Prince Harry reportedly plans to extend an invitation to King Charles and Prince William for the upcoming Invictus Games, which is slated for July 2027 in Birmingham, England.
However, a former royal butler has expressed skepticism about their attendance due to other charitable commitments.
Former royal butler Paul Burrell shared, “I think that the King and the Prince of Wales have enough charity events to go to, so I think they wouldn’t have to go to the Invictus Games. This is Harry’s baby, not the King’s and not William’s. I think they shouldn’t go to support Harry in this venture. This is Harry’s concern, not theirs.”
Speaking to The Express UK, he further remarked, “A public show of support, at this time, is probably not on the cards. I doubt whether William would embrace Harry in public at this moment in time, or even ever again.”
The Invictus Games are scheduled to take place from July 10 to 17 in Birmingham, hosted at the National Exhibition Center, and are anticipated to draw international competitors. The UK-backed bid triumphed over six global cities, securing the event through Birmingham’s “strong commitment to the welfare and recovery” of active service members and veterans.
The Telegraph reported that Harry sent an email invitation to Charles and other senior royals last month, with a formal invitation expected to follow later.
Most recently, Harry’s Invictus Games Foundation has released a “farewell” statement for devoted employee and former competitor, Mickaela Richards, who is leaving the foundation after a decade. Mickaela competed at the inaugural Invictus Games London 2014, and has since been an “instrumental” team member.
The games’ CEO, Rob Owen OBE, stated, “We are saddened to see Mickaela go, and are immensely grateful for her contributions and commitment to our mission. We wish her every success in her next chapter. I look forward to growing what has been an incredible decade of changing lives and saving lives through the power of sport led by her and the team.”