Continuing security issues could influence whether Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attend the 2027 Invictus Games, scheduled to be held in Birmingham, United Kingdom (UK).
Harry, the Duke of Sussex, is the founder of the athletic contest for ill, injured, and wounded military personnel and veterans. He is currently involved in a disagreement with the Home Office over his family’s security arrangements during UK visits.
Prince Harry, who now lives in Montecito, California, lost a High Court case against the government in February 2024 concerning his entitlement to state-funded police protection. He asserted that he could not safely bring his children, Prince Archie, aged five, and Princess Lilibet, aged three, to the UK without adequate security provisions.
Although Harry received permission to challenge this ruling in May, a failed appeal could mean he must attend the games without his family due to safety concerns. His proposal to pay for police protection privately was rejected, with the court determining that affluent individuals should not be allowed to purchase protective security.
It is highly likely that Prince Harry has cautioned his wife Meghan about the risk of traveling with him to the UK without security.
Birmingham was chosen to host the 2027 Invictus Games, marking the first time the UK has hosted the event since its launch in 2014 in London. The announcement was made at a special event at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham, which featured a flag-raising ceremony and a presentation of wheelchair sports. The UK government, not the financially strapped Birmingham City Council, funded the $33.28 million bid for the games.
The Invictus Games are significant to Harry and Meghan, who made their first public appearance together at the 2017 games in Toronto. Meghan has attended every competition since then. However, the ongoing security situation might prevent her from accompanying Harry to Birmingham in 2027. One royal expert suggested that Harry may attend alone, providing Meghan with a plausible reason to avoid a potentially chilly reception, according to OK Magazine.
In a statement, Prince Harry congratulated Birmingham on winning the games’ hosting bid and highlighted the city’s strong military community ties. He stated that these connections had made Birmingham a strong candidate from the outset and expressed his belief that Birmingham’s people would show their respect and admiration for their veteran and service community.
Birmingham, known for its robust military connections, is home to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, the Royal College of Defence Medicine, and the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre. These institutions are expected to provide comprehensive support to the Invictus Games competitors and their families.
Veterans minister Al Carns attended the announcement at the NEC, emphasizing the local community’s significance and stating that Birmingham would attract considerable attention. He noted that the armed forces consistently demonstrate bravery and selflessness and that the government is dedicated to supporting wounded, ill, and injured service members and veterans. The Invictus Games are one of many ways ongoing support is offered for those dealing with illness or injury.
Despite the anticipation for the games, Harry and Meghan’s unresolved security issues persist. Prince Harry continues his legal fight over security arrangements, with his legal team arguing that the decision to deny state-funded protection was both illegal and unjust. However, the government insists that security arrangements should be tailored and evaluated on an individual basis.
The legal dispute over Harry’s security arrangements began after he and Meghan stepped down from their roles as senior working royals and moved to the United States. Subsequently, they are no longer entitled to the same taxpayer-funded protection as working royals. Harry’s legal team insists that this decision leaves his family vulnerable when visiting the UK. In a recent statement, Harry expressed his fears: “All it takes is one lone actor, one person who read this stuff, to act on what they have read… whether that is a knife or acid … they are genuine concerns for me.”
The 2027 Invictus Games will introduce new sports, including pickleball, laser run, and esports. The event is set to take place at the NEC in July, attracting competitors and spectators from all over the world.
