Prince Harry has been accused of "using his father to stay relevant" amid reports that he is planning to extend a major olive branch. The Duke of Sussex could invite King Charles to next year's Invictus Games in an attempt to patch up their relationship following a reunion with his wife, Meghan Markle, and two children last month.
Invitation to the King
The monarch may be asked to take part in "either the opening or closing ceremony as well as visiting a range of sporting events to meet competitors", according to The Mirror. Harry's apparent renewed effort to reconcile with his father has, however, been met with scepticism by some.
One social media commentator said: "Harry wants his father to give the games a financial boost, so he can benefit from it. He spent five to six years trying to destroy the very institution he's now using to stay relevant!"
Another added: "The same institution in which his father and brother are trapped? Harry is just shameless at this point."
Security Concerns
A source told The Mirror that Harry believes having his father by his side would "add considerable weight" to his argument for full taxpayer-funded security for his family in the UK.
"Harry's intention is two-fold," they added. "Next year is a big deal [for him]. He is determined that the Birmingham Games will be the best ever, and it would mean the world to him to have his father there."
The duke has faced a years-long legal battle with the Home Office over the security arrangements for him and his family while in the UK after his level of protection changed when he stepped down as a working royal in 2020.
The Sussexes are not currently eligible to receive taxpayer-funded protection while in the country, other than when within royal residences, with a review by the Risk Management Board yet to take place.
Harry is next set to visit the UK in September for the annual WellChild Awards, when he is expected to accept his father's offer of accommodation at Buckingham Palace.
