Global General

Bahrain crown prince not to attend royal wedding

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2011-04-26 10:29

MANAMA - Bahrain government on Sunday officially announced that Crown Prince will not attend Britain's royal wedding of Prince William on April 29 in London because of the ongoing unrest in the Gulf kingdom.

Bahrain's Crown Prince Sheikh Salman bin Hamad al-Khalifa is seen outside 10 Downing Street in London, in this file picture taken March 13, 2009. Bahrain's crown prince has said he would not attend Britain's royal wedding on April 29, 2011 because of continuing unrest in his Gulf Arab kingdom, defusing a potentially embarrassing row over his invitation. [Photo/Agencies]

Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa decided not to attend the wedding as he outlined the situation in the Kingdom.

"I was hoping the Kingdom of Bahrain would have a high-profile representation at this glamorous event, thus reflecting the friendship bonding our countries. However, the current situation reigning in Bahrain prevents me from attending," he was quoted saying to Bahrain News Agency.  

The Crown Prince on Sunday sent a letter to Prince Charles apologizing for not being able to attend the ceremony, out of his keenness to remain with His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa, as Bahrain goes through the current conditions.