Reports suggest that Sean “Diddy” Combs had a strong interest in inviting young Princes William and Harry to his gatherings during their early adulthood.
Former publicist Rob Shuter, who worked with Diddy from 2002 to 2004, revealed that Diddy was fascinated with the British royal family and often sent party invitations to William and Harry, then around 20 and 18 years old.
Despite his persistence, the young royals consistently declined the offers to attend these star-studded events. According to Shuter’s statements to BBC News, Diddy was especially determined to have William and Harry as part of his social scene at the time.
“He thought of himself as a king, so it makes perfect sense that he would like to have two princes in his entourage,” Shuter told the outlet, claiming Diddy also had “framed pictures” of the brothers in his New York apartment at the time.
While William and Harry didn’t accept Diddy’s invites, the trio did get together in 2007 when Diddy performed at the Concert For Princess Diana tribute show at London’s Wembley Stadium.
The princes were later snapped at the after-party having some drinks with rapper Kanye West.
However, by 2011, it appears Diddy was no longer enamoured with William and Harry.
In a resurfaced interview from The Graham Norton Show, Diddy admitted he wanted to party with the pair when they were “young bucks” but wasn’t really vibing them as adults.
“Not anymore,” Diddy clarified. “Trust me, they’re off the list.”
“Before, when they were young bucks growing up and they were getting in a lot of trouble themselves, so, hey, I was like, ‘Why don’t you come hang out with me?’”
Diddy later reflected on his invitations to the young royals, referring to Prince Harry’s well-known party nights, including some infamous trips to Las Vegas. Almost two decades later, Diddy finds himself facing severe legal troubles, including charges of racketeering, sex trafficking, and other allegations.
Although he pleaded not guilty, he was denied bail and remains in custody at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center while awaiting his trial in May.
Rob Shuter, Diddy’s former publicist, recalled being asked multiple times to contact William and Harry, assuring them that all travel, security, and accommodations from the UK would be fully covered if they accepted the invitations to his events. Despite Diddy’s repeated attempts, the brothers consistently turned down the offers.
“[They] never accepted [the invites]; they were never part of his world,” Shuter said.