Prince William and Kate Middleton have confirmed they will not attend the upcoming nuptials of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, scheduled for July 3, 2026, after the prince himself recently hinted an invitation might be coming his way.
The royal couple is off the guest list for the ceremony, which is set to take place at Madison Square Garden in New York City over the July 4 weekend. No reason was given.
William Had Hinted at an Invite
On May 22, the Prince of Wales appeared on Heart Breakfast, the U.K. radio show, alongside hosts Jamie Theakston and Amanda Holden. William had requested the hosts play Swift’s latest hit song, “Opalite,” and mentioned his children were enthusiasts of the artist. The conversation turned to a major summer wedding, with the hosts asking if William would be invited.
“No comment,” William replied with a smile, before adding, “I’m hoping and I’m sure there might be an invitation around, but we’ll see.” But it seems no invitation came to Forest Lodge in Windsor — or if one did arrive, the couple chose not to accept.
A Friendship That Goes Back Years
Their absence stands out considering the longstanding connection between William and Swift. Back in 2013, the prince joined the singer and Jon Bon Jovi onstage for a charity performance of “Livin’ on a Prayer” at the Centrepoint Winter Whites Gala at Kensington Palace, showing their relationship went beyond mere formality.
Fast forward to June 2024, when William brought his children George and Charlotte to see Swift perform at Wembley Stadium during her Eras Tour. William called the show “amazing” during his Heart Breakfast appearance. Swift posted a photo on Instagram featuring William, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Travis Kelce, writing “Happy Bday M8! London shows are off to a splendid start” and tagging the official Instagram account William shares with Kate. The post marked William’s birthday. William also shared a photo from the backstage meetup on the official Prince and Princess of Wales Instagram account, further documenting the friendly connection between the royal family and the 14-time Grammy winner.
Charlotte Is Particularly Obsessed
During that same Heart Breakfast show, William revealed that Princess Charlotte is “particularly obsessed” with Swift and that Prince Louis is also a fan. The doting father’s willingness to discuss his daughter’s devotion to Swift on a morning radio program offered a glimpse into the household dynamics at Windsor, where Swift’s music apparently plays a regular role.
No Explanation Offered
Swift and Kelce’s nuptials are set for July 3, with the broader celebration stretching across the July 4th weekend. William and Kate’s absence now answers one of the questions that had generated the most public curiosity.
It remains unclear whether the decision not to attend was driven by scheduling conflicts, security concerns, or royal protocol regarding private events in the United States. No statement has been issued by Kensington Palace or representatives for William and Kate.
What is clear is that William went on record in May expressing hope that an invitation would come, and now, weeks later, the royal couple will not be present when Swift and Kelce exchange vows. Whether the invitation never materialized or was extended and declined remains unknown. Either way, the Prince and Princess of Wales will be watching the wedding from Windsor rather than from a seat at the ceremony at Madison Square Garden in New York.
For Charlotte, whose devotion to Swift her father described on live radio, the news that her family will not be attending may be particularly disappointing.
