The city of Birmingham is poised to become the unlikely backdrop for a potential thaw in the long-strained relationship between King Charles III and his younger son, Prince Harry. Reports indicate the Duke of Sussex is preparing to offer his father a special role at the Invictus Games when the event returns to the UK next year, with the opening ceremony set for the NEC in Birmingham in June 2025.
A Potential Thaw on the Birmingham Stage
This invitation could see the father and son appear together publicly for the first time in years, signalling a significant shift after a period of near-silence. Since stepping back from royal duties in 2020, Harry has spent only minutes alone with his father. The security arrangements for his visits to the UK have been a major point of contention, with Harry previously stating the situation made it "impossible" to safely bring his wife, Meghan, and their children, Archie and Lilibet, to Britain.
He has directly linked this security issue to the strain in his relationship with the King, even suggesting they were not on speaking terms. Consequently, King Charles has seen his grandchildren only a handful of times as they are raised in California.
The Crucial Security Review
A pivotal development could be on the horizon, however. For the first time since 2020, the Home Office has commissioned a comprehensive threat assessment regarding Harry's visits to the UK. The results of this review are expected later this month, and insiders close to the Duke are said to be 'confident' his automatic police protection could be restored.
Former BBC Royal correspondent Jennie Bond told the Mirror that removing this security obstacle could lead to Harry quickly bringing his children to visit Britain. "So, if that obstacle is removed, it seems reasonable to presume that he will bring Archie and Lilibet over here," she said.
However, Bond expressed doubts about Meghan's return, citing potential public hostility. She also dismissed speculation that Harry might resume royal duties, stating it would be "a smack in the face to William", who has remained loyal to his role.
Implications of a Positive Outcome
Should the security review favour Harry, it could enable more frequent visits and his participation in events like the Invictus Games alongside the King. Jennie Bond described the imminent decision as a "vindication for Harry", who has fought a very public legal battle over the issue.
She argued for the restoration of his security, noting: "He is still the King's son, still fifth in line to the throne and, most pertinently, still a former army officer who served and killed in Afghanistan." The urgency was highlighted by an incident in October, where a known stalker came within yards of Harry during a UK visit last September.
Currently, Harry must notify the Metropolitan Police a month before travelling, with security assessed case-by-case—a process his lawyers claim puts his life "at stake". A positive review could transform this dynamic, making Birmingham's 2025 Invictus Games a landmark moment not just for the competitors, but for the royal family itself.
