The Royal’s pronouncement was seen by some as Harry teasing his potential return to the UK despite strained family relations
11:46, 10 Jun 2025Updated 12:17, 10 Jun 2025
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex attending the Whistler Welcome Celebration at the 2025 Invictus Games in Whistler, Canada. (Image: Aaron Chown/PA Wire)
The dates that Prince Harry’s Invictus Games will come to Birmingham have been confirmed – after he teased his potential return to the UK for the event.
The Games will run from 10 to 17 July 2027 and will be based entirely at the NEC apart from the swimming, which will be held at Sandwell Aquatics Centre.
The event, the eighth edition, will feature wounded, injured, and sick service personnel and veterans from around the world for the eighth. Competitors will take part in nine core sports, with three new additions – e-sports, pickleball, and laser run.
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“We are thrilled to officially announce the confirmed dates for Invictus Games Birmingham 2027,” said Helen Helliwell, CEO of Birmingham 2027. “These Games will shine a light on Birmingham’s incredible community spirit and the West Midlands’ strong commitment to supporting the recovery and rehabilitation of our Armed Forces community.”
This year’s Games were held in Canada. Harry marked his address at the event by saying: “Bring on Invictus Birmingham 2027. You have permission to party!” That was seen by some as Harry teasing his return to the UK, having suffered strained relations with his family since stepping back as a full-time working Royal.
Rob Owen, CEO of the Invictus Games Foundation, said: “Birmingham is a unique and vibrant city and it’s wonderful to have the dates set.
“This will be the eighth Invictus Games and the return of the Games to the UK, in a city that has been a focal point of healing for so many members of the wounded, injured or sick service and veteran community.
“As the Invictus Games Foundation recently celebrated its ten-year anniversary, we’ve been looking ahead as to what the next ten years of recovery will look like for the community, and we know Birmingham 2027 will be a beacon of hope for so many in recovery.”
The Invictus Games will bring significant social and economic boost into Birmingham -attracting thousands of visitors, creating jobs, and showcasing the city’s hospitality, culture, and innovation on the world stage. Local communities will be engaged through extensive outreach and participation initiatives in the run-up to, and throughout, the Games.
Selly Ok MP and veterans’ minister Al Carns said: “With the dates set, Birmingham stands ready to deliver an Invictus Games worthy of those injured while bravely serving their country, whose unbreakable spirit and determination to overcome mental and physical challenges inspires us all.
“In July 2027, I invite the world to Birmingham to witness these remarkable people first hand and understand what it truly means to serve, sacrifice, and prevail”.