As excitement builds for the 2027 Invictus Games—set to be held in Birmingham, UK—attention has turned not just to the athletes, but to the royals. Prince Harry, the founder of the Invictus Games, is reportedly extending invitations to senior members of the Royal Family, including his father King Charles and brother Prince William.
However, insiders suggest that Prince William is expected to turn down the invitation, and the reasons go far beyond scheduling.
Lingering Tensions Between the Brothers
The deepening rift between Prince William and Prince Harry remains at the core of this decision. Despite occasional reports of olive branches and attempts to reconcile, sources close to the Palace say William has not moved past the emotional wounds inflicted by Harry’s memoir Spare and his public interviews, which detailed personal grievances and painted a candid, often critical portrait of royal life.
In Spare, Harry recounts private arguments and strained moments between him and William—stories that, once public, have reportedly left William feeling betrayed. Accepting an invitation to an event so closely associated with Harry, insiders say, would send a public signal of reconciliation that simply doesn’t reflect the reality of their current relationship.
Strategic Distance
Though the Invictus Games are a charitable and inspirational event, Prince William’s attendance could be interpreted as a symbolic endorsement of Harry’s platform. Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams has noted that William’s absence is likely a calculated decision, aimed at maintaining boundaries and avoiding media speculation that a family reunion is underway.