King Charles 'could feel uncomfortable' over Prince Harry's Invictus Games 'invite'
The 2027 Invictus Games will take place in the UK
In hopes of healing the alleged rift with King Charles, Prince Harry is reportedly planning to invite his father to attend the 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham.
But, a former royal butler has suggested the king could feel “uncomfortable” over the olive branch.
The Duke of Sussex, 40, is expected to send a formal invitation to the royal family later this month, starting with an email to the king‘s private secretary, followed by an official letter.
The games – which is a multi-sport event for wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women, both serving and veterans – are set to be held at Birmingham’s NEC from July 12 to 17, 2027.
They could provide an opportunity for the royals to publicly support Harry’s legacy initiative and potentially pave the way for reconciliation.
Prince Harry to ‘extend invite’ to King Charles ahead of Invictus Games
The reported move could be the strongest signal yet of his desire to mend ties with his family.
One insider told The Mail on Sunday: “Harry has agreed that Invictus should extend an invitation to his family. Invictus hopes the royal family will come along to support the wounded veterans taking part. Harry is hopeful his father will set aside their differences to attend.”
The source added: “The royals have always been hugely supportive of Invictus and proud of what Harry has achieved in that arena. This is one olive branch from him, which might be reciprocated.”
The Duke of Sussex has reportedly signed off on the recipients and wording of the invitations. The report claims that they will first be sent as internal communications to the Royal Household before being formally issued.
However, the proposed dates raise a potential conflict. The closing ceremony coincides with Queen Camilla’s 80th birthday on July 17. This milestone is likely to have its own full schedule of celebrations.
Another question looming over the invitation is whether Meghan Markle and their two children, Archie, six, and Lilibet, four, would join Harry in the UK if the family accepts the invite.
Harry previously stated that he does not feel it is safe to bring his family to Britain without full police protection.
‘I think he will definitely invite the king’
The Invictus Games, founded by Prince Harry in 2014, have long been a source of pride within the royal family.
King Charles and other senior royals publicly supported the competition during Harry’s time as a working royal.
Speaking to Royal Insider on behalf of Prime Casino, Charles’ former royal butler Grant Harrold explained the emotional and symbolic weight of the gesture.
“If he does invite the king and the king goes, that would mean they are definitely back on speaking terms,” Grant explained. “And if he doesn’t, it would show the state of play is very much as it was.
“I think he definitely will invite the king. He always has, and I think he always will, and is trying to repair the relationship with his father.”
Although he may feel uncomfortable, I doubt he will feel pressured to go.
However, Grant emphasised that the decision to attend will likely come down to more than just personal feelings.
“It’s not just the king who makes these decisions. It’s his advisors, the people around him, and possibly even Prince William. I can imagine that if the king doesn’t go, it would make him feel quite uncomfortable because it is his son who has asked him. He is a very kind and compassionate individual. Whatever has gone on between them, I don’t think he would ever want to upset him.
“Sadly, he will have to do what is right for the Crown, though. So, although he may feel uncomfortable, I doubt he will feel pressured to go.”
Who actually started the Invictus Games?
Harry founded the Invictus Games in 2014, with the first event taking place in London that year.
His decision to launch the games came after his visit to the Warrior Games in the USA in 2013.
During his visit, Harry saw how the power of sport could help wounded servicemen and women in their recovery. Therefore, he decided to bring the games to the UK.
Read more: Prince Harry could be ‘replaced’ by royal family’s ‘secret weapon’ Duchess Sophie
Buckingham Palace sources declined to discuss the olive branch, saying diaries haven’t been planned that far in advance. Royal Insider has contacted reps for Harry for comment.
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