Royal wedding: the biggest absences at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's big day

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry celebrated their big day on Saturday, but there were more than a few notable absences at the wedding of the year. While the happy couple were of course joined by The Queen and the majority of the royal family for the nuptials, as well as Meghan's mother Doria Ragland and close friends Jessica Mulroney and the Beckhams, there were some special guests that were missing from the happy day - including the bride's father Thomas Markle, and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's newborn son, Prince Louis. 

The crowds turned out in their thousands to see Harry and Meghan tie the knot - and the newly wedded couple even invited a number of members of the public to their ceremony, including 100 pupils from local schools, and those that have done important work for a range of charities. But, when it came to family guests, they kept things small and private compared to previous royal weddings - click through the gallery to see who didn't make the guest list…

Prince Louis

At only a month old, it was confirmed that Prince Louis wouldn't be attending the wedding earlier in May - with William and Kate having decided that the newest addition to the royal family is too young for the big event. While we're sure he wasn't far from his parents' thoughts on the special day, Prince George and Princess Charlotte certainly made up for their little brother's absence with important roles as page boy and bridesmaid during the ceremony. 

Thomas Markle

Sadly, Meghan's dad Thomas Markle couldn't attend the ceremony either, having had major surgery in the days before the wedding. Despite hoping to walk his daughter up the aisle, he made the decision to stay in Mexico after undergoing a heart operation on Wednesday. The 73-year-old reportedly suffered a heart attack earlier this month, and needed further treatment after his symptoms worsened. The news came after Thomas confirmed that he would in fact be at the wedding, despite recent claims that he had staged photos with a paparazzi photographer.

Zara and Mike Tindall's four-year-old daughter, Mia, wasn't in attendance, despite being tipped to be a bridesmaid in the run-up to the wedding. Instead, pregnant Zara and former rugby player Mike arrived as a duo, laughing together as they approached the church.

Lady Amelia Windsor

Also missing was Prince Harry's third cousin Lady Amelia Windsor. It's believed that the couple chose only to invite their closest members of the royal family – Harry's first cousins, aunts and uncles. Lady Amelia, a working model who has been dubbed 'the most beautiful member of the royal family', is the granddaughter of the Duke of Kent – the Queen's first cousin.

Lady Marina Windsor

Amelia's older sister, Marina, was also nowhere to be seen. A source told The Sun of the siblings' exclusion from the guest list: "They were a little surprised not to be invited as they were looking forward to going… Perhaps Harry just wanted to keep the family invited to a small number or maybe he didn't want anyone upstaging the bride."

Edward Windsor, Lord Downpatrick

Marina and Amelia's eldest sibling, 29-year-old Edward, missed out on an invite, too. He is the only son and heir apparent of the Earl and Countess of St Andrews. In 2003, following the example of his grandmother, the Duchess of Kent, and uncle, Lord Nicholas Windsor, he became a member of the Roman Catholic Church and therefore was barred from the line of succession to the British Throne. (Pictured here, centre, in 2006)

Theresa May

British Prime Minister Theresa May - along with all other politicians - was also missing from the guest list, since the couple announced in April that they would not be inviting world leaders to their big day. A Kensington Palace spokesperson said at the time: "It has been decided that an official list of political leaders, both UK and international, is not required for Prince Harry and Ms Markle's wedding. Her Majesty's Government was consulted on this decision, which was taken by The Royal Household." 

Justin Trudeau

Like all other world leaders, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was absent, too - despite having a personal relationship with Meghan and Harry. The politician had already confirmed he wouldn't be attending during April's Commonwealth Heads of Government summit in London, saying: "I, of course, wish them the very best. But I have important responsibilities elsewhere."