Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, is reportedly preparing to extend a formal invitation to King Charles III and Prince William to attend the 2027 Invictus Games, which are scheduled to take place in Birmingham, United Kingdom. While official confirmation from Buckingham Palace is yet to be issued, the potential for royal attendance at this international sporting event has sparked significant interest among royal watchers and the public.
What Are the Invictus Games?
The Invictus Games is a global adaptive sports competition for wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women. Founded by Prince Harry in 2014, the Games were inspired by his own military service and his commitment to the rehabilitation and empowerment of veterans.
According to the Invictus Games Foundation, the event provides participants with an opportunity to engage in meaningful competition, boosting both physical and mental health. Since its inception, the Games have been held in multiple countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, the Netherlands, and Germany.
The 2027 edition is set to take place in Birmingham, England, from July 12 to 17, marking another significant milestone for the organization and for Prince Harry’s ongoing work in veterans’ support and mental health advocacy.
Security Concerns and Legal Proceedings
Prince Harry has previously raised concerns about security when traveling to the UK. He pursued legal action against the UK Home Office regarding the level of personal protection provided during his visits. In May 2025, a UK court ruled against the Duke’s appeal for increased taxpayer-funded security while in the country, as reported by Reuters.
Although non-working royals are not typically entitled to police protection by default, arrangements can be made on a case-by-case basis for official events. If Prince Harry attends the Invictus Games in a formal or guest capacity, security provisions would be assessed in line with government guidelines and risk evaluations by the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (RAVEC).
Queen Camilla’s 80th Birthday
A notable scheduling consideration is that the closing ceremony of the 2027 Invictus Games on Saturday, July 17 coincides with Queen Camilla’s 80th birthday. According to the Royal Family’s official website, milestone birthdays are often marked with private family events or public celebrations.
While the Palace has not publicly addressed any potential conflict between the two events, official royal diaries are typically confirmed only months in advance. As such, public assumptions about attendance remain speculative without formal confirmation from Buckingham Palace or authorized royal sources.
Prince William and Family Relations
The relationship between Prince Harry and Prince William has been the subject of intense public and media scrutiny, especially following the publication of Prince Harry’s memoir Spare in January 2023. The book includes personal anecdotes and criticisms that were widely reported by outlets such as The Guardian and Sky News.
As of June 2025, there have been no official updates on private communications between the brothers. Public appearances together have been limited, and no statements have been made by either party confirming or denying any efforts toward reconciliation.
It is unknown whether Prince Harry reached out to Prince William privately to mark the latter’s 43rd birthday, celebrated on June 21, 2025. The Royal Family’s social media platforms, including those managed by The Prince and Princess of Wales, did not issue any public acknowledgment of the occasion on behalf of the Duke of Sussex. While the absence of public messages often draws speculation, it does not necessarily reflect private communications between family members.
Role of the Royal Family in Public Events
Traditionally, members of the Royal Family do not participate in each other’s independent initiatives unless they align with official public duties or charitable patronages supported by the Crown. This was reiterated in a 2021 Buckingham Palace statement, clarifying the roles and boundaries for working and non-working royals.
For this reason, the attendance of King Charles III or Prince William at the Invictus Games would not be considered routine. However, it could be viewed as a gesture of goodwill in support of a charitable endeavor with strong ties to the Armed Forces.
As Commander-in-Chief of the British Armed Forces, King Charles holds ceremonial and symbolic responsibilities. His potential attendance at the Games could reflect support for injured veterans, rather than a shift in family dynamics.
Public Reaction and Polling
According to data from YouGov UK, public perception of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle has fluctuated over recent years. While they retain significant support among younger audiences, their approval ratings among older demographics and traditional monarchists remain relatively low. This may influence public discourse should they appear alongside senior royals at future events.
Despite these challenges, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex remain active in charitable and media ventures. Their production company Archewell Productions, along with their mental health initiatives, continue to generate global interest and engagement.
Conclusion
As preparations continue for the 2027 Invictus Games, the reported invitation from Prince Harry to King Charles III and Prince William highlights a potential moment of unity around a shared cause. The Games, which promote recovery, resilience, and inclusion for military veterans, align closely with values historically upheld by the Royal Family.
While the Royal Household has yet to confirm any participation, the event presents an opportunity for the monarchy to reaffirm its support for the armed forces community. Any further developments will likely be communicated through official sources, such as:
- Royal.uk
- InvictusGamesFoundation.org
- BBC News
- Reuters
- The Guardian
- Sky News
