Prince Harry is turning his attention back to the UK, despite ongoing security concerns, as he prepares for the 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham. The Duke of Sussex made a bold declaration at the closing ceremony of the 2025 Invictus Games in Vancouver, addressing a crowd of 20,000 at Rogers Stadium. His enthusiasm for the event comes despite losing a high court battle last year over his right to state-funded police protection in the UK. Harry has previously expressed fears of potential knife or acid attacks, stating in an ITV documentary that without adequate security, he considers it too dangerous to bring his wife, Meghan Markle, or their children, Archie and Lilibet, to Britain.
The 2027 Birmingham Games will mark the first time the event returns to UK soil since its inception in 2014. This has raised questions about whether the Sussex family will attend, given the ongoing security challenges. At the Vancouver closing ceremony, Harry emphasized his commitment to the games, stating, “So long as the challenges around us demand it and require it, the games will go on.” He also expressed hopes for his children to experience the Invictus Games, though he stopped short of confirming their attendance in Birmingham. Harry noted that his children, Prince Archie (5) and Princess Lilibet (3), are still young but already understand the importance of resilience, community, and service.
The Duke’s family has been notably absent from his recent UK visits, with at least four solo trips made last year. Neither Meghan nor their children have accompanied him to Britain since 2022. The prospect of a family return remains uncertain, with security arrangements continuing to be a primary concern. Under current protocols, Harry must provide 30 days' notice of his travel plans to the UK, with each visit assessed individually. It is also unclear whether other working royals, such as King Charles III or Prince William, will attend the Birmingham Games, as they did in 2014.
Amid rising tensions, Prince Harry is reportedly seeking a new way to manage his relationship with King Charles and the royal family. Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams suggests that Harry is exploring a “hybrid agreement” that would allow him to maintain royal ties while continuing to live in the United States with Meghan. Fitzwilliams noted, “Harry is in exile by his own choice, but this separation has left him feeling isolated and nostalgic for his previous life in the UK.” He added that there is no sign of the rift within the royal family healing, as King Charles and Prince William have other priorities.
Fitzwilliams also highlighted Meghan’s dominant role in their relationship, stating, “I think Meghan is undoubtedly the dominant person in their relationship. I don’t doubt he wishes they had managed to arrange a half-in, half-out arrangement with the royal family, especially as his military links meant so much to him.” British broadcaster and photographer Helena Chard echoed these sentiments, noting that Harry’s public criticisms of his family have caused significant fallout, both within the royal family and with the public.
As Prince Harry and Meghan prepare for a joint appearance at the 2025 Invictus Games in Canada, there will be renewed focus on the Sussexes as a couple and a brand. An insider revealed that the couple plans to coordinate their public outings more strategically, with their annual appearances set to debut at the opening ceremony on February 8th. Meanwhile, Meghan is stepping into the spotlight with her upcoming Netflix series, With Love, Meghan, which premieres on January 15th. The trailer for the lifestyle series, shot in Montecito, California, features a cameo from Prince Harry and showcases Meghan cooking, gardening, and spending time with friends.
As Prince Harry navigates his dual roles as a royal and a California-based father, the challenges of balancing security, family, and public perception remain at the forefront. While his commitment to the Invictus Games and his charitable work is unwavering, the question of how he will reconcile his past and present continues to loom large. For now, the Sussexes are focused on their projects and public image, but the road ahead remains uncertain.
