Prince Harry's role in new Invictus Games awards in the UK
The event will take place this September
Prince Harry has announced a brand new awards show under the Invictus Games banner, marking an exciting expansion of the event that have transformed lives around the world.
The Invictus Spirit Gala Dinner & Awards will take place in London this September, honouring those who “embody the resilience and spirit” at the heart of the Invictus community.
Prince Harry announces new award show for Invictus Games
The Invictus Spirit Awards aim to spotlight the remarkable contributions of both veterans and civilians.
According to the Invictus Games Foundation, the awards are open to members of the wounded, injured, and sick (WIS) service personnel and veteran community, or to individuals who have supported their recovery through sport and adventure.
The judging panel will include representatives from the Invictus Games Foundation, presenting partner ATCO, and Prince Harry himself.
Nominations opened on January 23, 2026, and will close on March 8, 2026. Winners will be announced at the London gala in September.
The event will present five distinct awards:
The Invictus Resilience Award is for individuals or organisations who have shown outstanding strength and determination in the face of adversity.
The Invictus Community Award celebrates teamwork and commitment to supporting and growing the Invictus community, and the Invictus Community of Nations Award honours those who promote recovery through sport and inclusion.
Meanwhile, the Invictus Champion Award recognises individuals who have given exceptional financial or practical support to the Invictus movement.
Finally, the Overall Invictus Spirit Award is selected from the shortlisted finalists. This award honours one individual who truly represents the spirit and values of Invictus.
Invictus Games 2027
The new awards show comes ahead of the 2027 Invictus Games, which will take place in Birmingham from July 10–17, 2027.
The games will feature 550 competitors from 25 nations, hosted across the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) and Sandwell Aquatics Centre. They will also mark the first time the games have returned to the UK since the inaugural event in 2014.
But beyond sport, the upcoming games could also represent a turning point in royal family dynamics.
According to royal insiders, Prince Harry has invited his father, King Charles, to join him on stage to open the 2027 Games. If accepted, the gesture could mark a powerful step toward reconciliation after years of estrangement.
“Prince Harry desperately wants Charles at Invictus, and he wants him to open the Games alongside him,” a source told The Sun. “Harry wants it to happen both for the Games and for their relationship. It’s his dream to have his father by his side.”
However, the proposed reunion could place King Charles in a difficult position, especially given Harry’s reported rift with Prince William.
Commentator Jennie Bond told The Mirror: “Invictus has become pivotal. It is Harry’s great cause and his greatest achievement. Any father would want to support his son as the games come to the UK. But it’s not straightforward for the king. Sadly for him, his family matters never are.”
She continued: “It could become a classic case of a father having to choose between his warring sons.”
Prince William last attended the Invictus Games in 2014. He is not expected to appear in 2027 and reportedly has not spoken to Harry since Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in 2022.
Their rift was reportedly deepened by the publication of Harry’s memoir, Spare.
Read more: Prince Harry’s ‘apology’ over Harry Styles during ‘incredibly nervous’ speech
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