Princess Delphine of Belgium, daughter of former King Albert II, has voiced her support for Prince Harry, saying she feels “very sorry” for him.
Speaking on the It’s Reigning Men podcast, hosted by Daniel Rosney, the 57-year-old reflected on Harry’s trauma and the media scrutiny he faces.
“I feel very sorry for Harry,” Delphine said. “I think that was traumatic for him. I think Harry has suffered so much. He was traumatised, and it’s coming out now.” She added that the criticism he receives amounts to “bullying,” and believes people overlook the deep emotional wounds he still carries from losing Princess Diana.
A Royal with Her Own Complex Past
Delphine herself is no stranger to royal turmoil. The result of an 18-year affair between King Albert II and aristocrat Sybille de Selys Longchamps, she spent most of her life unacknowledged by her father. After years of distancing, Delphine launched a legal case in 2013—the same year Albert abdicated—which she won in 2020, officially becoming Princess Delphine of Belgium.
Now recognised as a royal, she and her two children, Princess Joséphine and Prince Oscar, bear the name de Saxe-Cobourg. Her legal battle, she insists, was never about money or title but about “principles” and her “right to exist.”
“You don’t just have a child and kick it,” she told Tatler in 2023, although she also said she doesn’t blame her father. Since winning the case, she’s begun attending official royal engagements and has rebuilt her relationship with King Albert and her half-brother, King Philippe.
Harry Extends Olive Branch to Royal Family
In a surprising move, Prince Harry has reportedly invited members of the Royal Family to the 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham—an event he founded to support injured military veterans.
The event’s CEO, Helen Helliwell, confirmed to People that the royal family is “very much welcome,” adding, “We’d be delighted if members of the royal family were able to attend.” She also expressed hope that Harry and Meghan might attend.
Sources say Harry personally approved the invitations, which were sent to palace private secretaries via email. The timing is deliberate—designed to accommodate King Charles, who plans his calendar years in advance.
A Difficult Reunion?
Should the royals attend, it would be their first appearance at the Games since its inception in 2014. However, some royal experts remain skeptical.
Royal biographer Ingrid Seward noted: “The King might attend to show support for the Armed Forces and congratulate Harry on the most significant success in his life. But he no longer trusts Harry not to repeat private conversations.” Katie Nicholl added: “The King absolutely wants a relationship with his youngest son and with his grandchildren… There’s certainly a possibility he might consider attending.”
However, the proposed dates for the Games—July 12–17, 2027—clash with Queen Camilla’s 80th birthday celebrations, possibly complicating royal attendance.
Questions Over Meghan and the Children
It remains unclear whether Harry would bring Meghan and their children, Archie and Lilibet, to the UK for the Games. In the past, he has demanded “full police protection” before making any such trip.
Still, insiders suggest Harry is sincere in his outreach. “This is one olive branch from him which might be reciprocated,” a source said. “Harry is hopeful his father will set aside their differences to attend.”
Seeking Peace
In a BBC interview earlier this year, Harry said he was open to reconciliation, despite the damage caused by his memoir Spare. “There’s no point in continuing to fight any more,” he said. “Life is precious… Forgiveness is 100 per cent a possibility because I would like to get my father and brother back.”
While no formal invitations have been issued yet, Invictus officials confirm preparations are underway, and the 2027 Games are expected to bring major social and economic benefits to Birmingham.
