Prince Harry has extended an invitation to his father, King Charles, to attend the Invictus Games in Birmingham in 2027. Royal insiders suggest the exiled prince is hopeful his father will accept the invitation, which is being framed as an 'olive branch.'
However, the invitation has drawn sharp criticism, with some interpreting it as a calculated move by Prince Harry to leverage his father's presence for personal and financial gain. Amanda Platell, writing for the Daily Mail, voiced strong opposition, suggesting that any acceptance by King Charles would be seen as a betrayal by loyal subjects. Platell argued that the public would be appalled by such a decision, especially given past criticisms leveled against the royal family by Harry and Meghan.
Platell recalled Prince Harry's role in making the final years of Queen Elizabeth's life difficult, particularly regarding the Sussexes' 'half-in, half-out' working royal proposal. She also referenced the accusations of racism made by Meghan and endorsed by Harry during their interview with Oprah Winfrey, which she described as a cruel slur that could have damaged the monarchy.
According to Platell, the invitation is not a genuine gesture for reconciliation but a "cynical ploy for his own gain." She posited that Prince Harry seeks to use his father's attendance to boost his and Meghan's public profile and financial prospects in America, particularly after their deals with Spotify and Netflix faced challenges. Platell suggested that images of King Charles with his son would garner significant media attention, unlike solo appearances by Harry or Meghan.
The author pointed to King Charles's recent State Visit to Washington D.C. as an example of his global standing and high approval ratings, suggesting it would be unwise for him to jeopardize this support. Platell noted that Buckingham Palace's official response, stating the King would "welcome the opportunity to see his grandchildren again," reflects his personal desire for family connection while acknowledging the potential public relations fallout of publicly endorsing his son after years of criticism.
The article highlights the perceived discrepancy between the Invictus Games organizers extending the invitation and the likelihood that such a significant invitation would have been discussed with Prince Harry, the event's founder and patron, beforehand. This detail further fuels speculation about the true intentions behind the invitation, prompting the question of who ultimately benefits from King Charles's potential attendance. The piece concludes by emphasizing the importance of King Charles considering the broader implications of accepting the invitation, weighing his familial desires against his public duty and current popularity.
