Prince Harry wants the King and Royal Family at the 2027 Invictus Games, but key date clashes raise doubts.

Prince Harry is preparing to invite King Charles III and other senior royals to the 2027 Invictus Games in a bid to mend the fractured relationship with his family, according to palace sources.

The Duke of Sussex, 40, reportedly believes the international sporting event he founded for wounded service personnel could provide a “catalyst” for healing the deep divides within the Royal Family. However, the plan is already facing complications — the dates of the next Games are likely to clash with the Queen’s official birthday celebrations in June.

Organisers are currently finalising details for the Games, which are due to be held in Birmingham two years from now. Harry, who stepped back from royal duties in 2020 and has since relocated to California with his wife, Meghan Markle, remains heavily involved in the planning and is said to be personally eager for his family to attend.

Sources close to the Sussexes suggest that the Duke sees the Invictus Games as a neutral ground — a shared cause rooted in military service and sacrifice, both of which have long been respected within royal circles.

“This is Harry’s olive branch,” one insider told The Telegraph. “He’s hoping that the values of Invictus — resilience, service, recovery — might resonate with his family and open the door for a warmer relationship.”

King Charles has yet to publicly respond to the invitation, but insiders at Buckingham Palace acknowledged the significance of the gesture, noting that it comes amid a prolonged period of minimal contact between Harry and senior royals.

The last time the Duke appeared alongside his father and brother Prince William, was at the King’s coronation in May 2023. While the public reunion was cordial, Harry left immediately after the ceremony, and relations remained tense.

The Queen’s birthday, marked annually with the Trooping the Colour parade, poses a scheduling issue. With the Invictus Games often spanning several days and involving international delegations, it’s unclear whether royal diaries can accommodate both events.

Royal watchers also caution that timing is just one part of a deeper issue. “It’s about more than logistics,” said royal commentator Penny Junor. “Trust needs to be rebuilt. An invitation alone won’t fix years of hurt — but it’s a start.”

Notably, Prince William has yet to publicly support or attend an Invictus Games since the rift with his brother deepened. While both brothers were originally involved in the early days of Invictus, William has since distanced himself from the initiative, instead focusing on Earthshot and his own charitable projects.

Still, there are signs the palace is keeping communication channels open. The King has spoken in the past about being “open to reconciliation,” particularly in light of recent health challenges. If accepted, Harry’s invitation could mark the first time the King and Duke of Sussex have appeared together in a personal capacity since the funeral of Prince Philip in 2021.

Kensington Palace declined to comment on whether Prince William would attend.

Invictus 2027 is expected to be the largest Games to date, with athletes from over 20 nations and expanded categories for mental health rehabilitation and family support. The Birmingham Games follow successful editions in Düsseldorf and Sydney, and will mark the initiative’s continued growth despite Harry’s contentious royal exit.

Whether the family reunites in the Midlands or not, the invitation represents a turning point in Harry’s approach, moving from memoirs and interviews to outreach and shared purpose.