The announcement of the 2027 Invictus Games being held in Birmingham has set the stage for a potentially awkward scenario for Prince William and Kate Middleton, as they navigate their strained relationship with Prince Harry. The Duke of Sussex's return to the UK for the games marks the first time the event will take place on British soil since its inaugural edition in London in 2014.

Prince Harry revealed on Tuesday that Birmingham won the bid to host the 2027 Invictus Games, triumphing over US finalist Washington DC. The games will be held at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) and will introduce three new sports: pickleball, laser run, and esports. This significant event brings the spotlight back to the UK and raises questions about the potential involvement of senior royals, including Prince William and Princess Kate.

Royal correspondent Dorothy Reddin noted the importance of the royal family's presence at such a high-profile event, emphasizing the optics of a major sporting event in the UK without visible support from Harry's immediate family. "The Royal Family would almost certainly have to consider the optics of a major sporting event being held in the heart of the UK and no visibility from Harry's immediate family, thus placing the Waleses in an awkward position," Reddin wrote.

The relationship between Prince Harry and his brother, Prince William, as well as with his father, King Charles, has been notably strained since Harry and Meghan Markle's departure from royal duties in 2020. The last time Harry visited London for an Invictus event in May, neither his father nor his brother met with him, despite advance notice. This absence underscored the ongoing tensions within the royal family.

Reddin suggested that if William and Kate choose not to attend the 2027 Invictus Games, they might be perceived as "cold," but acknowledged that the significant tensions between the couples might justify their absence. "William and Kate could run the risk of appearing cold if they failed to show public support for the Duke of Sussex," she explained. "However, there is also the opportunity for an emotional reunion and a powerful full-circle moment for the Royal Family."

The inaugural Invictus Games were hosted at London's Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in 2014, with then-Prince Charles and Prince William in attendance. Since stepping back from his royal duties, Prince Harry has managed the Invictus Games independently, without the presence of senior royals at the events.

As the Invictus Games return to Harry's home country, the public and media will closely watch to see whether William and Kate will extend an olive branch by attending the event. The royal family's response to this scenario could significantly impact public perception and potentially pave the way for reconciliation.

While it remains uncertain whether Meghan Markle will accompany Harry to the 2027 Invictus Games, her last visit to the UK was in 2022 for Queen Elizabeth's funeral. The potential presence of both Harry and Meghan at a major UK event would undoubtedly attract significant media attention and further complicate the dynamics within the royal family.