harold Macmillan, Alec Douglas-Home, Harold Wilson, Edward Heath and James Callaghan attended Prince Charles' marriage to Princess Diana in 1981.

Buckingham Palace and the Blairs have long had an uneasy relationship with Blair's wife Cherie, refusing to curtsy to members of the royal family.

Blair was at the centre of a storm over arrangements for the Queen Mother's funeral in 2002, when he was accused of trying to ensure a more prominent role in proceedings.

He has always denied the charge.

While Blair failed to make the list, a host of celebrities have been invited and dignitaries from such small territories as the 4,000-strong South Atlantic territory of St Helena have also been called. Ian Thorpe made the list and according to the British media, has been afforded a seat near photographer Mario Testino towards the back of the congregation.