Prince Harry is expected to return to the UK in 2027 after Birmingham was announced as the next host city for the Invictus Games.
Established by Harry in 2014, the Invictus Games were created to showcase the impact of sports on the recovery and rehabilitation of wounded military personnel.
This will mark the first time the games are held in the UK.
Harry praised Birmingham for its strong military connections, which made the city a top contender for hosting the event.
The £26 million government-backed bid for the games has sparked speculation about whether Harry might encounter King Charles and Prince William during the event.
It is also uncertain if Meghan Markle will join Harry, who last visited the UK for Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in 2022.
In his statement, Harry congratulated Birmingham, emphasizing the city’s commitment to honouring veterans and their families.
He expressed confidence that Birmingham would bring a unique spirit to the games, celebrating the bravery of the armed forces community.
Helen Helliwell, chief executive of Invictus Games Birmingham 2027, promised that the event would be the most cohesive and sustainable in the games’ history, with legacy programs aimed at benefiting communities across the UK.
Harry’s return to the UK comes amid a strained relationship with his father, King Charles, and his brother, Prince William, following his and Meghan Markle’s decision to leave their senior royal roles.
Despite initial support from Charles and William for the launch of the Invictus Games, the brothers’ relationship has become more distant.
Harry marked the tenth anniversary of the Invictus Games with a thanksgiving service at St Paul’s Cathedral in May. However, he did not meet King Charles during his brief visit to the UK.
The 2017 Invictus Games in Toronto were also significant for being the first public appearance of Meghan Markle with Harry, although they were not seated together.
