Charles moves to end rift
The embarrassing rift between Prince Charles and his friends Emilie and Hugh van Cutsem is set to be healed, with the couple being invited to the royal blessing.
The invitation will repair the damage done by the row over seating arrangements at the wedding of the van Cutsems' son, 29-year-old City banker Edward.
This was boycotted by Prince Charles when he discovered Camilla Parker Bowles was to have been relegated to a back seat while he was at the front.
In a remarkable turnaround, the Van Cutsems, who have known the Prince and Mrs Parker Bowles for many years, will be welcomed to attend the marriage celebrations in two weeks in Windsor.
A source close to the royal family said: "This is a gesture of forgiveness by Prince Charles. It seems pointless to carry on the argument. This is a time when they need their friends to rally round them.
"The Prince and Mrs Parker Bowles are not vindictive people and it would be odd if two of their closest friends were not at the wedding.
"The Van Cutsems supported them throughout their romance and the couple want them to be at the wedding to share in one of their happiest moments."
Over the years Prince Charles has variously been an avid Goon Show fan, an ardent environmentalist and a stickler for tradition - and the guest list for his wedding is a reflection of every aspect of his complex character.
Guests range from showbusiness friends who have been regular guests at Highgrove - such as Stephen Fry a n d R owa n Atkinson - to figures such as Sir Jonathon Porritt who have been an integral part of Charles's environmental and charitable work.
Others at the televised blessing at Windsor Castle include banker and philanthropi s t Lord Rothschild and Sir John Mortimer and his wife Penny. Sports stars on the list include England's Rugby World Cupwinning coach Sir Clive Woodward and Mike Tindall, Zara Phillips's boyfriend.
Few celebrity guests will attend the register office ceremony at Windsor's Guildhall, which has been boycotted by the Queen and Prince Philip.
Charles has chosen to invite several of his former girlfriends, including Lucia Santa Cruz, who introduced him to Camilla at a polo match 34 years ago.
Other old flames will include Lady Amanda Knatchbull, granddaughter of the late Earl Mountbatten and the first girl Prince Charles proposed to, and the high-spirited Sabrina Guinness.
