Experts Decode Harry’s Intentions in Sending Charles the Invictus Invite: ‘This Is Brand Sussex’
In an effort to mend fences, Prince Harry has reportedly invited King Charles to attend the 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham.
After their widely publicized reunion in September last year, it seems Prince Harry and King Charles's once estranged relationship may have begun to thaw. In what seems to be a reconciliation effort, the Duke has reportedly invited the King to attend the 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham, an event he founded in 2014 to support injured servicemen. However, several royal experts have questioned the intent behind the invitation, debating whether it was extended in genuine goodwill or driven by more strategic motives.
In a discussion on The Sun's Royal Exclusive show, royal experts Matt Wilkinson, Arthur Edwards, and Samara Gill shared their thoughts on the Duke's alleged invite. Edwards told Wilkinson, "This is Harry trying to make peace and seek some sort of forgiveness, whether or not it will happen like that… the last meeting they had, nothing's come out of that. Nobody knows what was said. But something could happen… anything is possible," lauding Harry as a 'star' for providing a platform for armymen to compete. However, Gill disagreed, suggesting that it could be more of a 'PR stunt' for 'brand Sussex.'
She opined that even with Meghan Markle's involvement, the Games just hold a PR value for the Sussexes. "I do think that what it is, is them showing 'this is what we are. This is brand Sussex.' I think that's half the reason that he's [Harry] trying to find a photo op to try and rehab their brand," adding that she wished that it was more about the wounded soldiers than publicity. However, a source told the publication that Harry 'desperately' wanted his father to open the Games alongside him. They stressed, "The Games represent a cause close to both their hearts. They appear to want a reconciliation, and the Games are a perfect opportunity for them to work alongside each other."
Similarly, Royal Holloway professor Pauline Maclaran argued that the matter ultimately came down to how the invitation is perceived. Although some have speculated that the King's presence could raise concerns about royal neutrality, Maclaran firmly rejected that idea. She maintained that the focus should instead be on a different issue, telling the Daily Express, "It would be particularly appropriate for Charles to attend as Head of the British Armed Forces, and his strong support for the military is well-known."
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Invictus Games has previously said that the royal family has been a long-standing supporter of the Invictus Games, with the Duke of Sussex as the Founding Patron of the Invictus Games Foundation. They had clarified, "While it is too early to confirm who will attend in 2027 as invitations have not yet been sent out, organizers of the Invictus Games Birmingham 2027 will issue invitations to members of the royal family in due course, and we would very much welcome their presence."
