Prince Harry Comforted Mother of Invictus Games Competitor Who Died in Ukraine War: ‘There Was a Lot of Emotion’.HL

During his unannounced visit to Kyiv on September 12, 2025, Prince Harry, 41, provided emotional support to a mother who had lost her son, a former Invictus Games competitor, during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Harry, who has long championed the Invictus Games, was warmly welcomed by veterans and military members in the war-torn country. The visit, which included meeting veterans at a memorial, was deeply moving for all involved.

Josh Boggi, the international community manager for the Invictus Games Foundation, was part of the entourage and described the palpable excitement and gratitude the Ukrainians felt for Harry’s presence. “There was a sense of excitement for the fact he was there in Kyiv and showing his support for the veterans,” Boggi said. “He is adored — not just by Ukrainians but all the military from all the Invictus nations around the world.” Harry was in his element, embracing the veterans and sharing heartfelt moments with them.

Among the attendees was the mother of a former Invictus Games captain who had tragically been killed in the conflict. Harry shared a deeply emotional moment with her, offering a big hug in what was a powerful display of compassion and solidarity. “There was a lot of emotion,” Boggi recalled, underscoring the weight of the moment for both Harry and the grieving mother.

Prince Harry’s visit to Ukraine came on the heels of a week of engagements in the U.K., which included a reunion with his father, King Charles. While reflecting on the visit in an interview with The Guardian, Harry expressed that his focus for the upcoming year would be on his father. He also revealed a desire to spend more time in the U.K. with his family, signaling a softening in his stance toward reengaging with his roots.

The warmth and connection Harry shared with the veterans and their families in Kyiv only added to his enduring legacy as a champion for those affected by war. It was a visit that reinforced his commitment to both the Invictus Games and to supporting the military community worldwide