Prince Harry returned to the United Kingdom to mark the one-year countdown to the 2027 Invictus Games, an event royal experts say showcases his best qualities and represents a significant loss for the British royal family.
Founded by Harry in 2014, the Invictus Games is an international adaptive sporting competition for wounded, injured, and sick military service members and veterans. Harry, who served 10 years in the British Army, conceived the idea after watching the Warrior Games in 2013.
Royal commentator Meredith Constant told Fox News Digital that the Invictus Games demonstrate the "asset" the royal family lost when Harry and Meghan Markle ceased their roles as senior royals. "The Invictus Games highlight the best of Prince Harry and the assets the British royal family lost when the Sussexes exited working royal life," Constant said. "The Invictus Games have played a massive role in bringing veterans from all over the world together to heal and celebrate community, including Harry."
Constant also suggested the games reflect Harry's enduring connection to his home country. "Invictus Games also show the love he has for his home country," she stated. "Harry took control of his own fate when he and Meghan moved their family overseas. Harry continues charitable endeavors, like the Invictus Games, that take him to the U.K., because he loves it and loves his country."
Hilary Fordwich, a British royal expert, emphasized the genuine nature of the Invictus Games. "What sets Invictus apart is that it is based on something so genuine, from his heart and his previous military experiences," Fordwich said. "Via the games, he has been able to inspire recovery, rehabilitation and to garner broader respect for those who have served."
Fordwich noted that before Meghan Markle became involved, the event provided Harry with an opportunity "to showcase his true heart." She added that the "Birmingham ‘27 countdown is particularly significant since, with sponsors quitting, this is mission critical for his being about to sustain the event in the future."
Richard Fitzwilliams, another royal expert, described the Invictus Games as "uniquely valuable." "It helps veterans and serving soldiers with physical injuries and mental health conditions," Fitzwilliams said. He also referenced a praised Netflix series about the Games and a 10th-anniversary service at St. Paul's Cathedral, which Harry attended solo.
The Invictus Games are held every two years, featuring adaptive sports such as wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby, sitting volleyball, swimming, indoor rowing, cycling, athletics, and archery. Recent editions have also included winter sports. While medals are awarded, the primary focus remains on rehabilitation, resilience, and fostering community among service members and veterans recovering from physical injuries, illnesses, or psychological trauma like PTSD.
The Games have become a defining charitable initiative for Prince Harry, continuing even after he and Meghan stepped back from senior royal duties in 2020. The 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham, England, will mark the first time the event returns to the U.K. since its 2014 inaugural in London.