Prince Harry is expected to request that King Charles officially open the Invictus Games when the event returns to British soil next year, in what could represent a significant warming of their strained relationship.
The Duke of Sussex hopes to stand alongside his father at the Birmingham opening ceremony, with sources describing this as a long-held aspiration for the prince.
According to insiders, both men appear eager to move past their prolonged estrangement, and the 2027 Games present an ideal occasion for public reconciliation.
The event will mark the first time the competition for wounded military personnel and veterans has been held in the UK since its inaugural edition in 2014.
Prince Harry set to offer King 'heartwarming' olive branch as Invictus Games confirms royal invitations
|GETTY
Preparations for Birmingham 2027 are well underway, with organisers already liaising with officials from participating nations.
A source told the Sun that Prince Harry "desperately wants Charles", describing it as "his dream to have his father by his side."
They claimed: “It is appropriate because Invictus is returning to the UK for the first time since 2014, and given Charles is Head of the Armed Forces.
“Invictus always invites Heads of State but Harry wants to go further with Charles involved in the opening ceremony. The games represent a cause close to both’s hearts.
The Invictus Games are coming to the UK in 2027
| PA“They appear to want a reconciliation and the games are a perfect opportunity for them to work alongside each other. The sight of them on stage when it opens would be heart-warming and in the spirit of the occasion."
The source added that “people helping to plan the games are convinced it will happen and are planning for Charles to play a role in the opening ceremony”.
GB News has contacted the Sussexes' spokesman for comment.
An Invictus Games spokesman acknowledged the Royal Family's longstanding support for the competition since its 2014 launch, saying: “The Royal Family have been longstanding supporters of the Invictus Games since its inception in 2014, with The Duke of Sussex as the Founding Patron of the Invictus Games Foundation.
Prince William, King Charles and Prince Harry attending Invictus Games in 2014 | PA“While it is too early to confirm who will attend in 2027 as invitations have not yet been sent out, organisers of the Invictus Games Birmingham 2027 will issue invitations to members of the Royal Family in due course, and we would very much welcome their presence.”
The rift between Harry and his father deepened following the publication of his memoir Spare three years ago, which contained pointed criticism of the Royal Family that reportedly angered the King.
Since departing from royal duties six years ago, the duke has met with Charles on just two occasions. Their most recent encounter took place in September at Clarence House, lasting 53 minutes, with Harry reportedly joking afterwards about how formal the exchange had been.
Before that, the pair met briefly in February 2024 when Harry travelled to London following the announcement of his father's cancer diagnosis, a conversation understood to have lasted around 35 minutes.
Prince Harry meeting King Charles at Clarence House in September 2025 | GETTYHarry founded the Invictus Games after being inspired by the Warrior Games in the United States in 2013, having previously served as a captain in the Blues and Royals with two tours of Afghanistan.
The first competition took place at the Copper Box Arena in East London, featuring sports such as wheelchair basketball, archery, athletics and sitting volleyball, with approximately 300 competitors from 13 nations. King Charles, Queen Camilla, and Prince William all attended that inaugural event to show their support.
Since then, the games have expanded considerably and been hosted in the US, Canada, Australia, the Netherlands and Germany. The Birmingham edition will open at the NEC on July 10 and conclude on July 17, which coincides with Queen Camilla's 80th birthday.
Regarding this, the source added: "Planning committees are aware of Camilla’s birthday and hope Charles will be able to do the opening and attend events while still honouring commitments to his wife.
"And Harry is across every detail of what is going on with Invictus. He is buoyed with the thought of opening the games with his father, and there are hopes that other royals will attend. It would be fitting as they are in Birmingham."