Prince Harry could finally reunite with King Charles at the Invictus Games in Birmingham in 2027. The Duke of Sussex, 40, has faced a tense relationship with his father ever since stepping back from royal duties in 2020.
The CEO of the Birmingham Invictus Games, Helen Helliwell, recently revealed her hopes for royal attendance, confirming that members of the Royal Family are “very much welcome” at the event.
Could the Invictus Games heal royal rift?
Harry has been living in the US since his royal departure with wife Meghan Markle, 43, and their children, six-year-old Prince Archie and four-year-old Princess Lilibet. Despite several visits to the UK since 2020, Harry’s relationship with Charles, 76, remains distant.
The Duke admitted to the BBC in May that he is currently not speaking with the King. However, the Invictus Games could provide a neutral setting to mend fences.
Helen recently spoke to PEOPLE about the royal connection to the Invictus Games: “They’ve been supporters of Invictus since inception in 2014.”
She continued: “Again, we’re two years away, and it’s too soon to confirm who’s going to be there. But obviously, we’d be delighted if members of the Royal Family were able to attend and would very much welcome their presence in a couple of years’ time.”
Harry’s unique bond with Invictus
© GettyHelen specifically praised Harry’s involvement, describing his passion as “unsurpassed”. She said: “We will be delighted if they come over for the year out and for the Games.”
She added: “We are so far out it’s impossible for one individual to confirm their plans, but we would be delighted if the Duke were able to come.”
Harry founded the Invictus Games in 2014. The event holds special meaning for him, providing support to wounded veterans from around the globe.
Speaking further about Harry’s role, Helen said: “I’ve seen the impact. [Harry’s] passion is unsurpassed. He really brings a magical sparkle dust to his interactions, and there is a really special relationship with him and the community. So, we will be super excited to host him in Birmingham as well.”
Could Meghan and the children attend?
© Samir Hussein/WireImageThe potential presence of Meghan and their children Archie and Lilibet could be key to any royal reconciliation.
Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams previously spoke to the Express about the implications of a public reunion at the Games.
Richard explained: “‘Reconciliation’ sounds so simple as everyone obviously supports it. However, it might involve extremely serious problems for the royal family, who rightly do not trust the Sussexes.”
He added: “If the King accepted it, this would involve public contact with Harry and almost certainly Meghan and his grandchildren, Archie and Lili.”
Harry’s strained ties to the monarchy
© GettyHarry and Meghan stepped away from their senior royal roles in January 2020. Since relocating to California, their relationship with the royal family has remained strained.
Harry’s 2023 memoir, Spare, deepened the divide, making it challenging for the royals to reconcile publicly.
Despite these difficulties, Harry’s ongoing involvement with Invictus provides a unique and neutral environment to bridge the gap.
Royal supporters would welcome reunion
© GettyRoyal watchers and supporters alike have long hoped for Harry and Charles to reconnect. Invictus Games 2027 offers an ideal opportunity for a public reconciliation, highlighting shared support for a vital cause.
Helen concluded her interview optimistically, stating: “We would be delighted if the Duke were able to come.”
She also emphasised the importance of royal support, saying: “Members of the Royal Family have been great supporters since the Games began, and their presence is hugely significant.”
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