King Charles may soon find himself in a delicate position as Prince Harry’s latest gesture toward reconciliation coincides with Queen Camilla’s upcoming 80th birthday.
The Duke of Sussex is planning to formally invite the Royal Family to the 2027 Invictus Games, set to take place in Birmingham from July 12 to July 17. According to insiders, Harry will first send an email invitation this month, followed by an official letter—a move described as one of his most meaningful attempts at mending ties with his family.
Timing Troubles for the Palace
But the schedule poses an awkward dilemma. The closing ceremony of the Games is set for July 17, the same day as Queen Camilla’s 80th birthday. With preparations for her celebration likely already in motion, royal aides now face a difficult decision: prioritize the Queen’s significant birthday or show support for an international event founded by the King’s youngest son.
This overlapping of events creates a particular challenge for King Charles, who must find a balance between supporting Harry’s charitable efforts and celebrating his wife’s milestone.
“Harry is hopeful his father can put their differences aside to support the veterans,” a source close to the situation revealed.
Hope for Reconciliation
The invitation is seen by some palace insiders as the clearest indication yet that Harry wants to rebuild his relationship with the King and other senior royals. As one source explained to The Mail on Sunday, “Harry has agreed that Invictus should extend an invitation to his family. Invictus hopes the Royal Family will come along to support the wounded veterans taking part.”
They added, “The Royals have always been hugely supportive of Invictus and proud of what Harry has achieved in that arena. This is one olive branch from him which might be reciprocated.”
Reports also suggest that the possibility of using the Games as a way to ease tensions has been discussed within the Palace, with some senior aides seeing Birmingham 2027 as a rare chance to improve strained relationships.
Still Early, Still Uncertain
A spokesperson for the Invictus Games confirmed that no official invitations have been sent out yet, as the event is still in the early planning stages.
It’s also unclear whether Meghan Markle or their children—Archie, 6, and Lilibet, 4—will join Harry in the UK. The Duke has previously said he won’t travel with his family to Britain unless they are granted full police protection.
Buckingham Palace declined to comment on Sunday regarding Harry’s planned invitation, noting that engagements that far ahead are not yet scheduled.
Palace sources have also reiterated that members of the Royal Family generally do not take part in each other’s official projects. For example, although King Charles was invited to a service at St Paul’s Cathedral to commemorate the Invictus Games’ 10th anniversary last May, he ultimately did not attend.