Prince Harry has opened up on his “emotional connection to the UK” as he spoke about the Invictus Games returning to Birmingham in 2027.
The Duke of Sussex, 40, who completed two tours of Afghanistan, founded the games for wounded and sick veterans in 2014 following his service in the British army.
The Californian-based royals travelled to Vancouver in Canada for this year’s Games, which began on February 8.
While Prince Harry stayed until the closing ceremony on February 16, Meghan departed the country after five days to return to California.
Prince Harry has opened up on his ’emotional connection to the UK’ as spoke the Invictus Games returning to Birmingham in 2027
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Speaking about the Games returning to the UK for the first time since its debut, Harry expressed his excitement about bringing the Games to the Midlands city.
Harry said: “Birmingham for us, is a very, very emotionally connected place.
“A lot of these guys, they woke up in Birmingham after being blown up in Afghanistan.”
The city is home to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, the first stop for British soldiers wounded in conflicts overseas.
Prince Harry founded the Invictus Games in 2014
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During Meghan Markle’s five days at the 2025 Games, the duchess provided behind-the-scenes coverage on her Instagram story.
Speaking on Meghan’s role at the Games, Harry said: “[Meghan’s is] a part of this community since shortly after the Orlando Games in 2016”.
He told US Weekly: “There have been so many special memories.”
The Duchess of Sussex took to Instagram after her departure, posting the Canadian treats and souvenirs brought back for her and Harry’s children, Archie, five, and Lilibet, three.
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Meghan Markle departed the country after five days to return to California
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Meghan wrote: “A taste of Canada and The Invictus Games for our little ones!
“Cheering you on from home!”
Since its launch ten years ago, the Invictus Games have been held in various countries across the world.
Its debut in London was followed by Orlando, Sydney, the Hague, Düsseldorf and, most recently, Canada.