Prince Harry's Invictus Games Is Reportedly Seen as a 'Hostile, Rival Royal Operation'

Prince Harry’s Invictus Games 10th anniversary service went off without a hitch on Wednesday. The crowds showed up to greet him and he was all smiles as he marked the major milestone of his passion project. However, there were a few people who were reportedly not pleased about the Duke of Sussex’s success. 

The day could have been a wonderful photo (and PR) opportunity for the royal family to come together and honor Harry for making a huge global impact with the Invictus Games. Instead, King Charles III hosted a garden party at Buckingham Palace less than three miles away at the same time. A former palace staffer pointed out the royal family’s behavior, noting to The Daily Beast that a congratulatory social media post would have at least reflected better upon them. It seems that there is some royal jostling going on when it comes to royal appearances in the U.K.

“The fact that they didn’t show they don’t want to do anything to encourage Harry to spend more time in the U.K. Charles is never going to endorse a hostile, rival royal operation on his doorstep,” the source claimed. “Instead, Charles sent a clear message that he is not welcome to conduct official, quasi-royal events in the U.K. that distract from the monarchy’s message and agenda.” Ouch!

Of course, Charles and Queen Camilla’s pal has a much different viewpoint of the situation, sharing that the palace didn’t appreciate Harry’s public statement about the king’s busy schedule earlier in the week. “No one trusted him before, and they certainly don’t now. It’s rude, undignified, and childish to make these attacks on his family when he knows they can’t answer back,” the insider criticized the Duke of Sussex. “It’s also inconsiderate, to say the least, to make the life of an elderly man who has cancer more difficult. Charles is trying his hardest to do his job in very difficult circumstances.”

While the feud might have softened for a hot minute when Harry flew across the pond to visit his father in February after his cancer diagnosis, the royal family’s feathers were ruffled when the Duke of Sussex was interviewed by Good Morning America just days later. Harry really didn’t say much, though: “I think any illness, any sickness brings families together.” Now, The Daily Beast‘s sources keep tossing out the word “trust” which seems completely gone at this point.

King Charles’ friend now alleges that “nothing has changed” and the feud is “back to square one.” Meanwhile, Harry and Meghan Markle are in Nigeria living their best lives as the country courts him and the Invictus Games for future events. They couldn’t be any farther apart in life. 

Click here to see a complete timeline of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s feud with the royal family.