Prince Harry, 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 set to be hosted in Birmingham, United Kingdom from July 12 to 17, 2027. The move, reported by The Daily Mail and other media outlets, is being interpreted as a step toward reconciliation with members of the Royal Family, following a period of estrangement.
The 2027 Invictus Games: A Global Celebration of Recovery and Resilience
Founded by Prince Harry in 2014, the Invictus Games are an international adaptive sporting event for wounded, injured, and sick service personnel and veterans. The Games use sport as a form of rehabilitation and inspiration, with events that include wheelchair basketball, sitting volleyball, swimming, and archery.
As confirmed by the Invictus Games Foundation, the 2027 Games will take place in Birmingham, England, further cementing the UK’s role in supporting veterans and active-duty personnel. The event is expected to bring together participants from over 20 nations, highlighting themes of resilience, service, and international cooperation.
Prince Harry continues to serve as the Patron of the Invictus Games Foundation, which supports year-round programming beyond the main competition.
Reported Royal Invitations: A Gesture of Reconnection
According to reports in The Telegraph and BBC, Prince Harry is preparing to invite King Charles III and Prince William to attend the Birmingham Games. Though Buckingham Palace has not confirmed the receipt or acceptance of the invitation, reports suggest the request is being framed as a gesture of unity around a shared commitment to the Armed Forces.
Royal family members have historically supported the Invictus Games. During the inaugural 2014 Games in London, then-Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall, along with Prince William and the Princess of Wales, were present. These engagements underscore the Royal Family’s longstanding support for the military community and its rehabilitation efforts.
The formal invitation, reportedly being sent in mid-2025, may also represent the first opportunity for senior royals to appear publicly with Prince Harry since Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in September 2022, which marked a rare reunion of the broader royal family.
Security and Legal Proceedings
One of the major challenges surrounding Prince Harry’s travel to the UK has involved personal security. In 2020, following his decision to step down from royal duties, the Duke of Sussex lost access to UK government-funded security, a matter that led to a legal dispute with the Home Office.
In May 2025, the High Court ruled against Prince Harry in his appeal to reinstate automatic security provisions. As reported by Reuters, the court upheld the decision of the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (RAVEC), which oversees protection for the Royal Family and government officials.
While the ruling acknowledged Prince Harry’s concerns about personal safety, the court stated that non-working royals are not automatically entitled to state-funded protection. Nonetheless, bespoke arrangements may still be made when the Duke visits for official events or ceremonies, as noted in government guidelines.
Potential Scheduling Conflict: Queen Camilla’s Milestone Birthday
A notable calendar overlap is that Queen Camilla is scheduled to celebrate her 80th birthday on July 17, 2027, the same day as the closing ceremony of the Invictus Games. According to Royal.uk, milestone birthdays of senior royals are traditionally observed with public acknowledgments and private celebrations.
While no official schedule has been released by Buckingham Palace, such occasions typically involve family gatherings and media recognition. Given the overlap, participation in the Invictus Games by King Charles or Queen Camilla could depend on scheduling priorities and ceremonial responsibilities.
Relationship with King Charles III and Prince William
Prince Harry’s relationship with senior members of the Royal Family has faced significant challenges in recent years. Tensions reportedly increased following the 2023 publication of his memoir, Spare, which included personal reflections and commentary on his experiences within the monarchy.
The memoir was followed by interviews in which Prince Harry discussed his family dynamics, including security concerns and the broader role of the Royal Family. As covered by BBC News, these revelations led to public debate, but no formal response was issued by the Palace, in keeping with its long-standing tradition of maintaining privacy in family matters.
Prince Harry has emphasized the importance of reconciliation in multiple public forums. In an interview with the BBC, he expressed a desire to move forward and reiterated his commitment to supporting veterans through the Invictus Games.
Royal Protocols and Event Participation
The Royal Family follows well-established protocols regarding participation in events. According to information published on Royal.uk, working members of the Royal Family typically undertake public engagements that align with their assigned duties and patronages.
While it is not customary for royals to participate in each other’s independent projects, exceptions may be made for charitable endeavors that support national institutions such as the Armed Forces. King Charles III, as Commander-in-Chief of the British Armed Forces, has regularly supported initiatives that benefit military personnel and veterans.
Attendance at the 2027 Invictus Games would likely be evaluated through the lens of protocol, security, and scheduling feasibility.
Public and Media Response
The possible appearance of King Charles III or Prince William at the Invictus Games is generating significant interest across the media. While no official commitments have been made, public sentiment reflects a broad desire for reconciliation and collaboration within the Royal Family, particularly when tied to charitable causes.
According to YouGov polling data, the British public continues to express strong support for the monarchy as an institution, while opinions about individual members vary based on age demographics and recent media appearances.
Nonetheless, support for causes like veterans’ health and mental well-being remains high, and events such as the Invictus Games consistently receive praise from military communities and the general public.
Conclusion: A Potential Step Toward Unity
Prince Harry’s reported invitation to King Charles III and Prince William to attend the 2027 Invictus Games represents a meaningful gesture tied to one of his most respected charitable initiatives. While attendance is not confirmed and several logistical considerations remain, the potential for a public show of unity around a shared cause is notable.
As of now, all official decisions regarding royal participation will be made in accordance with protocol and announced through appropriate channels, such as:
- https://www.royal.uk
- https://invictusgamesfoundation.org
- https://www.bbc.com/news/uk
- https://www.reuters.com
- https://www.theguardian.com
