PRINCE Harry has shared an emotional video opening up about “healing and saving lives”.
The touching video message was released on Thursday ahead of the 2025 Invictus Games, which will be held in Vancouver, Canada.
The Duke of Sussex, 39, said in front of a mountain: “Sport has the ability to heal, to change lives and to save lives.
“For so many of these competitors, getting to the start line has been one of the hardest moments of their life.
“But at the Games, their lives are changed. Watching these magical moments happen, and sport being the facilitator of that, is very, very special for all of us to witness.”
Harry founded the Invictus Games in 2014 in a bid to showcase the talents of wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women.
Serving troops and veterans are able to compete – and are encouraged to as part of their recovery journeys.
The Invictus Games runs for one week every two years.
It sees over 500 athletes compete over nine core sports – as well as additional activities and competitions, including esports.
Sporting events at the Games include wheelchair basketball, sitting volleyball, swimming, wheelchair rugby, and indoor rowing.
The first ever Invictus Games took place in March 2014 at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London.
After Canada, the next one will be held in Birmingham in 2027.
Harry and wife Meghan Markle are both set to attend in three years’ time.
He congratulated the West Mids city in July and said he looked forward to celebrating veterans there.
Harry said: “Congratulations to Birmingham, UK, on winning the bid to host the Invictus Games 2027.
“Your city’s strong ties to the Armed Forces community made it a formidable contender from the very start.
“Over the years, we’ve seen each city bring a unique spirit and vision to life for competitors, their families, and spectators.
” We have no doubt the people of Birmingham will join in celebrating the unwavering respect and admiration we have for our veteran and service community, showing the world how their courage ignites hope and unites us all- something your city knows well.”
