There’s growing anticipation among royal watchers that the 2027 Invictus Games, set to take place in Birmingham, UK, might serve as an opportunity for King Charles and Prince Harry to mend their fractured relationship.

The Duke of Sussex, who founded the Games to support military veterans and service members, is reportedly extending invitations to members of the royal family as a gesture of peace. However, royal experts suggest Harry may need to rebuild trust before any real reconciliation can happen.

Lingering Tensions Between Father and Son

The rift between King Charles and Prince Harry has deepened over recent years, largely due to Harry’s public criticism of the royal family.

Alongside Meghan Markle, the Duke has aired grievances in interviews, their Netflix docuseries, and most notably, his memoir. These revelations have left relations strained, and it remains uncertain whether the King would accept Harry’s invitation to attend the Invictus Games.

A Symbolic Event That May Be Hard to Ignore

Speaking with OK! Magazine, former royal press officer Dickie Arbiter emphasized that the monarch’s presence at the Games would carry significant weight, especially given its connection to the British military. “It would be a difficult one to skip,” Arbiter said. “Someone needs to find a resolution. There should be a presence of the King — maybe not William, but certainly the King.”

However, Arbiter also pointed out that Queen Camilla’s birthday could serve as a convenient reason for Charles to decline the invitation without causing further controversy.