The Duke of Sussex's Invictus Games Foundation has released tickets for next year's event, revealing an awkward scheduling clash. The 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham will run from July 10 to July 17, with the closing ceremony falling on the same day as Queen Camilla's 80th birthday.
Ticket release and ceremony dates
This week, Invictus began releasing tickets for the closing ceremony, with a standard adult ticket costing £85. The opening ceremony will take place on July 10, and the closing ceremony on July 17.
The closing ceremony - arguably one of the biggest events of the competition - coincides with the Royal Family's plans to celebrate Queen Camilla's 80th birthday. Details of the celebration have not yet been revealed.
Royal attendance questions
The clash is believed to be unintentional, though it may draw public accusations that Harry is trying to take the spotlight from his stepmother's big day. At present, it is believed none of Harry's royal relatives is definitely set to attend the Birmingham games, despite the duke reportedly wanting them to be present.
Earlier this year, it was reported that Harry wanted his father, King Charles, to attend one of the ceremonies with him, standing by his side on stage. The King has never publicly commented on this, and it is unclear whether Harry has officially asked his father to attend. It is considered likely that the monarch would not step out at the event on the same day as his wife's 80th birthday.
Harry's focus on Birmingham
Tickets for both the opening and closing ceremonies are now available to buy, along with tickets to watch the games themselves. Prince Harry usually attends every Invictus Games competition and is likely to be very present in Birmingham, as he and his family now live back in the UK.
Meghan Markle is also believed to be likely to attend with her husband, as she usually does. It is unclear whether their children, Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five, will attend. Speaking to CTV News in Canada weeks ago about the move to the UK, the duke said: "It (the UK move) gives me a chance to be able to really focus on the Invictus Games in Birmingham in July next year."
