Prince Harry is said to be planning on inviting his dad, King Charles, and his brother, Prince William, to the next Invictus Games, which will take place in July 2027 in Birmingham. However, a former royal butler believes they will turn down the event because of their commitments to other charity endeavours.
Ex-royal butler, Paul Burrell, exclusively told Express.co.uk: “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 on behalf of Casino, he added: “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 set to take place in Birmingham from 10 to 17 July 2027. They will be held at the National Exhibition Centre and are expected to welcome competitors from around the world. The UK-backed bid went up against six cities around the world, and Birmingham won through its “strong commitment to the welfare and recovery” of serving personnel and veterans.
The Invictus Games were co-founded by Harry in 2014. The international sporting event is aimed at wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans. The most recent games were the Winter Invictus Games held in Canada.
Since stepping back from royal duties in 2020, Harry has remained closely involved in organising each edition of the games. His appearances at the event often include speeches, ceremonies, and meetings with competitors from all over the world.
The news comes at a time of continued public interest in Harry’s relationship with the rest of the Royal Family – Prince Harry’s communication aides were photographed meeting with the King’s communication representative on July 9, speculating a potential reconciliation.
Reports from The Telegraph claimed that Harry sent an email invitation to Charles and other senior royals last month, which will be followed by a formal invitation at a later date.
Recently, Prince Harry’s Invictus Games Foundation has issued a “farewell” statement to dedicated employee and former competitor, Mickaela Richards, who is leaving the foundation after a decade. Mickaela was a competitor at the inaugural Invictus Games London 2014, and since then has been an “instrumental” member.
The CEO of the games, Rob Owen OBE, said: “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.”