The Invictus Games will return to the UK in 2027 which will put Prince William and Princess Kate in an “awkward” position, says commentator.
The Prince and Princess of Wales could be faced with an “awkward” situation when Prince Harry’s Invictus Games return to the UK in 2027, a royal commentator has claimed.
The Duke of Sussex on Tuesday congratulated Birmingham for winning the bid to host the event in a competition against US finalist Washington DC.
The Games will be held at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in July in three years’ time and will feature three new sports – pickleball, laser run and esports.
It will be the first time the Games come home to the UK since the duke staged the inaugural tournament in London in 2014. But concerns have been raised over whether Harry’s father, King Charles, brother, Prince William or any other members of the Royal Family will attend the major event.
The King and the Prince of Wales attended the first Games back in 2014 but their relationship with Harry has become increasingly strained following his and Meghan’s sensational exit from the Firm and move to the US in 2020.
Now GB News’ Dorothy Reddin said that the royals will have to think hard over how to approach the tricky situation.
She wrote: “The Royal Family would almost certainly have to consider the optics of a major sporting event being held in the heart of the UK and no visibility from Harry’s immediate family, thus placing the Waleses in an awkward position.
“William and Kate could run the risk of appearing cold if they failed to show public support for the Duke of Sussex.”
But she added that a possible Invictus Games reunion could prove to be beneficial for the two camps who are said to not be on “speaking terms”.
Ms Reddin explained: “The 2027 Invictus Games are three years away, and there is no way of telling how the Waleses’ relationship with the Sussexes will be.
“If Princess Kate and Prince William attend the upcoming Invictus Games events in 2027, it could be deeply awkward, but there is also the opportunity for an emotional reunion and a powerful full-circle moment for the Royal Family.”
It is not yet known whether Meghan will accompany Harry as the last time she visited the UK was in 2022 when she attended the late Queen Elizabeth’s funeral.