The Duke and Duchess of Sussex and Family 12: Jan 2026 -

[hereditarytitles]

Charles and William attended from what I recall, father and brother supporting Harry is very much how it read.

As far as I can recall no other Head of State has been present at all of an Invictus Games in any other country so there is no need for Charles to be there as HoS / Commander in Chief.

But that isn't true. Our federal president F.W. Steinmeier, who is officially head of state, was present in Düsseldorf, as I posted upthread. The event was extensively reported about both in papers and on TV, but probably not in the UK.

 

[Durham]

That is what I recall as well about the inaugural IG event.
As for HoS attending, King Willem Alexander did attend the opening event when the IG were held in The Netherlands and he also attended a basketball game.

TLLK, I just checked to make sure what I thought was correct & King Willem-Alexander was at the closing ceremony, it was his aunt who was at the opening one.

 

[Durham]

But that isn't true. Our federal president F.W. Steinmeier, who is officially head of state, was present in Düsseldorf, as I posted upthread.

Steinmeier is the only HofS who has been at an opening ceremony although the Canadian GG as The King of Canada's representative was at Vancouver's.

 

[Lee-Z]

imo P.Anne would be a perfect candidate from the RF side to attend Invictus; she's interested in sports, and is a 'neutral' figure in the various discussions Harry has started about his relatives. Maybe Zara and Mike Tindall can also attend some events.

 

[tommy100]

But that isn't true. Our federal president F.W. Steinmeier, who is officially head of state, was present in Düsseldorf, as I posted upthread.

Thank you for correcting me.

Interesting that neither made a big enough splash here in the UK to be noted much.

The patchy attendance shows it isn't necessary to the event, just optional.

 

[hereditarytitles]

Yes, exactly. It was presented here as an important event; even our defense minister was present, who otherwise never attends such events. And this obviously went unnoticed outside of Germany.

 

[Queen Claude]

King Charles should be present at the Invictus Games IMO. Of course I am not stating that he needs to be there every day, but he should be there for the opening ceremony, closing ceremony and/or some else major. The only acceptable reason for his non-presence would be if he is not up to it health-wise.

The BRF should be able to juggle Invictus and Camilla's birthday celebrations, while they may prefer to space things out, they have previously been able to jam-pack several events in in different locations in a short-period of time. Word on the street is that have access to this nifty mode of transportation called a helicopter.

I see Invictus as having worthiness in general, and it is also very much in the BRF's bailiwick due to its royal roots, military and wounded veterans connections. Furthermore it is an event with international participation. Having said that, it is not the Olympics, nowhere near it. While Invictus is a worthy endeavor, it is also a very much niche endeavor. So in my book, the King and perhaps another royal or two should be present, not necessarily every day. At the same time, I recognize that Invictus would not get the mainstream attention it gets without the Sussexes. I don't fret too much over the attention that the Sussexes get when they are present at Invictus events, because either they are actually bringing attention to a worthy cause, or the attention they get, say something fashion related, is not taking away from Invictus, because that outlet would have covered something other than Invictus.

 

[muriel]

I am of the opinion, that Harry would like the requirement to be dropped.

I would like world peace. And the eradication of poverty. But we can't always have all that we want.

 

[tommy100]

I actually think Charles will attend, at least some part of Invictus. However, I don't think he needs to, or should be. I just think Charles will recognise that not attending is the worse of two not great options. If he doesn't attend he knows that will be another nail in the coffin for his relationship with his younger son and his family. If he does attend, what is actually the worst that can happen? I suspect Charles would rather be at a very public event where their whole time together is videoed and public than spend half an hour with Harry in private. Charles - as most members of the RF - is well use to putting on a brave face, pretending to care (though I do think he actually will care) and being nice to people they might not want to.
The reality is, Invictus and the "will they, won't they" element of whether Charles will turn up will be on the front pages anyway. Charles IMO has not very much to loose from helicoptering in to Birmingham for a few hours and then leaving - perfect excuse -its Cam's 80th birthday which he must attend. That also gives Camilla a perfect out of attending.
I can see Anne (very sport and strong military links), Edward and Sophie (Ed has links to the paralympics) and even maybe the Gloucesters all attending based on their patronages - again for not very long. Plus Beatrice and Eugenie who may well be happy to attend for longer.
I actually have most doubt over Zara as she and Mike are very close to William. And of course, it goes without saying I don't expect the Wales to attend at all.
It also gives the Palace an element of control - if you want the King to attend there must be no leaks, no briefings to the papers etc. I don't know exactly how Invictus works but I get the impression a committee of sorts, somewhat separate from the actual charity that operates usually is in charge of organising the games in each place. Stuff that with enough military men and women who won't want to see Charles embarrassed and it might actually be possible to keep Harry somewhat in check and from doing anything embarrassing.
The bigger question to me is around what interactions, if any, Charles would have with Harry and family (if they attend) before and after the games.

 

[Lord-of-the-Manor]

I think Charles will attend, but I don't think he should. Harry and the IG shouldn't be elevated above any other event especially since we're constantly reminded Harry is no longer representing the monarchy. Why not just give Harry and Meghan the half in, half out that they've always wanted.

 

[Hallo girl]

I actually think Charles will attend, at least some part of Invictus. However, I don't think he needs to, or should be. I just think Charles will recognise that not attending is the worse of two not great options. If he doesn't attend he knows that will be another nail in the coffin for his relationship with his younger son and his family. If he does attend, what is actually the worst that can happen? I suspect Charles would rather be at a very public event where their whole time together is videoed and public than spend half an hour with Harry in private. Charles - as most members of the RF - is well use to putting on a brave face, pretending to care (though I do think he actually will care) and being nice to people they might not want to.
The reality is, Invictus and the "will they, won't they" element of whether Charles will turn up will be on the front pages anyway. Charles IMO has not very much to loose from helicoptering in to Birmingham for a few hours and then leaving - perfect excuse -its Cam's 80th birthday which he must attend. That also gives Camilla a perfect out of attending.
I can see Anne (very sport and strong military links), Edward and Sophie (Ed has links to the paralympics) and even maybe the Gloucesters all attending based on their patronages - again for not very long. Plus Beatrice and Eugenie who may well be happy to attend for longer.
I actually have most doubt over Zara as she and Mike are very close to William. And of course, it goes without saying I don't expect the Wales to attend at all.
It also gives the Palace an element of control - if you want the King to attend there must be no leaks, no briefings to the papers etc. I don't know exactly how Invictus works but I get the impression a committee of sorts, somewhat separate from the actual charity that operates usually is in charge of organising the games in each place. Stuff that with enough military men and women who won't want to see Charles embarrassed and it might actually be possible to keep Harry somewhat in check and from doing anything embarrassing.
The bigger question to me is around what interactions, if any, Charles would have with Harry and family (if they attend) before and after the games.

Great post, as you rightly say, any interactions leading up to the actual games will be telling.

 

[TLLK]

I would like world peace. And the eradication of poverty. But we can't always have all that we want.

My wish is that Harry comes to realize that he's not always going to get what he wants and that he learns to be content with the enormous privileged that he has in his own life ie: good health, beautiful children etc...

 

[Hallo girl]

My wish is that Harry comes to realize that he's not always going to get what he wants and that he learns to be content with the enormous privileged that he has in his own life ie: good health, beautiful children etc...

He gives off the impression, in my eyes, that he will not find contentment until he gets his own way regardless of who is hurt in the process.
It is all very disappointing, he had so much to contribute , in fact they both did.

 

[ladongas]

IMO, the King should act as a king would. Attend ceremonies, fly back and forth to birthday celebrations, love his grandchildren (and their parents), and don’t worry about what others think. He is the King.

 

[tihkon2]

IMO, the King should act as a king would. Attend ceremonies, fly back and forth to birthday celebrations, love his grandchildren (and their parents), and don’t worry about what others think. He is the King.

A King shouldn't let his son and daughter in law tell outright lies on television, in print, and in court with no consequences.

 

[FigTree]

I doubt Zara would attend. I don't think she is on terms and I doubt any of them would to be honest.

Wonder if Harry will attend Peter's wedding if he does the whole event thing second time round. He may not

 

[ladongas]

This shouldn’t be a time to settle scores about who has done what and when; no need to re-fight every old issue from the 1980’s until now. In light of the King’s age- and his health- forgive and forget and go forward with joy and acceptance. Is that not what their Faith would recommend?

 

[tihkon2]

This shouldn’t be a time to settle scores about who has done what and when; no need to re-fight every old issue from the 1980’s until now. In light of the King’s age- and his health- forgive and forget and go forward with joy and acceptance. Is that not what their Faith would recommend?

In my opinion, Harry and Meghan will keep getting more demanding with every inch they get. So, no. I hope the king sends one of the working royals, and avoids Harry, who will more than likely tell all the very next day to whatever news outlet is the first to ask.

 

[ladongas]

So, just let the present impasse continue until there is no longer any hope of settling a family matter? That wouldn’t work for me. But the King will do what he feels is right, as he always has. I hope the chance for reconciliation is acted upon.

 

[Kristen]

This shouldn’t be a time to settle scores about who has done what and when; no need to re-fight every old issue from the 1980’s until now. In light of the King’s age- and his health- forgive and forget and go forward with joy and acceptance. Is that not what their Faith would recommend?

That would be the ideal situation, but I am not sure it possible. Harry still seems very willing to blame his father for problems and to make misleading statements to the press, such as that the Palace would interfere with a court decision on security. I think reconciliation would be almost impossible under those circumstances.

 

[TLLK]

That would be the ideal situation, but I am not sure it possible. Harry still seems very willing to blame his father for problems and to make misleading statements to the press, such as that the Palace would interfere with a court decision on security. I think reconciliation would be almost impossible under those circumstances.

I absolutely agree with you. Should Harry finally come to the realization that blaming his father, brother, stepmother etcli..for his problems and making misleading statements isn't helping himself, then perhaps a reconciliation can occur.

 

[llj]

That would be the ideal situation, but I am not sure it possible. Harry still seems very willing to blame his father for problems and to make misleading statements to the press, such as that the Palace would interfere with a court decision on security. I think reconciliation would be almost impossible under those circumstances.

Exactly. Forgiveness does not mean trusting a transgressor again.

 

[ladongas]

That would be the ideal situation, but I am not sure it possible. Harry still seems very willing to blame his father for problems and to make misleading statements to the press, such as that the Palace would interfere with a court decision on security. I think reconciliation would be almost impossible under those

 

[ladongas]

If there is no forgiveness, this family (or any other) will stalk about on its pride and let generations suffer and die without anyone surrendering its pride. Another generation of alienation between siblings…how sad.

 

[Iluvbertie]

The closing ceremony will be on Camilla's 80th birthday (17th July) and I can see that having some sort of church service - maybe 'private' but official at St George's rather than the full event in London itself followed by a carriage ride through Windsor and then an official lunch/dinner with family and friends. By 'private' I mean no necessarily televised and the public not getting a chance to be in the grounds of Windsor but it being noted in the CC.

I think Charles will attend the Opening Ceremony but there is no need to interact with Harry at all. He could simply arrive - say the sort of words that are said and leave with just a handshake with Harry. He could even indicate that in order for the focus to be on the athletes he believes that it isn't appropriate for members of the BRF to attend but rather they will attend a reception before the games with all the athletes.

As to who attended the Opening Ceremony in Sydney - it was the GG, PM and NSW State Premier so all the 'big wigs' were in attendance at that event.

 

[TLLK]

Exactly. Forgiveness does not mean trusting a transgressor again.

Agreed. Allow Harry's relatives might choose to forgive him for his words and actions. However unless he is willing to reflect upon and change his behavior, it's unlikely they will ever trust him again.

 

[Royalist.in.NC]

So, just let the present impasse continue until there is no longer any hope of settling a family matter? That wouldn’t work for me. But the King will do what he feels is right, as he always has. I hope the chance for reconciliation is acted upon.

I hear what you’re saying and I agree that Charles will do what he feels is right. I couldn’t help but think, “isn’t that the same thing that Meghan is doing with her own father?” As you said “So, just let the present impasse continue until there is no longer any hope of settling a family matter?”

 

[ladongas]

That might be the intent, but I hope not. It does make the King look weak. Poor Mr. Markell and his family seemingly have similar issues. William may need his brother in the years ahead.

 

[muriel]

So, just let the present impasse continue until there is no longer any hope of settling a family matter? That wouldn’t work for me. But the King will do what he feels is right, as he always has. I hope the chance for reconciliation is acted upon.

The Invictus Games is not the venue to solve any impasse. IMO, families need to resolve any differences in private, and not in the glare of publicity. And with maturity, perspective and discretion.

 

[pieve]

If there is no forgiveness, this family (or any other) will stalk about on its pride and let generations suffer and die without anyone surrendering its pride. Another generation of alienation between siblings…how sad.

The same applies to Meghan's family. Furthermore, given that her father is ill and now suffers from a physical disability, perhaps she should put into practice the importance of kindness she so often talks about.

It's becoming tiresome to read comments constantly advocating for Harry's reconciliation with his family, forgetting that the Sussex children also have a maternal family, one that is in conflict with their mother.