Royal Wedding Guest List: Obama, Former British Prime Ministers Among Notable Snubs (PHOTOS)

In what has been deemed "a snub of historic proportions," the last two British prime ministers, Gordon Brown and Tony Blair, have been left off the guest list for the royal wedding.

As neither Brown nor Blair found much favor with Buckingham Palace during their respective tenures, authorities have been forced to dismiss numerous reports that the exclusions were intended as an act of royal vengeance, although they could be a mere oversight. The official explanation, according to the New York Times, is that neither Blair nor Brown are a member of the Order of the Garter, a royal honor dating to the 14th century that is traditionally bestowed on distinguished individuals for their service to the nation or the crown. And given that the wedding is not a state occasion, "there is no protocol reason to invite former prime ministers," a spokesman for Prince William tells MSNBC.

Apparently this criteria did not apply in 1981, as two of the five prime ministers who attended Prince Charles' wedding to Princess Diana were reportedly not members of the order at the time. Nor does it explain the other noteworthy exclusions, including U.S. President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle, as well as two of Diana's close confidantes.

Officials say the snubs become even more questionable given some of the more surprising names who did make the cut, among them soccer star David Beckham, Madonna's film director ex-husband Guy Ritchie, and a postman and cocktail lounge barman from Kate Middleton's hometown.

View notable exclusions from the royal wedding guest list here:

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U.S. President Barack Obama & First Lady Michelle Obama

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Despite reports, officials say the Obamas weren't uninvited because of security reasons rather than a social faux pas. "I would assume that the cost of the Obama security would be unbelievably high and the bill would be sent to the royal family," royal expert Roy Sheppard has reportedly said.

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Despite reports, officials say the Obamas weren't uninvited because of security reasons rather than a social faux pas. "I would assume that the cost of the Obama security would be unbelievably high and the bill would be sent to the royal family," royal expert Roy Sheppard has reportedly said.

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Comments

[Robert J Bartley]

07:17 AM on 05/08/2011

Big deal. Royalty is really a celebration of murder. Just because some bozo managed to "slay" or subject everyone every one else the people are supposed to bow and scrape to the royal family for the rest of eternity? School yard bullies made good.

[Allen Dixon Jr]

10:56 PM on 05/07/2011

i'm sure with the break neck schedule that obama keeps he was glad not to get an invite. never seen a prez go like this one. i just wonder if he gets any sleep. i guess he can catnap on air force one between stops. this man is earning his money and trying his best to keep this country moving in the right direction. God bless him.

[plzr56]

11:10 PM on 05/07/2011

Earning his money? Have i missed something? If he's not getting much sleep, it's because of all the parties/guests that keeps him up at night. I think his annual salary is $400,000, so i would guess he's being overpaid by about $399,999.98............i estimate his value to this country at "2 CENTS" "Right direction"? WTF?

[Allen Dixon Jr]

11:28 PM on 05/07/2011

based on your comment i'm sure you're a far right winger and your god is the rush limbos, o reilys etc. you should be able to look at a man, what he says, his actions, and form your own opinions. turn the radio and fox off and research for yourself. if unemployment goes down to 5%, he bring all the troops home,reduce the deficit significantly you will still be a hater. you swallow dumbo bush for 8 long long years who stayed on his ranch most of the time and now you have a prez that has done more in two years then bush did in eight and you're complaining??? at least listin to ed schultz a little. you just may learn there is another side to the coin.i listen to everybody,,,,you should try it.

[jackjon]

10:04 PM on 05/07/2011

I would not invite heads of state, or any politicians for that matter, unless they are close to the couple in some way. But it should mainly be friends, family, celebrities, royals from other countries, stuff like that, oh and throw in a few peasants while you're at it.

[LaRee Gonzalez]

07:54 PM on 05/07/2011

Obamas were probably snubbed because Michelle is such a "fashion icon". Didn't want her showing up in one of her tasteless dresses or worse, cut offs.

[TheBodySacred]

10:24 AM on 05/06/2011

I don't blame the royal nuptials for not wanting a whole bunch of politicians and activists sucking the air out of the room. Just kidding! LOL! However, these are young people, and it is their wedding. Having too many high profilers will only be a distraction from their day.

[SonnyBono]

12:33 AM on 05/03/2011

Obviously my own invitation was lost in the mail since I really expected to receive one. But I am not bitter about the oversight - I still intend to forward the wedding gift that I had selected for the couple - just to show that I can be a big person about it. So, William, your prepaid membership in the Hair Club for Men is in the mail - enjoy.

[Marilyn Gott]

05:38 PM on 05/02/2011

Who really cares???

[bbertaud]

04:14 PM on 05/02/2011

I was invited..but that day I had an appointment with my Thai masseuse...sorry kids

[Dhammi]

02:55 PM on 05/02/2011

My invitation just arrived in the mail this morning.

[Shanon Smith]

10:20 AM on 05/02/2011

I can understand the former Prime Ministers feeling snubbed, its their country and their monarchy... but why would the US president expect an invitation in the first place? Were they inviting all the other 'world leaders' or something? Does he attend weddings of all our allied countries leaders?

[StephenJK]

09:19 AM on 05/02/2011

Where the F**K was MY BL**DY invite?!

[Whinger]

06:40 AM on 05/02/2011

Well, you gotta draw the line somewhere, financial cutbacks an all...!

[MNJim]

01:27 AM on 05/02/2011

It could have been fun if Fergie had been there, gotten really drunk at the reception and then started telling people what she really thinks.....LOL.

[Richard Aron]

09:18 PM on 05/01/2011

They have to bleep "bloody"?!!! Didn't know that.

[Aries Warrior]

08:19 PM on 05/01/2011

Didn`t see anyone from the US gubmint there....

must have been on the snub list, eh ?