King Charles III is said to be ‘cautious and wary’ about his son’s latest peace offering, according to royal expert Hilary Fordwich. The claim was made following reports that Prince Harry is hopeful that the Invictus Games, which are taking place in his home country in 2027, will result in a warm reunion with the royal family, particularly with the monarch. ‘King Charles, while cautious and wary, might attend the Invictus Games,’ Fordwich told Fox News Digital. ‘But of course, he prefers all private matters to remain private. In addition, there are many conflicts with the royal schedule, let alone Queen Camilla’s 80th birthday during the games.’
For Harry, it’s about what he can gain, while, for the royals, it’s about what they have to lose. Harry wants to be included. He misses not only the U.K. but many aspects of royal privileges. However, he hasn’t been successful in any of his endeavors. For the royals, more disclosures and scandals are concerning. They simply don’t need… Harry around, particularly not Prince William, who is resolute regarding any reconciliation being a huge mistake.’
Fox News Digital reached out to Buckingham Palace and Archewell, which handles the offices of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, for comment.
It’s understood that sending invites to the Invictus Games is not Harry’s responsibility, but up to the Invictus team. Still, it would be a heartfelt gesture for the king to support his younger son publicly.
Talks of a royal reunion have been a hot topic since the recent ‘peace summit’ took place.
According to the Mail on Sunday, Meredith Maines, the Duke of Sussex’s chief of staff and communications director, flew from California to London recently to meet with the king’s communications secretary, Tobyn Andreae. Liam Maguire, who oversees the U.K. press for Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, was also present.
Fox News Digital learned that Maines was in London to meet with the U.K.-based communications team, media, stakeholders and senior figures connected to Harry’s patronages. It’s understood that the visit was routine and part of ongoing planning and engagement.
A source told the Mail on Sunday that the meeting was only the ‘first step towards reconciliation between Harry and his father, but at least it is a step in the right direction.’
‘It was always the case that the Sussexes, who rely on their royal connections for the work they receive, were going to use the Invictus Games, an important military charity, to promote the idea of ‘reconciliation,’ royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams explained to Fox News Digital.
‘No one can disagree with the theory of it, but the fact is that they have exploited their royal connections whilst trashing the family and making Queen Elizabeth’s last years so difficult,’ Fitzwilliams claimed.
‘King Charles is in his late 70s and is battling cancer,’ he continued. ‘He also would like a relationship with the grandchildren he has hardly seen. Also, as monarch, he is commander in chief of the Armed Forces. Is it difficult, therefore, for him to refuse to attend the Games for personal reasons.’
Helen Helliwell, CEO of the Invictus Games in Birmingham, recently told People magazine that she also hopes members of the British royal family will be in attendance for the 2027 event.
‘We [would] be delighted if they came over for the year out and for the Games,’ she told the outlet. ‘We are so far out it’s impossible for one individual to confirm their plans, but we would be delighted if the Duke were able to come.’
‘I’ve seen the impact [of the Games],’ Helliwell shared. ‘His passion is unsurpassed. He really brings a magical sparkle dust to his interactions, and there is a really special relationship with him and the community. So, we will be super excited to host him in Birmingham as well.’
Helliwell pointed out that the royals are ‘supporters of the Armed Forces.’
‘We’re two years away, and it’s too soon to confirm who’s going to be there,’ she said. ‘But obviously, we’d be delighted if members of the royal family were able to attend and would very much welcome their presence in a couple of years’ time.’ Still, Fordwich pointed out that several senior royals reportedly don’t trust the Duke of Sussex, 40. Since the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s royal exit in 2020, the couple has publicly discussed their struggles with royal life in interviews and documentaries. Harry’s 2023 memoir, titled ‘The Mettle of the Mind,’ further explores his personal and professional challenges. The memoir was widely read in the UK, and it’s expected to continue sparking national conversations about the royal family’s role in modern society. The book delves into Harry’s emotional journey, his advocacy for mental health, and his efforts to balance his public life with personal aspirations. This book has been a significant topic of discussion, with readers and critics alike offering their perspectives on how Harry navigates his position within the royal family. The memoir has also been a source of debate, with some arguing that it reflects a deeper discontent with the monarchy’s traditions and the pressures of public life. Meanwhile, royal experts have been closely monitoring the situation, with many believing that the king’s health and the legacy of the royal family will play a significant role in any future decisions regarding family interactions. The ongoing discussions about the royal family’s role in modern society have also led to increased public interest in the dynamics within the family, with many people following the developments closely. This period of uncertainty and possible reconciliation has been a subject of much speculation, with many hoping that the king will find a way to bring all members of the family together. Despite the ongoing tensions, there remains a sense of hope that the royal family can overcome their differences and move towards a more united front. The potential for a public display of unity could be a significant event, not only for the royal family but also for the people of the United Kingdom, who have long been fascinated by the inner workings of the monarchy. The Invictus Games themselves have become a symbol of resilience and hope, and the possibility of the royal family’s involvement could add a new dimension to the event’s significance. As the 2027 Games approach, the anticipation is high, with many expecting that the royal family’s presence could mark a turning point in their relationships and public image.