This is because Harry is unpopular in the UK, with royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams telling The Express that by the duke inviting his father to take to the stage with him, he is taking up an “invaluable opportunity”.
Mr Fitzwilliams said: “Harry and Meghan are extremely unpopular in Britain with the public.
“The use of Invictus to reconcile publicly with the King opening the Game is playing a blinder and appears intended to unite, but the Sussexes business failures since they stepped down as senior working royals make this an invaluable opportunity for them to boost their brand.
“The King may well open the Games but Harry’s unifying gesture may, because he and Meghan are not trusted, do more to divide than unite, at least with the public, press and probably with some senior royals as well.”
Mr Fitzwilliams also said that Harry’s invitation “is intended to reconcile” but on his terms. It is believed a reconciliation between Harry and his father is already underway after the pair met up in September 2025 after reports of tension in their relationship.
Despite this, it is not known whether the King will accept Harry’s invite or even attend the event at all.
It has also not been confirmed which other royals are invited to the 2027 event, and whether or not any royals have already accepted or declined the invitation.
It is also not clear whether Harry will bring his wife Meghan Markle and their children Prince Archie, six, and Princess Lilibet, four, to the event. This is likely to depend on many different factors, including security matters.