Prince Harry was issued a major warning over his UK return for the Invictus Games in 2027 as the duke is faced with a huge dilemma over whether he should bring his children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, back or not.
The Duke of Sussex’s passion project is set to be held in his home country for the first time since 2014, after Birmingham won the bid to host the event in a competition against US finalist Washington DC.
July 2027 will see the Games taking place at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) and featuring three new sports – pickleball, laser run and esports.
The latest updates have raised questions over whether Harry will be bringing his family back to the UK for the major event – as the last time they all travelled together was in 2022 for the late Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
Now a PR expert suggested that the Invictus Games in 2027 would be a “strategic opportunity” for Prince Harry to bring Archie and Lilibet to the UK, however, if he chooses to do so, he should approach the situation with great caution.
Renae Smith, founder and director of the Atticism, told Express.co.uk: “The Invictus Games in 2027 could indeed be a strategic opportunity for Prince Harry to bring his children to the UK. Given that they haven’t visited since 2022, their presence could symbolise a gesture of goodwill and a desire to reconnect with his roots.
“This move could generate positive publicity, highlighting the importance of family unity and the continuation of his charitable efforts in the UK.”
Ms Smith cautioned the Duke to handle such a scenario “delicately” and exaggerating his children’s appearance or family dynamic could have a negative impact on his popularity.
She explained: “It is crucial to handle this situation delicately. There is a risk that some might perceive this as ‘using’ the children to mend his [Prince Harry’s] relationship with the Royal Family, which could attract negative attention.
“It’s important for the couple [Harry and Meghan] to avoid exaggerating or portraying themselves as martyrs for attending or bringing their children. They should be matter-of-fact about their attendance and aim to avoid any conflict (Let’s see if this is possible for them!).”
The PR specialist added that the Duke and the Duchess of Sussex should keep the spotlight on their cause and the Games, rather than their appearance to “mitigate” any potential backlash.
She said: “To mitigate potential backlash, the Sussex camp should emphasise the importance of the Invictus Games and its mission, ensuring the focus remains on the event and not on family dynamics – again, a challenge I expect for them! By keeping the spotlight on the cause and maintaining a low-key presence, they can navigate the situation effectively.”
