The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, are back in the spotlight, this time due to a notable rejection from their long-time friend, David Foster.

Reports have surfaced that the renowned music producer and his wife, Catherine McPhee, were invited to the first birthday bash of Harry and Meghan’s daughter, Lilibet Diana, scheduled for June 4 at their residence in Montecito, California.

However, Foster has turned down the invite, citing that he has never had the chance to meet the Sussex children, Archie and Lilibet, in person.

A close source to the music mogul shared with Page Six that David was taken aback by the invitation.

While Foster and McPhee have maintained a friendly relationship with Harry and Meghan for years, they have never crossed paths with the royal couple’s children.

Their interactions have been limited to virtual meetings via Zoom and participation in charitable events.

Consequently, the couple, aged 72 and 38 respectively, felt it would be awkward to attend a celebration for children they have never had real-life encounters with.

The insider further disclosed that David expressed discomfort at the idea of attending a party for a child he has never laid eyes on.

This recent snub follows reports that Meghan and Harry had also extended invitations to their famous acquaintances, such as Oprah Winfrey, Idris Elba, and the Beckhams, for Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

However, several A-list celebrities reportedly declined the invitation, with sources indicating a desire not to overshadow the historic royal event.

The challenges faced by the Sussexes in securing high-profile attendees for their gatherings have prompted speculation about the status of their celebrity appeal.

Despite making waves upon stepping back from their royal duties in 2020 and securing lucrative deals with streaming platforms like Netflix and Spotify, their influence appears to have diminished over the past two years.

Controversial moves, including the revealing interview with Oprah Winfrey, have drawn both praise and criticism, contributing to this perceived decline.

The recent refusal from David Foster and Catherine McPhee adds weight to these concerns.

The couple, who have shared a close friendship with the Sussexes for years and even performed together at a charity event in 2020, have never had the opportunity to meet Harry and Meghan’s children.

This absence of personal connection raises questions about the depth of their bond with the royal couple.

While the British tabloids have persistently scrutinized every aspect of the Sussexes’ lives since their departure from the royal family, some view this incident as another chapter in what is perceived as a series of public relations missteps.

However, insiders close to Foster and McPhee maintain that the decision to skip Lilibet’s birthday celebration stems from a simple discomfort with attending an event for a child they have not met face-to-face.

According to the source, David and Catherine hold Harry and Meghan in high regard and wish them well.

Their choice to abstain from the party is not driven by any animosity but rather by a sense of unease about participating in an event for a child they have only encountered virtually.

As the saying goes, sometimes it is wiser to err on the side of caution.

The future of the Sussexes’ public image in light of this latest setback remains uncertain.

Their ongoing struggle to uphold their celebrity status and attract prominent supporters persists.

Meanwhile, David Foster and Catherine McPhee opt to remain on the sidelines, avoiding what could potentially have been an uncomfortable situation.