Prince Harry has admitted he wishes he could close down the Invictus Games in a heartfelt statement. The Duke is continuing his trip in Canada without his wife Meghan Markle
Prince Harry has admitted he wishes he could close down the Invictus Games.
The royal believes in an ideal world there would be no need for the competition, which he founded to help injured veterans in 2014. However, he says he can’t as the competition is needed more than ever.
Harry, 40, is supporting servicemen and their families and friends at the seventh Invictus competition in Vancouver and Whistler, while already preparing for the eighth edition of the Games, which will be held in Birmingham in 2027.
Harry, 40, 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, but as long as there’s a need for it, we will keep it going.
“The fact that there will be a full cycle back in 2027 back to the UK is a place that I never thought we would be. It’s amazing how after 10 years that we’re still doing this, that we still need to do this. We will continue Invictus for as long as it’s needed, and the need is increasing, rather than reducing.”
Harry arrived at the Games alongside his supportive wife Meghan, 43, who attended five days of events alongside him before returning home to California to care for their two children Archie, five, and Lilibet, three. He says the pair, who are said to be supporting athletes from afar, are already fascinated by the event’s adaptive sports and have asked him a host of questions, which he plans to continue answering when he returns home to them after Sunday’s closing ceremony.
Speaking to People magazine, he revealed: “I’m going to tell them all the stories. “After we came back from Düsseldorf [for the 2023 Invictus Games] a year and a half ago, I sat down and went through lots of photographs that I had.
“They were fascinated to see these guys, careering around the field in wheelchairs, playing basketball, wheelchair rugby, sitting volleyball, everything.”
Harry added: “I’m hoping that my kids will take on every sport that they want as well, because I think it’s really important for all of us. I’m constantly trying to make sure that I get it right, in explaining what’s happened to [the competitors], and what we do at Invictus to try to make their lives better and give them a chance to redefine themselves. And the power of sport.”
Meanwhile, Meghan today posted a photo of Invictus themed goodies she took home for the youngsters, including green-coloured shirts with their names on. The haul also included an Invictus Games related teddy and a number of sweets and chocolates. Writing on her Instagram, Meghan said: “A taste of Canada and The Invictus Games for our little ones! Cheering you on from home!”.
