Sean 'Diddy' Combs invited Prince William and Prince Harry to his parties 10 times and offered to pay for travel, accommodation and security, according to his former publicist.
Rob Shuter, who worked for Diddy from 2002 to 2004, said the rapper was "obsessed" with the British royals.
However, the two princes consistently turned down multiple invites and were "never part of his world," according to Shuter.
It comes as the rapper has been charged with sex trafficking, which he denies, and is awaiting trial in the Metropolitan Detention Center, in Brooklyn. More than a dozen civil lawsuits have also accused Diddy of assaults, rape, and sexual extortion, with one lawyer stating they represent more than 100 victims.
"Diddy was obsessed with Prince Harry and Prince William," Shuter told the BBC. "He thinks of himself as a king, so it makes perfect sense that he would like to have two princes in his entourage.
"[Prince William and Prince Harry] never accepted [his invites]. They were never part of his world."
Shuter said he had not personally seen the criminal accusations now detailed in civil and criminal cases: "I've seen the imbalance of power. What I haven't seen is what is now alleged, which is just horrific."
Music producer Rodney Jones previously named Harry in a $30 million lawsuit against Combs, alleging the rapper used him to try to boost his own reputation.
"Mr. Combs was known for throwing the 'best' parties," a court filing seen by Newsweek read. "Affiliation with and/or general business partnerships with Mr. Combs garnered legitimacy, immense success, and access to top and emerging artists, celebrities, famous athletes, political figures, musicians, and international dignitaries like British Royal and Prince Harry."
However, the only time William and Harry are known to have met Diddy was when he performed at their Concert for Diana, in tribute to their mother, in 2007, ten years after her death.
A Diddy spokesperson denied the allegations to the BBC and said: "Mr Combs remains strong, healthy, and disciplined, fully committed to his defense with the unwavering support of his family, legal team, and the truth."
Jack Royston is chief royal correspondent for Newsweek, based in London. You can find him on Twitter at @jack_royston and read his stories on Newsweek's The Royals Facebook page.
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