The 2027 Invictus Games Location Raises ‘Really Difficult Controversial Questions’ for Prince Harry and King Charles
Prince Harry’s bringing the Invictus Games back to the U.K. In 2027, the sports competition he founded for wounded, sick, and injured military veterans will be held in England for the second time in its history. The “surprising decision,” according to a commentator, will undoubtedly bring about some “controversial” questions for the Duke of Sussex and his father, King Charles III.
The city of Birmingham, England, is hosting the 2027 Invictus Games
The Invictus Games Foundation revealed in a July 22, 2024, statement on their official website that the 2027 Invictus Games will be hosted by Birmingham, England. The U.K. city won their bid to host, beating out Washington, D.C., which would’ve seen Harry take the games to the U.S. capital.
“Your city’s strong ties to the armed forces community made it a formidable contender from the very start,” Harry said in the statement.
“We have no doubt the people of Birmingham will join in celebrating the unwavering respect and admiration we have for our veteran and service community, showing the world how their courage ignites hope and unites us all—something your city knows well.”
It will mark the games’ first time back in the U.K. since London, England, hosted the inaugural 2014 competition. But before Birmingham acts as host, Whistler and Vancouver, Canada, will serve as the setting for the 2025 games.
The games’ return to England prompts tough questions for Harry and King Charles
The decision to bring the Invictus Games back to Harry’s home country will, as commentator Jack Royston told Sky News anchor Kay Burley, raise “difficult” and “controversial” questions.
“Prince Harry has taken quite a surprising decision. He’s going to have his 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham instead of Washington, D.C.,” Royston said (via Newsweek).
“He had the chance to do it right on his new home turf in the beating heart of American politics and American democracy. And he’s chosen Birmingham instead, which is really interesting.”
Harry and Meghan have lived in Montecito, California, since 2020 following their decision to leave royal life.
“It throws up all kinds of really difficult controversial questions,” Royston continued. “Like, will King Charles go to the Invictus Games? The palace will probably be telling him, ‘You shouldn’t be seen to be endorsing something that Harry’s doing outside of the royal world.’”
The palace reportedly used the same reasoning when Harry marked 10 years of the Invictus Games (via The Daily Beast). No British royals attended the anniversary service in support of Harry. Only Princess Diana’s siblings and close friends.
Meanwhile, Harry’s bound to be looking at it another way. He “will be saying, ‘You’re my dad. You should be proud of me. This is my big moment, I’m doing a wonderful thing in Britain.’”
“So there’s all those questions,” Royston said.
The 2027 Invictus Games could be ‘awkward’ or ‘powerful’ for Prince William and Kate Middleton
According to GB News’ Dorothy Reddin, the 2027 games could go one of two ways for Prince William and Kate Middleton. It all depends on whether or not they decide to attend.
“The royal family would almost certainly have to consider the optics of a major sporting event being held in the heart of the U.K. and no visibility from Harry’s immediate family,” she said (via Express). “Thus placing the Waleses in an awkward position.”
“William and Kate could run the risk of appearing cold if they failed to show public support [for Harry]. The 2027 Invictus Games are three years away. And there is no way of telling how the Waleses’ relationship with the Sussexes will be.”
At the time of writing, the relationship between the two couples is said to be nonexistent. As in, they’re not on speaking terms. But if they go to games—it’s a big if at this point—it’d be a “powerful” image.
“If Princess Kate and Prince William attend the upcoming Invictus Games events in 2027, it could be deeply awkward. But there is also the opportunity for an emotional reunion and a powerful full-circle moment for the royal family.”
September 2022 is the last time Harry and Meghan Markle appeared publicly alongside the Prince and Princess of Wales.
