Prince William and Princess Kate Likely to Skip Invictus Games

Prince William and Princess Kate are expected to decline an invitation from Prince Harry to attend the **2027 Invictus Games** in Birmingham, according to royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams. The event, which will take place from **July 10 to July 17, 2027**, is organized by The Invictus Games Charity, founded by Prince Harry in **2014** to support wounded veterans.

While official confirmation of the royals’ attendance remains pending, Fitzwilliams expressed skepticism about their participation. He noted that the ongoing tensions between the brothers have been well-documented, with reports indicating they have not been in contact for some time. The rift, which reportedly began before Prince Harry’s departure from royal duties in **2020**, has intensified, particularly following the release of Harry’s memoir, **Spare**, in **2023**.

Fitzwilliams shared his insights during an exclusive interview with **Express.co.uk**, stating, “Prince William and Catherine are not thought likely to attend. I strongly doubt Princess Anne will attend. However, there is a long time to go and anything could happen!”

Royal Family Dynamics and Event Representation

The potential absence of Prince William and Princess Kate raises questions about who might represent the royal family at the games. In the event that King Charles, aged **76**, does not attend, Fitzwilliams suggested he may delegate the responsibility to other royals. He mentioned that **Princess Eugenie** and **Princess Beatrice**, who reportedly maintain amicable relations with Prince Harry, are possible delegates.

“Invictus, which Harry founded, is an important military charity. We don’t yet know if the King, who is Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, will attend. We do know that if he does not, he is certain to be represented,” Fitzwilliams explained. He emphasized that inviting the cousins would be within King Charles’s rights as monarch, although it could be perceived as a snub to Prince Harry.

Event Significance and Anticipation

The **Invictus Games** have gained international recognition for their role in promoting the recovery and rehabilitation of service members through sports. The upcoming event at the **National Exhibition Centre (NEC)** in Birmingham is highly anticipated, and both competitors and attendees are expected to engage in a week of inspiring events.

As the games approach, the involvement of the royal family will be closely watched, particularly in light of the ongoing family dynamics. Whether Prince William and Princess Kate will ultimately decide to attend remains uncertain, but the implications of their decision could resonate beyond the sports arena, affecting public perception of the royal family’s unity.

While the event is still nearly two years away, the conversations surrounding it highlight the broader context of family relationships within the British monarchy, setting the stage for what could be a significant moment in royal history.