Prince Harry's Invictus Games 'not a concern' for Royal Family amid Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor crisis

It is not yet known if the Royal Family, who have a complicated relationship with Prince Harry ever since he quit royal duties and moved to the US, will attend the opening and closing ceremonies or any of the actual events at the competition.

However, royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams has claimed that attending the Invictus Games in 2027 will not be the main concern for the Royal Family amid the current crisis concerning Mr Mountbatten-Windsor.

The former Duke of York was arrested on his 66th birthday on suspicion of misconduct in public office and was later released under investigation.

King Charles subsequently issued a statement saying that "the law must take its course".

Mr Fitzwilliams told GB News: "Invictus next year is not the main concern of the royals."

The royal author explained that reports of a reconciliation between the Sussexes and the Royal Family have petered out due to the scandal surrounding Mr Mountbatten-Winsor and Jeffrey Epstein.

He said: "There are reports of reconciliation and so forth, but the royals are not concerned with that, mainly, at the moment."

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have not publicly commented on Mr Mountbatten-Winsor's arrest, with Mr Fitzwilliams claiming this is the "right" approach.

He continued to tell the People's Channel: "It would be more of an attack on the monarchy. They ceased attacking it when King Charles and the Princess of Wales were diagnosed.

"So yes, of course, it's a sensible thing to do.

"It's simply a decent way to behave, but it makes sense from a PR point of view."

The 2027 Invictus Games will be held in Birmingham, and a one-year-to-go event will likely be scheduled at some point this year.

It is not yet known if Meghan Markle, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet will accompany the Duke of Sussex to the City of a Thousand Trades.

Following Megxit, the Sussexes lost their right to automatic police protection when in the UK.

However, earlier this year, the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (Ravec) conducted a fresh risk assessment, the first since 2020, and reportedly determined that Harry now meets the threshold for official protection.

The duke has previously stated that the lack of security made it "impossible" to bring Meghan, Archie, and Lilibet to the UK.

A restoration of protection would likely pave the way for a full family reunion and attendance at the 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham.

Until the official Home Office announcement is made, his security continues to be handled on a case-by-case basis requiring 30 days' notice.