Prince Harry has claimed the Invictus Games 2025 ceremony "saved lives" in a new report, as the Duke of Sussex also teased his UK comeback for the Games in two years.
Harry marked the conclusion of the 2025 Invictus Games in Vancouver and Whistler with the release of a comprehensive final report detailing the event's achievements and lasting impact.
The report, announced on Monday via Instagram alongside a tribute video featuring highlights from the Games, documented what organisers described as "a slew of historic firsts" for the international sporting event for wounded servicemen and women.
According to the announcement, the Games delivered "A Lasting Legacy, a Substantial Economic Impact and Hundreds of Lives Saved", marking a significant milestone for the competition founded by the Duke of Sussex in 2014.
Prince Harry claims Invictus ‘saved lives’ in new report as Duke teases UK comeback.
Getty
The report stated: "Our Games not only changed lives, they saved them."
It also revealed several unprecedented achievements for the 2025 Games, including the first Winter hybrid Invictus Games format and the first time the event was hosted across two communities.
The Duke concluded his address by confirming the next host city: "Bring on Invictus Birmingham 2027. You have permission to party!"
Social media responses to the announcement reflected enthusiasm from attendees and supporters. "Amazing to be there and watch these incredible people! Can't wait for Birmingham 2027!" one fan commented, whilst another added: "Amazing work, Invictus team!!! Vancouver was fun!"
The opening ceremony achieved a historic milestone with a sold-out crowd of 40,000 spectators, marking the first time such attendance figures had been reached in the Games' history.
During the closing ceremony, Harry delivered an emotional seven-minute speech praising the resilience and camaraderie of participating service members.
"So long as our brothers and sisters are striving to heal and grow, the Games will go on," Harry declared. "So long as there are those around the world who view you with sympathy, rather than admiration and respect, the Games will go on."
His speech reinforced his commitment to continuing the Games whilst wounded veterans require support and healing.
Prince Harry held the 2025 Invictus Games in Vancouver-Whistler.
PA
LATEST ROYAL NEWS:
Prince Harry founded the Invictus Games in 2014.
PA
The Invictus Games, established by Harry in 2014, represent an international multi-sport competition for wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women, including both serving personnel and veterans.
The inaugural London event was followed by Orlando in 2016, Toronto in 2017, Sydney in 2018, The Hague in 2022 and Düsseldorf in 2023.
Harry, 40, who served in the British Army for 10 years, created the Games after being inspired by the Warrior Games in the United States.
The Vancouver-Whistler 2025 Games marked the latest chapter in this ongoing initiative supporting military personnel's recovery through sport.
Most Read
