Announcement made over Prince Harry's Invictus Games in new statement
Harry released the shortlist of locations for the 2029 games
The shortlist of cities competing to host Prince Harry’s Invictus Games in 2029 has been unveiled.
On Tuesday, the Invictus Games Foundation released a shortlist of six global contenders vying to host the 2029 edition of the games.
This will be the ninth installment of the international sporting event for wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans.
Among them is San Diego, a vibrant coastal city just a few hours’ drive from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s home in Montecito, California.
Announcement made over Prince Harry’s Invictus Games
The 2029 host city finalists are Aalborg in Denmark, Veneto Region in Italy, Abuja in Nigeria and Daejeon in Republic of Korea.
Meanwhile, the list also includes Kyiv in Ukraine and San Diego in California, US.
The inclusion of San Diego signals a meaningful possibility for Prince Harry to bring the games closer to his home.
Harry and Meghan have lived in California since stepping back from royal duties in 2020.
We look forward to working with each of these locations over the coming year.
Rob Owen OBE, CEO of the Invictus Games Foundation, said in a statement: “We are thrilled to have such interest, demonstrating a clear recognition of the powerful impact of hosting an Invictus Games. Not only on the competitors themselves, but on those supporting, watching, and cheering on from the stands.
“These expressions of interest are also testament to the growing global impact of being part of the Invictus Movement. We look forward to working with each of these locations over the coming year to develop fuller propositions with the recovery of international wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans at their heart.”
When did Prince Harry create the Invictus Games?
Prince Harry was inspired to found the Invictus Games after attending the US Warrior Games in 2013.
The first edition of the Invictus Games were held in London in 2014. They have since travelled to Orlando, Toronto, Sydney, The Hague, Düsseldorf, Vancouver and Whistler.
The 2027 games are already confirmed for Birmingham, UK.
In a heartfelt message following Birmingham’s selection, the Duke of Sussex said: “Congratulations to Birmingham, UK, on winning the bid to host the Invictus Games 2027. Your city’s strong ties to the Armed Forces community made it a formidable contender from the very start.
“Over the years, we’ve seen each city bring a unique spirit and vision to life for competitors, their families, and spectators. We have no doubt the people of Birmingham will join in celebrating the unwavering respect and admiration we have for our veteran and service community, showing the world how their courage ignites hope and unites us all – something your city knows well.”
The Invictus news follows a sentimental Father’s Day weekend for the duke. He celebrated with Meghan and their children, Prince Archie, six, and Princess Lilibet, four.
Meghan also shared a touching tribute on Instagram, showing Harry playing with his children over the years.
It has not been officially confirmed whether Harry will attend the 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham. However, the duke has not missed a single tournament since founding the event.
Read more: Princess Anne ‘urging King Charles to mend family rift’ with Prince Harry
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