Prince Harry has congratulated Birmingham on its successful bid to host the Invictus Games in 2027.
The Duke of Sussex, who founded the sporting competition for wounded, injured or sick military personnel, said Birmingham’s strong ties to the military community had made it a “formidable contender”.
The UK government-backed £26 million proposal saw off competition from US finalist Washington DC and the event will be staged at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in July in three years’ time.
Three new sports – pickleball, laser run and esports – are expected to feature in the 2027 Games.
It will be the first time the Games has come home to the UK since the duke staged the inaugural tournament in London in 2014.
Harry, patron of the Invictus Games Foundation, said in a statement: “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.”
Stephen “Hoops” Hooper, Team UK captain for the Invictus Games in Vancouver Whistler, Canada, in 2025, said: “This will mean the world to Team UK, not only so their friends and family can watch them compete, but so the British public can cheer them on.
“Birmingham is a special place for wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans, as they all come through here at some point.
“With support from the Royal British Legion for Team UK, Invictus has helped me embrace life again. As we prepare for Canada next year, it’s great to know the Games are coming home in 2027.”
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A home turf competition now raises the question as to whether Harry’s father the King, brother the Prince of Wales and other members of the Royal Family will attend to support the event.
The King and William backed Harry when he launched the major venture 10 years ago, joining him at the opening ceremony and later flanking him as they watched the athletics together in high spirits.
But much has changed in the years that followed, with Harry stepping down as a working royal with the Duchess of Sussex and moving to the US.
The duke marked the 10th anniversary of Invictus at a special service in St Paul’s Cathedral in London in May, but there was no appearance by the King or William and he did not meet them on his UK visit.
Harry and his wife Megan were pictured publicly together for the first time at the Invictus Games in Toronto in 2017 as they watched wheelchair tennis.