Prince Harry felt inspired to create the Invictus Games after travelling to America
The Duke of Sussex founded the Games in 2014...The Invictus Games have already surpassed their 10th anniversary, but why did Prince Harry create the sporting event all those years ago?
The royal’s passion project is set to return back to the UK in less than two years time, marking a special occasion since the Duke of Sussex set up the first event back in 2014 on home soil.
Since it’s creation, the Invictus Games have spread far and wide across Europe and multiple countries, and became a sense of pride for Harry. It’s also when the world saw his future wife right by his side back in 2017 in their first public appearance together.
We take a look back at Prince Harry’s journey with the Invictus Games, why he started up the event, his inspiration, and the drama that unfolded.
Did Prince Harry actually start the Invictus Games?
In 2013, Prince Harry visited the USA for the Warrior Games, featuring wounded and injured service members and veterans who had served their country. They competed in seven sports, with the aim of promoting an active lifestyle.
The event became a major inspiration, leading him to decide to launch his own foundation and bring the concept to the UK.
The Invictus Games, the foundation established by Prince Harry, were first held in London in 2014. Competitors in this adaptive sports event are men and women who put their lives on the line for their country and sustained life-changing injuries.
The charity is dedicated to supporting veterans and service personnel with their recovery and rehabilitation through sport.
Read more: Prince Harry’s ‘instruction’ to wife Meghan Markle before public kiss at Invictus Games
Invictus Games went global
From indoor rowing and road cycling to wheelchair basketball, skeleton, and wheelchair curling, the Games highlight that the event is not only about physical rehabilitation but also mental resilience.
Due to its success, it has been hosted in cities including Orlando (2016), Toronto (2017), Sydney (2018), The Hague (2022), Dusseldorf (2023), Vancouver Whistler (2025), with the next Games announced for Birmingham (2027).
Away from the spotlight of competition, the foundation has helped raise public awareness of the challenges faced by injured service members, sharing personal stories of triumph.
Veterans have said the Games helped them rebuild confidence, recover physically and emotionally, and find new purpose in life.
Prince Harry’s vision has grown into a movement that extends far beyond sport, challenging perceptions and inspiring resilience in the face of adversity. As the Games continue, their message and mission remain clear: to celebrate determination and inspire both participants and spectators worldwide.
Meghan Markle’s debut
The sporting event also holds a special place in Meghan Markle‘s heart, Prince Harry’s wife, as the 2017 Invictus Games was when they first stepped out in public together as a couple.
They appeared holding hands at the opening ceremony in Toronto, after months of hiding their relationship from the public. The duo had been dating since the summer of 2016, but Meghan made her big debut in September 2017.
Ahead of the public display of affection, the former actress actually sat down with Vanity Fair for an interview. When quizzed about her relationship with the royal, she said they were ‘in love’.
She told the outlet: “We’re two people who are really happy and in love.
“We were very quietly dating for about six months before it became news, and I was working during that whole time, and the only thing that changed was people’s perception.”
The Duchess of Sussex has continued to support her husband at the event, from jetting off to Dusseldorf to Canada. However, it’s not expected that Meghan Markle will be at Prince Harry’s side for the 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham, as she hasn’t been back to the UK since the late Queen’s death in 2022.
Previously, Harry and Meghan spoke out about the fears they have over their own and their children’s safety while on UK soil. Therefore, the Duke of Sussex revealed he wouldn’t bring his family back to his homeland.
Duke of Sussex’s popularity may affect the Games
Prince Harry’s vision transformed an idea into a global movement, reflecting his personal commitment to what he believes in, but recent reports are suggesting that he may be pressured to step down as a patron of the Invictus Games.
The timing of any leadership change could present challenges. The next Games, planned for July 2027 in Birmingham, coincides with Queen Camilla’s 80th birthday celebrations, raising questions about which members of the royal family can attend and express their support.
“Normally, senior members of the royal family would want to attend. It goes without saying they support the Forces to the hilt, so it would be unfortunate if they felt unable to because of Harry’s presence,” the source added.
This is perhaps unsurprising given the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s decision to step down from their royal duties, legal disputes against the royal family, and ongoing media coverage.
In contrast, Rob Owen OBE, the Invictus Games Foundation CEO claims that the foundation is “proud” to have Prince Harry involved. He added his idea and passion is the reason the foundation has achieved a globally respected reputation.
Read more: Prince Harry declares ‘that’s so inappropriate’ as he’s given risqué gift during Invictus Games
Is Prince Harry still at the Invictus Games?
Although the reports suggest that Prince Harry may face pressure to step back from his patron role, the Games themselves have grown resilient international movement.
Looking ahead to Birmingham 2027, will the royal still be connected to the event?
According to the Daily Mail reports, Prince Harry’s reputation is not considered to bring the same benefit to the charity as he did in its early years and his divisive profile in the UK now threatens to overshadow the legacy he created.
“The duke has become an increasingly divisive figure, particularly in the Armed forces and that is not good for Invictus”, says the source.
But the insider close to the organisation defended the royal.
“We are all about bringing people together and inspiring those who have suffered hardship. Now, Invictus is firmly established, it might be better if the duke took a step back,” they said.
The source added: “It is worrying that such a worthy event seems to be used for PR purposes.”
For now, Harry seems to be staying right where he is.
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