
Crown Prince of Bahrain refuses to attend (so maybe there's a seat for Brown or Blair)
? It comes after it is revealed ex-PMs Blair and Brown are NOT invited
? Second snub after Cambodian king said he had more 'important' things to do
The Crown Prince of Bahrain dramatically pulled out of attending the royal wedding last night following weeks of public criticism.
Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa?s name was included on the official guest list released at the weekend by St James?s Palace.
His invitation sparked a major international outcry following alleged human rights abuses in the Middle Eastern country.
Government troops have been accused of firing on and killing dozens of peaceful pro-democracy campaigners.
In recent days there have been reports that dozens of doctors have been detained by government security forces targeting medical staff who have treated injured protesters.
But less than 24 hours after palace officials formally confirmed he would be attending Friday?s ceremony at Westminster Abbey, his staff informed Prince William?s office that he was withdrawing his acceptance.
The astonishing 11th-hour u-turn has come as a relief to St James?s Palace and Buckingham Palace officials.
But the unedifying incident throws an uncomfortable spotlight on the Royal Family?s close links with many hard-line ruling families in the Middle East.

Not on the list: Gordon Brown and Tony Blair have missed out on invitations to the Royal Wedding...
I am very much surprize to hear as to our privius prime ministers not invited for wedding, to much to carry on with the storey, therefore it has been cut short.

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