The Duke of Sussex has reportedly invited King Charles III to attend the Invictus Games in 2027, with one source describing the invitation as an “olive branch.”
The move follows a rare family visit to the UK earlier this year, when Prince Harry brought Meghan Markle and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lillibet, to see the King. It marked the first time in more than four years that Charles had reunited with his grandchildren, who are now aged seven and four.
An olive branch to the King
The Invictus Games are scheduled for Birmingham in July 2027. The first edition took place in London in 2014, and next year will mark its return to the UK.
A source told The Mail on Sunday that Harry is “hopeful his father will set aside their differences to attend the Invictus Games and support veterans.” 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.”
Another source quoted by The Mirror said: “Harry’s intention is two fold. He would love the King’s support at the Games, while having his father by his side would also add considerable weight to his argument for security for his family to accompany him on the trip.”
Royal experts skeptical
Royal experts appear skeptical that Harry’s wishes will come to fruition. Matt Wilkinson, royal editor of The Sun, said on Hello! magazine’s podcast, A Right Royal Podcast, that he does not think the King will be attending next year’s event.
“I think Invictus is a big event for Harry. I think there was only one decision. It was going to Birmingham and Harry wanted to bring his whole family down here. He wants to sit there with the Royal Family, in the stands, but that's very optimistic,” he said.
He added: “Who knows what could happen next week? If you want an answer on that, looking at my crystal ball, I don't think The King will go to Invictus next summer. I might be wrong, but William definitely won't. Camilla definitely won't. You might get the defence secretary there, the prime minister, but you won't get The King.”
A strained relationship
Harry’s relationship with his father and the rest of the royal family has been fraught over the last six years. He has met Charles just a handful of times since he and Meghan stepped down as working members of the royal family in 2020 and moved to California with their children.
However, the Duke’s family’s most recent reunion with the King marked a significant shift. According to Vanity Fair, arrangements for the meeting were made in secret and orchestrated by the King himself, with not even Prince William and Kate Middleton told that it was going ahead.
A source close to the Sussexes told the publication: “The King wanted to see Harry and the children. A time was agreed for the Sussexes to come to Highgrove on Friday afternoon, and it was uncharacteristically last-minute for the King. Everyone was sworn to secrecy so that the meeting could remain private.”
But Harry’s relationship with William remains broken, and there are no plans for the estranged brothers to meet in the future.
