Prince Harry could receive an important show of support from his father, King Charles, when the Invictus Games return to the UK next year.
The Duke of Sussex has reportedly asked the monarch to attend the 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham, with Harry said to be hoping that his father will appear at either the opening or closing ceremony.
The week-long sporting event for wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans is scheduled to take place in Birmingham in July 2027. Harry, who founded the Invictus Games, remains closely associated with the international event and serves as its patron.
According to reports, the invitation could give Charles an opportunity to publicly support an organisation that remains particularly important to his son.
Royal expert Sarah Vine believes the King may ultimately decide to attend. Speaking on Palace Confidential, Vine was asked whether Charles could make an appearance at the Games and suggested that she expects him to do so.
Her reasoning was that Charles may consider the event part of his responsibilities as monarch. She also suggested that refusing to attend could create unnecessary tension around an already complicated family relationship.
The potential visit would be particularly significant because relations between Harry and the wider Royal Family have remained strained for several years.
However, there have recently been signs of renewed family contact. Charles and Queen Camilla reportedly met Harry, Meghan Markle and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, at Highgrove earlier this year. The meeting was notable because it marked their first reported face-to-face meeting in several years.
Harry had travelled to the UK as part of preparations surrounding the countdown to the next Invictus Games. The Duke established the competition to give wounded and injured military personnel and veterans an opportunity to compete internationally.
His family’s involvement in the UK visit was initially uncertain. Meghan, Archie and Lilibet were reportedly not expected to accompany Harry, with security concerns cited as one of the reasons.
If King Charles does attend the Birmingham Games, his presence could therefore carry significance beyond the sporting event itself. It could demonstrate support for Harry’s long-running project while also allowing the monarch to fulfil a public role connected with veterans and the wider armed forces community.
For Harry, having his father present at such a major occasion would also be a meaningful moment. The Invictus Games have been one of the most important parts of his post-royal public work, and a royal appearance could attract considerable attention to the 2027 event.
At this stage, however, there is no confirmed announcement that King Charles will attend. The possibility remains dependent on the official arrangements and the King’s schedule closer to the Games.
If Charles does ultimately accept Harry’s invitation, the decision could become one of the most closely watched moments of the 2027 Invictus Games—not only because of the King’s connection to the event, but also because of what his presence could represent for his relationship with his younger son.
Key Takeaways
- Prince Harry has reportedly invited King Charles to the 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham.
- The Duke of Sussex hopes his father will attend either the opening or closing ceremony.
- Royal expert Sarah Vine believes Charles is likely to accept the invitation.
- The King may view his attendance as part of his responsibility as monarch.
- The possible appearance comes amid renewed contact between Charles and Harry’s families.
