Prince Harry to Attend Invictus Games Anniversary Solo Amid Royal Tensions

Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, is scheduled to attend the 10th anniversary celebration of the Invictus Games in the UK on May 8, 2024, but no high-ranking members of the Royal Family are expected to join him. The Duke will deliver a reading at a special Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral in London, marking a decade since he founded the international sporting event for wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women in 2014.

Harry's wife, Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, is not expected to accompany him on this trip. The couple's rapport with the British monarchy has been notably strained since they stepped back from royal duties and moved to the United States in 2020. Their absence from the UK, along with ongoing security concerns and recent family health issues, has further highlighted the tensions between the Sussexes and the royal family.

This will be Harry's first visit to the UK since he rushed back to London in February after King Charles III announced his cancer diagnosis. During that trip, the Duke did not meet with his brother Prince William, sister-in-law Princess Kate, or other senior royals. The lack of plans for a royal reunion during the upcoming Invictus Games anniversary has raised questions about the depth of the rift within the family.

Despite the absence of royal support, the British government is actively courting Harry to host the 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham, committing £32 million in support. However, the lack of senior royal presence at this milestone event is seen by some as a "heartbreaking" sign that Harry's decision to step back from royal life and move overseas was the best course of action for him and Meghan.

Why this matters: Prince Harry's solo attendance at the Invictus Games anniversary highlights the ongoing tensions within the British Royal Family. The event's significance in supporting wounded veterans and service members is overshadowed by the public spotlight on the strained relationship between the Duke of Sussex and his family.

After the Invictus Games event, Harry is scheduled to head to Nigeria for an unofficial royal visit with Meghan, where they will meet with service members and participate in cultural activities. The couple's visit to Nigeria, a new entrant to the Invictus Games in 2023, underscores their commitment to supporting the event and its participants, even as they navigate their new roles outside the traditional royal framework.

Key Takeaways

• Prince Harry to attend Invictus Games 10th anniversary, no senior royals expected
• Meghan Markle will not accompany Harry, tensions between Sussexes and royal family
• Harry's first UK visit since rushing back in Feb after King Charles' cancer diagnosis
• UK government courting Harry to host 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham
• After UK, Harry and Meghan to visit Nigeria for Invictus Games-related activities