Prince Harry’s UK return could place King Charles’ possible support for the Invictus Games at the centre of fresh royal tension, according to royal reporter Tom Sykes.
The prospect of a public appearance by King Charles alongside Harry at the Invictus Games could carry particular weight. Sykes told Page Six that Harry may seek his father’s backing for the international multi-sport event for wounded, injured and sick military personnel.
He suggested that the King’s involvement could encourage more sponsors to support the Games. Sykes described that outcome as “a huge victory” for Harry but “a huge mistake” for Charles.
Why Harry and Meghan are coming back
Earlier this week, it was revealed that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will move back to Britain with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet at the end of August. Their planned return to the UK would place Harry closer to both Charles and William.
Sources told Page Six that Harry and Meghan want Archie and Lilibet to spend more time with Charles and build relationships with their royal relatives. The King received a cancer diagnosis in 2024.
The outlet also reports that Harry has looked at properties in the Cotswolds, close to Charles’ Highgrove House.
Harry, Meghan and their children also met with Charles and Queen Camilla last month. That gathering marked another step in the thawing of Harry and Charles’ relationship.
Sykes interpreted the Sussexes’ return as a sign that their plans in America had not worked as hoped. He told Page Six: “I think if there was another hundred-million-dollar deal on the table, they wouldn’t be rushing home.”
Prince Harry’s return could lead to a divide between King Charles and William
While Harry and Charles have started repairing their relationship, Page Six claims William currently has no plans to reconnect with his younger brother.
Sykes said: “It’s going to represent huge challenges for William. William is gonna have to figure out how he is going to respond to this.”
The Royalist author argued that William could struggle to avoid Harry indefinitely once the Sussexes spend more time in Britain. In one assessment, he raised the possibility of Charles inviting Harry to spend Christmas with the royal family or the Duke attending Remembrance Day events.
Sykes also asked how William might respond if Charles publicly appeared alongside Harry. He said: “What is going to happen if his father endorses Harry by appearing in public shoulder to shoulder with him? It’s a huge succession of challenges for William.”
Harry and William’s relationship has remained strained since the Sussexes stepped away from royal duties in 2020 and moved to California.
ED! has contacted Kensington Palace and Buckingham Palace for comment.
Read more: ‘Real reason’ why Meghan Markle’s mum Doria Ragland won’t be joining her in the UK ‘revealed’
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