Royal attendance remains unconfirmed, but hopes are high as Birmingham prepares for a landmark event
As excitement builds for the 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham, speculation is mounting over whether Prince Harry and King Charles will put past tensions behind them for a joint appearance at the event the Duke founded in 2014.
Helen Helliwell, CEO of Invictus Games Birmingham 2027, shared her enthusiasm over the possibility of a royal reunion. “We would be delighted if the Duke were able to come,” she said, praising Harry’s enduring connection to the Invictus community. “He really brings a magical sparkle dust to his interactions, and there is a really special relationship with him and the community.”
Though it remains too early for official confirmations, Helliwell noted that the Royal Family has long shown strong support for the Armed Forces and the Invictus initiative. Eyes are also on the Prince and Princess of Wales, with many wondering if William and Catherine will attend the Games alongside other royals.
Birmingham’s selection as host city honours its rich military ties, with key institutions like the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine located in the region. The city is set to welcome 550 athletes from 20 nations, backed by over £4.4 million in commercial sponsorship.
This edition of the Games will feature new adaptive sports including pickleball, e-sports, and laser run — the latter likened to a biathlon involving target shooting followed by a track run or wheelchair race tailored to each competitor’s needs.
With spectacular opening and closing ceremonies planned, Helliwell promises an experience akin to “a big pop concert, but with all the military pizazz.”
Whether the Games will mark a turning point for Harry and the King remains to be seen — but organisers and fans alike are hoping for more than just athletic victories in 2027.
