Prince Harry releases personal statement following Invictus Games announcement

Prince Harry has penned a message after it was announced that Birmingham had won the bid to host the next Invictus Games.

The Duke of Sussex founded the games in 2014 to give injured or sick military personnel and veterans the chance to compete, similar to the Paralympics.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Meghan, Duchess of Sussex speaks at Invictus Games.

Harry released an official statement about the confirmation of the Birmingham games, scheduled for 2027.

“Congratulations to Birmingham, UK, on winning the bid to host the Invictus Games 2027,” he said.

“Your city’s strong ties to the Armed Forces community made it a formidable contender from the very start.”

“Over the years, we’ve seen each city bring a unique spirit and vision to life for competitors, their families, and spectators.

“We have no doubt the people of Birmingham will join in celebrating the unwavering respect and admiration we have for our veteran and service community, showing the world how their courage ignites hope and unites us all—something your city knows well.”

CEO of the Invictus Games Birmingham 2027, Helen Helliwell said: “I am honoured our bid has been selected, bringing the Invictus Games back to the UK.”

“At NEC Birmingham, we’ll host the most cohesive, sustainable event in Invictus Games history with all sports, ceremonies, and accommodation on one fantastic site.

“Beyond the games, our legacy programs will benefit communities nationwide, from adaptive sports to arts and employment.”

The Birmingham Games will mark the first time they return to the UK since the London launch of the games in 2014.

Before Birmingham, the Canadian cities of Vancouver and Whistler will host the next Invictus Games in 2025.

It comes after Harry returned to the UK in May to attend a service of thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral in London to mark the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games.

He is currently living in California with his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and their children Prince Archie, 5, and Princess Lilibet, 3.

During the service in May, the Duke of Sussex was visibly moved as he listened to the 2018 Team UK captain Michelle Turner discuss the profound impact the service has had on her family’s life.

Harry rose to his feet to lead a standing ovation after Turner thanked “Invictus for giving me my life back”.

He appeared to be in tears, live coverage of the service by the BBC showed.

During the service, Harry delivered a bible reading from Corinthians, emphasising the way different people have different gifts and strengths, the BBC reported.

Meghan has not returned to the UK since the funeral of Harry’s grandmother, Queen Elizabeth in September 2022.

The family relocated to the US state of California after stepping back as senior working royals in January 2020 and have been caught up in various claims and counter claims about their treatment by other royals ever since.