Latest news with #InvictusGamesBirmingham2027
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Prince Harry confirms his UK return date after losing devastating security battle
Prince Harry has confirmed when he will be in on British soil for a very important trip after a UK judge dismissed his plea to restore his state-funded security last month. Prince Harry has confirmed when he will make his next trip to Britain following a UK judge's dismissal of his plea to restore his state-funded security last month. While it's expected that the Duke of Sussex will return long before this date, Harry has confirmed he will be back on British soil for the Invictus Games when they are held in Birmingham in 2027. Back in July 2024, it was announced that the city had won its bid to host the Games but the specific dates were yet to be confirmed. However, this all changed on Tuesday when the official Invictus Games Birmingham 2027 social media account posted: "SAVE THE DATES! The Invictus Games Birmingham 2027 are coming: 10th–17th July. Opening Ceremony: 10th July. Closing Ceremony: 17th July." Prince Harry found inspiration to launch the Invictus Games after attending the Warrior Games in Colorado in 2013 and witnessing how injured American military personnel thrived on the challenge of taking part in competitive sports that aided their recovery. He went on to launch the first games in London in 2014 and has since held the tournament in locations all around the world including Orlando, Sydney, Dusseldorf and, most recently, hosted the first winter version of the games in Whistler, Canada. The update regarding the Invictus Games comes a little over a month after the duke lost his the latest stage of his legal battle in the UK, the Express reports. Shortly after his defeat which saw a UK judge dismiss the prince's plea for restoration of state-funded security, Harry took part in a scathing interview with the BBC. The broadcaster released the interview where the duke said he was "devastated" by the situation and publicly confessed his wishes for "reconciliation" with the Royal Family, including his dad King Charles. In an emotional statement, he made an eyebrow raising remark about the King's health, sparking concern after he stated he does not know how long the monarch has left to live as he continues his treatment for cancer. The Duke also said: "I can't see a world in which I would bring my wife and children back to the UK at this point. "There have been so many disagreements between myself and some of my family". Despite this, he added that he had now "forgiven" them. Harry continued: "I would love reconciliation with my family. There's no point continuing to fight any more, life is precious." He referred to the dispute over his security as something which had "always been the sticking point". Prince Harry first fell out with his family in January 2020 when he relocated to the US with his wife Meghan Markle. The pair stepped down from their senior royal roles less than two years after officially tying the knot at St George's Chapel in 2018. Harry has only came face to face with his family a number of times since, including at the late Queen Elizabeth's funeral in 2022 and King Charles' Coronation in 2023. He is believed to not be on friendly terms with any senior members of the Firm including his brother, Prince William and his mother-in-law, Queen Camilla.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Prince Harry says 'bring on Birmingham' as Invictus Games 2027 dates confirmed
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. READ MORE: Pub near Birmingham named one of the 'best looking' in the UK by CAMRA READ MORE: Riddle of dad's disappearance solved as human remains identified READ MORE: Teen raped schoolgirl then told her it was 'stupid' in Facebook message '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'.
BBC News
17-02-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Invictus Games torch handed to Birmingham as Canada event ends
The Invictus Games torch has been passed to Birmingham after the closing ceremony of the 2025 event was staged in Canada. The seventh edition of the games, which has taken place over the past week, has brought more than 500 competitors from 23 nations to Vancouver and comes two years before the games, which were founded by the Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry, is held in Birmingham. Wounded, injured and sick military service personnel, both serving and veterans, will compete in events across the city in 2027. Speaking at the closing ceremony on Sunday, Prince Harry said the event was a "platform for positive change". "And so long as the challenges around us demand it and require it... the Games will go on," he said. "Bring on Invictus Games Birmingham 2027. You have permission to party." UK captains Stephen "Hoops" Hooper, Neil Thomas and Gemma Barnes received the official flag to signify the exchange from Whistler and Vancouver to Hooper, an RAF veteran, said he had spent an "awesome" week during the 2025 games."From proposals to PBs, we've enjoyed stunning scenery and made memories to last a lifetime," he said."We arrived in Canada full of anticipation - we leave stronger, braver, more resilient and closer than ever to our recovery. "We are proud to bring the Games home to Birmingham in '27." Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
