Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs was ‘obsessed’ with Prince William and Harry, but they ‘never accepted’ party invites, ex-publicist says

Rob Shuter, who worked for Combs in the early ’00s, claims the rapper kept “framed photos” of the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Sussex in his New York apartment

Sean “Diddy” Combs is a big fan of Prince William and Prince Harry, but they never accepted invitations to one of his star-studded parties.

Rob Shuter, who previously worked as a publicist for the musician from 2002 to 2004, told BBC News he was asked to call William, 42, and Harry, 40, to invite them to Combs’ events “more than 10 times”.

However, the royals never accepted the invitation, despite Combs “offering to cover their travel, lodging, and even pay for their security,” Shuter said.

“Diddy is obsessed with Prince Harry and Prince William. He thinks of himself as a king, so it makes sense that he would want two princes in his entourage,” Shuter said.

“[They] never accepted [the invitation], they were never a part of his world,” he added.

(L-R) Prince William, Kanye West, Prince Harry and Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs pictured at Wembley Arena in London in 2007.

CARL DE SOUZA/POOL/AFP via Getty

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs calls for names of alleged victims to be released

Shuter also said the rapper – who is currently behind bars at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn after being denied bail by two judges – even kept “framed photos” of the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Sussex in his New York apartment.

PEOPLE has contacted Kensington Palace for comment.

(From left to right) Prince William, Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs and Prince Harry.

Samir Hussein/WireImage; Kevin Mazur/Getty; Samir Hussein/WireImage

Combs was arrested at a Manhattan hotel a day earlier. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The musician appeared in federal court on Oct. 10 for a hearing in his criminal case, which was attended by his mother, Janice Combs, and his children. His trial is scheduled for May 5, 2025.

The Bad Boy Records founder was charged in an indictment with organizing alleged “freak” sex shows, which prosecutors said were highly staged sex acts. Prosecutors allege Combs forced or coerced women to participate in the “freak.”

Sean ‘Diddy’ brief.

Steve Granitz/WireImage

Combs’ legal battle became public last November, when his ex, singer Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, filed a lawsuit against him, alleging that the music mogul had abused her over a decade. The lawsuit was settled the following day, but since then, several others have accused him of misconduct.

“I have decided to resolve this matter amicably on terms that I have some degree of control over,” Ventura said in a statement at the time. “I want to thank my family, fans, and attorneys for their unwavering support.”

Her attorney, Douglas Wigdor, added: “I am very proud of Ms. Ventura for having the strength to take her lawsuit public. She should be commended for doing so.”