Invictus Games to Return to UK in 2027, Presenting a Challenge for Royal Relations
King Charles faces a potential reputational "booby trap" following the announcement that Prince Harry's Invictus Games will be held in Birmingham, UK, in 2027.
The Invictus Games, a sports competition founded by Harry for wounded military personnel and veterans, returns to the UK for the second time, following the inaugural event in London in 2014. Harry is expected to travel to the UK for this significant occasion.
The prospect of Harry being in the UK raises questions about whether King Charles will attend to show support. Initially, both Charles and Prince William backed Harry when he launched the event, attending the opening ceremony and watching the athletics with him.
However, their relationship has become strained, particularly due to Harry's criticisms of Charles, Queen Camilla, William, and Kate in his Netflix documentary and memoir, Spare.
PR expert Edward Coram James, CEO of media agency Go Up, suggests the announcement poses a "booby trap" for King Charles. He explained to Newsweek: "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.
"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. Then it forces considerations like, well, do they then get seen together? And if they're not, again, it probably looks a bit petty from an optics point of view.
"It 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."
Meanwhile, it is not yet known whether Meghan will accompany Harry during the 2027 Games. She frequently makes high-profile appearances at the event and was last seen publicly in the UK at the late Queen's funeral in 2022. However, the couple's security situation in the UK might pose challenges for their attendance.
