Prince Harry returned to the U.K. this week, reuniting privately with King Charles before stepping out to champion one of his most meaningful causes — the Invictus Games.
Reunion with King Charles
On September 10, the Duke of Sussex met with King Charles at Clarence House for a private tea, marking their first in-person meeting since February 2024. The reunion lasted just under an hour. When asked by reporters afterward how his father was doing, Harry simply replied, “Yes, he’s great, thank you.”
Honoring Invictus and Its Community
Later that evening, Harry attended Invictus Horizons, a reception at the Gherkin in London hosted by the Invictus Games Foundation. The event celebrated more than a decade of the adaptive sports competition, which Harry founded in 2014 to support wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women.
“This is what Invictus does best: it catalyzes change,” Harry said. “As proud as I am of our first decade, I know the next decade matters even more.” He emphasized the Games’ role in building unity across politics, backgrounds, and nationalities, adding that the movement would continue to drive systemic change for veterans worldwide.
The evening also introduced Rob Owen as the Foundation’s new Chief Executive Officer.
A Packed U.K. Visit
Harry’s London stop followed other engagements during his trip. On September 8, he attended the WellChild Awards, honoring children with serious health challenges. The following day, he traveled to Nottingham to spotlight youth initiatives and support fundraising for Children in Need. He also marked the third anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s death with a personal tribute.
Despite heavy traffic caused by a Tube strike, Harry kept spirits light at the Invictus reception, joking that the delay meant “at this point you’re all hammered — which was part of the plan all along.”
Looking Ahead to Future Games
The Invictus Games, inspired by the U.S. military’s Warrior Games, has grown into a global movement since its debut in London over a decade ago. The 10th anniversary was marked in 2024 with a service at St. Paul’s Cathedral, and several countries are now bidding to host the 2029 Games.
Helen Helliwell, CEO of the 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham, praised Harry’s enduring influence. “His passion is unsurpassed. He really brings a magical sparkle dust to his interactions,” she said. “He founded it, and it’s grown and grown. To have it back in the U.K. for the eighth iteration will be really special.”
While it is too early to confirm which members of the royal family will attend the future Games, organizers have expressed hope that Harry — and possibly King Charles — will be present.
A Cause Close to His Heart
Since its inception, the Invictus Games has been about more than competition. Harry often reminds participants and their families that recovery is about courage, compassion, and community. Reflecting on the journey so far, he said: “Being a hero is not just about resilience, skill or power. It’s about integrity, compassion and courage. Our Invictus community is making the world a better place by being their authentic selves.”
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