Prince Harry and the organisers of the Invictus Games are reportedly preparing to extend an invitation to King Charles to attend the Birmingham Invictus Games next year. The Duke of Sussex was in the city last month to mark the one-year countdown to the international multi-sport event, which he founded in 2014 for wounded, injured and sick military personnel and veterans. The Games will be held at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC).
Meghan Markle had been expected to join him for the celebrations, but she stayed away because of security fears after a request for police protection is understood to have been refused.
Potential public reconciliation
If the King were to attend, it would represent a major public reconciliation between father and son – their first joint public appearance in years – and could mark a significant turning point in their relationship.
It is believed that Invictus Games organisers are planning to ask the King to take part in either the opening or closing ceremony, as well as to attend various sporting events and meet competitors.
Why Harry wants his father there
Sources close to the duke say his wish to have his father alongside him at next year's Games serves a dual purpose. One insider told the Mirror: "Next year is a big deal for Harry. He is determined that the Birmingham Games will be the best ever and it would mean the world to him to have his father there."
A separate royal source noted that the King "would welcome the opportunity to see his grandchildren again". Harry and Meghan's children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, have rarely seen their grandfather since the couple stepped back from royal duties in 2020.
A fractured relationship
The royal rift dates back to 2021, when the Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced they would no longer be working royals. Harry later revealed that Charles "stopped taking his calls" after he outlined his plans to step back during an interview with Oprah Winfrey.
The Netflix documentary Harry & Meghan directly criticised palace mechanics, accusing Charles's communications team of leaking stories and briefing the tabloid press against the couple. Harry's memoir Spare added further explosive claims, including that Charles did not hug him when he was told about Princess Diana's death.
Recent steps towards reconciliation
Harry last saw his father around three weeks ago. The Duke and Duchess, along with Archie and Lilibet, visited King Charles and Queen Camilla at Highgrove House in a "private family occasion" after Harry's engagement in Birmingham. It was the first time the King had seen his grandchildren in person for more than four years. Archie is seven and Lilibet is five.
Before that, the last meeting between Harry and Charles was in February 2024, when Harry flew to London after the King's cancer diagnosis was announced.
Security concerns and a difficult trip
During his trip to the UK in July, Harry was left scrambling for alternative lodgings after publicly saying he intended to stay at a royal residence. Buckingham Palace denied this, saying he had not responded to the invitation in time. Harry, who has been based in California since stepping back in 2020, had planned for his family to accompany him throughout the visit, but changed plans after learning he would not receive taxpayer-funded security.
Meghan, who had been scheduled to appear with Harry on stage before withdrawing from travelling to London or attending public events, eventually joined him later that week after Harry arranged an audience with the King.
A new approach
Harry has reportedly been encouraged by the emotional reunion with his father, wife and children earlier this month – their first together in four years. Sources say he wants to arrange further meetings so the King can spend time with his grandchildren.
One insider explained: "Harry's intention is two fold. He would love the King's support at the Games, while having his father by his side would also add considerable weight to his argument for security for his family to accompany him on the trip."
Harry is expected to return to London for the annual WellChild Awards in September, a charity he has championed for 15 years. It is understood he will accept an invitation from the King to lodge at Buckingham Palace during that visit – a notable shift from his previous trip.
The Mirror also reported that Harry intends to continue his campaign for taxpayer-funded security, which would clear the way for future family visits.
Invictus Games will make Asian debut
After his UK trip, Harry announced that the next Invictus Games after Birmingham will take place in Daejeon, South Korea. The event, staged every two years, will be held in Asia for the first time, running from 6 to 15 October 2029 around the Daejeon Convention Centre in Yuseong-gu.
The duke said he was "delighted" for the city. The 2029 Games will bring together 550 competitors from 26 nations, supported by 1,100 family members and friends across 12 sports.
Buckingham Palace did not comment.
