The Duke of Sussex has made a return to the United Kingdom for a significant ceremony marking a milestone moment for his Invictus Games. Prince Harry arrived on Tuesday afternoon to participate in events and meetings related to the biennial sporting competition he founded a decade ago.
Amid cheers from crowds gathered outside St Paul’s Cathedral, the duke was warmly welcomed as he arrived for the ceremony. Actor Damian Lewis recited the Invictus poem by William Ernest Henley, and Prince Harry delivered a reading from I Corinthians 12. 4-11 during the service.
Although the Duke of Sussex was supported by members of Princess Diana’s family at the event, he will not be meeting with his father, King Charles III, due to the King's full schedule. The Duke expressed understanding of his father's commitments and hopes to see him soon.
While the Duke of Sussex is not expected to meet with his brother, Prince William, during this visit, he is accompanied neither by his wife, Meghan, nor their son, Prince Archie. The last time Prince Harry visited the UK was in February following his father's cancer diagnosis announcement.
The Invictus Games, an international sporting competition for wounded veterans and military members, was founded by Prince Harry in 2014. The next edition of the games is scheduled to take place in Vancouver and Whistler, Canada, in February 2025, with over 500 competitors from more than 20 nations participating in adaptive sports.
Following the Invictus celebrations in London, Prince Harry and Meghan are set to visit Nigeria at the invitation of the Nigerian Defence Headquarters. Nigeria became Africa’s first participant in the games last year. Additionally, Birmingham in the UK and Washington, DC in the US have been shortlisted to host the event in 2027.
