Sadiq Khan declines invitation to Harry and Meghan’s LA mansion to ‘avoid embarrassment’

Sadiq Khan was in the US as part of a London promotional tour, where he threw a baseball, hooked up with Hillary Clinton and attended a Hollywood party – but didn’t have time to see the Sussexes

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Sadiq Khan at the launch of the ‘Let’s Do London’ tourism campaign in New York

Sadiq Khan turned down an offer from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to visit their California home during a visit to the US to avoid being dragged into their ranks with the palace.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have extended an invitation to the London Mayor as he was a 90-minute drive from their £11million mansion near Santa Barbara, the reports evening standard.

Instead, he sent his apologies, blaming his busy schedule as he was expected to attend a party hosted by West Hollywood City Hall.

It has been reported that Khan avoided the couple, who stepped down from royal duties in 2020, as he was keen to avoid awkward moments when he saw Prince William and the Queen within days of his return.

Khan has met Harry on several occasions and the two are believed to have a good relationship.

Norman Baker, former Lib Dem transport minister and author of a book on the royal family, recounted Email online : “Although Harry and Meghan are semi-divorced from the royal family, they must be careful not to demonstrate political allegiance.

“Sadiq Khan was right to decline that invitation.”

Khan’s Hollywood party was attended by several British expats, including Late, Late Show host James Corden and Notting Hill director Richard Curtis.

Upon his return, the London Mayor faced Prince William in last Saturday’s FA Cup final between eventual winners Liverpool and Chelsea.

During the week he saw Her Majesty and their fourth child Edward at the opening of Crossrail.

Khan toured the US for several days, arriving first in New York City and then in San Francisco and Los Angeles to “beat the drum for London”.

He met with high-ranking politicians during the trip, including former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, and pitched the first pitch at a baseball game.

During the tour he visited Universal Studios in LA to announce a new partnership for young trainees from London.

He added: “I am delighted to announce today at NBCUniversal that young London trainees will be working behind the scenes on some of the world’s biggest blockbusters, including Wicked and Fast X, which will be filmed in London.

“Our capital’s booming film industry is helping fuel our economic recovery, but it’s vital we ensure Londoners of all walks of life can benefit.

“That’s why I’m so proud to announce this groundbreaking partnership with NBCUniversal and Film London, which offers young Londoners from all backgrounds a unique opportunity to begin their careers in film and television.”

Jacob Rees-Mogg later criticized the trip, calling it “tough on taxpayers”.

Speaking to LBC, the Brexit Opportunities Minister asked who was paying the Mayor of London to travel to the US on a tour where he praised the “high standards” of legalized cannabis farms.

He said: “Who pays his fare? Is this a good use of taxpayers’ money?

“Regulation for the GLA (Greater London Authority) goes up and up and he flies around the world. It’s fine for him, but it’s a bit tough for taxpayers.”