King Charles III may find himself in a challenging situation in 2027 when the Invictus Games, spearheaded by his son Prince Harry, make their way to Britain. The games, which serve as an Olympic-style competition for wounded veterans, were expected to be hosted in Washington, D.C., but Birmingham has been chosen as the host city for 2027.

The upcoming event will inevitably raise questions about whether King Charles and other senior royals will attend, creating a potential “reputational booby trap” for the royal family, according to PR expert Edward Coram James.

Coram James, CEO of media agency Go Up, explained the predicament: “In some ways, it’s a bit of a booby trap for them. I’m sure it hasn’t been laid as a booby trap, but whether it’s been laid that way or not, it’s a bit of a booby trap because it forces their hand.”

Coram James emphasizes the significant public relations implications: “If they don’t go, it looks like they’re weighing petty considerations over wounded veterans, so they have to go. Reputationally, they can’t not go.”

The prospect of the Invictus Games on British soil places King Charles and the royal family in a position where their presence—or lack thereof—could be heavily scrutinized. The decision is complicated by the strained relationship between Harry and the rest of the royal family, which has been a topic of public interest and media speculation for several years.

“If they attend, it could be seen as a step toward reconciliation between Harry and the rest of the family,” Coram James said. “If they don’t, it might reinforce the perception of an ongoing rift. This event could force the royals to get in the room and work through their differences. If you want to force a group of people to sit down in a room and have a talk, this is a very good way to do that.”

The Invictus Games may present an opportunity for Prince Harry to reconnect with his father, especially as he continues his legal battles in the UK. Harry has been challenging the Home Office’s decision to strip him of his police protection, which has been a significant point of contention since 2020.

Birmingham’s announcement as the host city for the games coincided with a shift in British politics, including the replacement of Harry’s ally, former Conservative Veterans Affairs Minister Johnny Mercer, by the Labour Party’s Alistair Carns. This change suggests that the 2027 games might also serve as an avenue for Prince Harry to establish connections within the new government.

For King Charles, the upcoming Invictus Games are set against a backdrop of recent royal family history marked by personal losses and public controversies. The passing of his father, Prince Philip, in 2021 and his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, in 2022 were deeply impactful events during a time of ongoing tensions with Harry and Meghan Markle.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been outspoken critics of the royal institution, with their Netflix series in December 2022 and Harry’s memoir, Spare, released in January 2023, exposing internal family dynamics and personal grievances. While these revelations have largely ceased, the emotional rift remains evident.

The prince’s last visit to Britain for his father’s 75th birthday in February was brief and reportedly strained. As noted by royal author Robert Jobson in his upcoming book, Catherine, the Princess of Wales, “The official narrative was that Charles was ‘touched’ by Harry’s gesture. The truth is that his unscheduled visit disrupted the King’s plans to recuperate with his wife at Sandringham.”

 

Jobson continued, “Instead, they idled at Clarence House in London, awaiting Harry’s arrival. Their meeting then lasted only 30 minutes—clearly not long enough to repair shattered bridges.”

Jobson highlights the complexity of the relationship: “The Duke of Sussex, ensconced in his own family bubble, had perhaps not yet grasped that his public betrayal of his father and the wider family had left far deeper wounds than he’d anticipated.”

As the 2027 Invictus Games approach, the royal family faces a decision that could either further deepen existing divides or begin to mend them. While the games represent an opportunity for the royals to demonstrate unity and support for wounded veterans, they also underscore the intricate personal dynamics that continue to shape the narrative of the House of Windsor.

 

The world will undoubtedly be watching as King Charles and the royal family navigate this high-stakes event, determining whether duty and diplomacy can bridge the gap between father and son. The choice to attend the Invictus Games in 2027 might just be the gesture needed to pave the way for healing and reconciliation within Britain’s most famous family.