Will King Charles Attend the Invictus Games? One Royal Expert Explains Why It May Not Happen
Prince Harry reportedly wants to inaugurate the Invictus Games alongside his father.
In a long-awaited move, Prince Harry is set to return to the U.K. next year as Birmingham gears up to host the upcoming Invictus Games in July 2027. The competition, which encourages injured and disabled veterans to participate in various international sporting events, is expected to draw massive global attention. However, it remains unclear whether any other members of the royal family will be present there. Adding to the uncertainty, a popular royal expert, Matt Wilkinson, has recently expressed his doubts over King Charles’s attendance at the event, despite Harry's ‘optimism’.
During an appearance on ‘A Right Royal Podcast,’ Wilkinson spoke about how important the games are for Harry, saying, "I think Invictus is a big event for Harry. I think there was only one decision. It was going to Birmingham, and Harry wanted to bring his whole family down here. He wants to sit there with the Royal Family, in the stands, but that's very optimistic." However, as reported by Marie Claire, he expressed doubts about the King’s attendance at the Games, stating, "I don't think The King will go to Invictus next summer." The royal expert also said that Prince William and Queen Camilla won't be at the games.
A few years ago, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped back from their royal duties, and their controversial memoir, Spare, released in 2023, reportedly upset Charles and other senior royals with its intense criticism of the Royal Family. Things have remained bitter since then, and this could further affect the King’s decision to attend the upcoming sporting event.
It is also worth noting that the Invictus Games will run until July 17, 2027—the same day when Queen Camilla will be turning 80. Speaking of this, a source said, “Planning committees are aware of Camilla’s birthday and hope Charles will be able to do the opening and attend events while still honoring commitments to his wife,” as reported by The Sun. The person further shared how Harry is encouraged by the thought of inaugurating the Games alongside his father, with expectations that more royals could be present, especially given the Birmingham venue. They said, "Harry wants it to happen both for the games and for their relationship." However, since Megxit, Harry and Charles have met only a few times, with Harry even joking about how formal the meeting felt.
An official spokesperson for the Invictus Games previously said that it is still too soon to confirm attendance for the 2027 edition, as formal invitations have not yet been issued. Nevertheless, organizers and authorities of the Invictus Games Birmingham 2027 plan to extend invitations to all members of the Royal Family in due course and would warmly welcome their presence. The spokesperson went on to highlight how the royals have supported the international sporting event ever since its launch in 2014, with Harry serving as the founding patron.
