As the event in Birmingham draws to a close, the Duke of Sussex has delivered an address ahead of the 2027 Games. He joked that he has lost a significant amount of hair since the first Invictus Games in London in 2014.
Addressing the crowd, Harry said: “Everything I had to say has been said already… so thank you,” before he pretended to leave the stage.
Making his way back to the microphone, he said: “Well… we’ve seen today that this is just the beginning. One year from today, the world will come here to the great City of Birmingham for the Invictus Games 2027.“To bring the Games back to the UK – thirteen years after London 2014 – obviously feels incredibly special.
“Not just because this is where the Invictus journey first began, but because Britain has always understood the importance of service, resilience, and standing together when it matters most.“Today, we’ve had a glimpse of what’s waiting for us next summer. We’ve seen determination. We’ve seen laughter. We’ve seen sweat. And we’ve seen people trying something new, cheering each other on and proving once again that sport has an incredible way of bringing people together.
“We even had an MP running round doing the laser run and Alison Hammond who I think beat him! If this is just the warm-up, I think we’re all in for something truly extraordinary. Of course, while the Games are famous for the competition, they have always been about so much more than medals.
“At the heart of Invictus are the competitors – remarkable men and women who have served their countries and who continue to show us what courage really looks like. But no one gets to the start line alone.
“Families who stand beside them every step of the way. Friends who never stop believing. Volunteers who give their time so generously. Supporters who fill the stands. And communities who open their arms.“What has struck me walking around the arena today is just how many faces I recognise from those different groups that were part of that original journey back in 2014. Some of us have lost more of our hair. Some of us look older.
“But I just want to thank you for being so loyal and true to the Invictus community. Every one of you is part of this movement. It wouldn’t be what it is without you. Because Invictus has never just been about belonging to a team. It’s about belonging to each other.
“We are a family, one that I am so proud and so honoured to be a part of. That spirit is reflected in something we’re especially pleased to introduce today: the new British Sign Language sign for Invictus.“You will see we have a member of the signing community standing next to me today, so I’d like us all to turn, follow and practice with him,” as he demonstrates for the first time our new BSL approved sign for the Invictus Games.“It’s more than a sign. It’s a symbol of inclusion, accessibility and belonging – a reminder that everyone should be able to experience, celebrate and be part of these Games.“Over the next year, thousands of people will help turn today’s promise into next summer’s reality. Whether you’re an athlete, a family member, a volunteer, a supporter, a sponsor, or someone hearing about Invictus for the very first time today, there is a place for you.“The countdown starts now. Let’s make Birmingham 2027 a Games worthy of those who have served. Thank you, and I’ll see you all back here in Birmingham in one year’s time.”
The Duke of Sussex delivered a poignant address(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Harry uses sign language for Invictus Games with CEO of Deaf Solution David Morton(Image: Aaron Chown/PA Wire)