Prince Harry believes the Invictus Games community can bridge global divides. Speaking at a reception in the Gherkin skyscraper, the Duke of Sussex mingled with guests, sharing smiles and laughter after a catch-up with his father, the King. Harry’s heartfelt speech highlighted how the courage and humanity of the Invictus family challenge the world’s tensions and divisions.
After a delayed journey through traffic-ridden London, Harry joked about the late start, quipping, “I think this whole thing has been delayed slightly, so at this point you’re all hammered – which was part of the plan all along, stuck up here at the top of the Gherkin.” Transitioning to a more serious tone, he emphasised: “We live in a time when conflicts rage across the globe… The Invictus community stands as a direct challenge to that.”
His words underscored a mission close to his heart: using sport as a healing power for wounded service members. From its inception in London’s Olympic Park in 2014, the Invictus Games have become a beacon of hope and recovery, with events held from Orlando to The Hague.
Rob Owen, CEO of the Invictus Foundation, echoed Harry’s sentiments, unveiling a strategic vision for the future. “Our vision is a world where no wounded, injured or sick service person or veteran is left without the opportunity to recover, rebuild and thrive through the power of sport and community.” With this new strategy, the foundation aims to foster systemic change and strengthen the international family it has built over the years.
As Birmingham prepares to host the Games in 2027, the hope is to continue this legacy, ensuring every wounded service member can find strength in community and recovery through sport. The Invictus Games are more than just an event; they are a movement proving unity’s formidable power.🌎💪 #InvictusGames #UnityAboveAll