Prince Harry has expressed his wish that the Invictus Games would no longer be needed, whilst acknowledging the growing demand for the adaptive sports tournament for wounded veterans.
The Games founder noted that the need for the competition is actually increasing rather than diminishing, highlighting the ongoing importance of the event he established a decade ago.
Speaking at the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025, the Duke of Sussex said: “I wish that we could close this down because there wasn’t a need for it, but as long as there’s a need for it, we will keep it going.”
Harry, who launched the international competition in London in 2014 as a former British Army captain, reflected on the milestone of reaching the event’s tenth anniversary.
Prince Harry has expressed his wish that the Invictus Games would no longer be needed, whilst acknowledging the growing demand for the adaptive sports tournament for wounded veterans.
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“It’s amazing how after 10 years that we’re still doing this, that we still need to do this,” Prince Harry told People magazine during the Vancouver event.
The competition has grown significantly since its inception, with the latest Games bringing together more than 500 athletes from 23 countries to compete across various disciplines.
The Games are set to return to their birthplace with Birmingham hosting the 2027 edition, marking a significant milestone for the competition.
“I know the UK is looking forward to having the Games back, to where it started, in just over a couple years,” Prince Harry said.
The Duke of Sussex founded the sporting competition in 2014.
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The Duke expressed his surprise at the competition’s journey, noting: “So the fact that there will be a full cycle back in 2027 back to the U.K. is a place that I never thought we would be.”
Harry also expressed gratitude to the organising team, saying: “With a really, really strong team behind it and people all over the world who know the value of putting something like this on.”
The royal has maintained an active presence throughout the event, demonstrating his continued commitment to the Games he founded for disabled military veterans.
The Duchess of Sussex left Canada on Tuesday to return to the US.
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Prince Harry will remain in Canada until Sunday when the closing ceremony of the Invictus Games takes place.
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The couple arrived in Vancouver on Friday, attending the opening ceremony together before travelling to the Whistler ski resort for the winter sports section.
Meghan’s early departure mirrors her attendance at the 2023 Düsseldorf competition, which she also left after five days to return home.
A source close to the couple indicated the early departure had always been planned, noting: “This is Prince Harry’s event and she is there to support him, but this was planned.”
Prince Harry will remain in Canada until Sunday when the closing ceremony of the Invictus Games takes place.