Prince Harry made a significant appearance in Vancouver, Canada, on November 18, marking the start of an inspiring new initiative tied to the Invictus Games.
The Duke of Sussex, 40, visited the historic Seaforth Armoury to officially launch the School Program for the upcoming Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025, supported by ATCO and Boeing.
This program aims to introduce the spirit and values of the Invictus Games to schools, encouraging students to learn about resilience, teamwork, and the power of sports.
Prince Harry in Vancouver
During the visit, Harry engaged with students in various activities, demonstrating his natural connection with young people, a trait likely honed by his role as a father to Prince Archie, 5, and Princess Lilibet, 3.
Duke of Sussex shared how impactful it was to see the program reach a younger audience, stating:
“Seeing them learn about the Invictus Games has had a profound impact on me because this is where Invictus starts to go even wider… into schools in Canada and hopefully around the world.”
The launch event took place just 81 days before the next iteration of the Invictus Games, set to begin in February 2025.
The Vancouver Whistler games will include a mix of traditional and new sports, marking the first time the competition introduces winter sports like alpine skiing, snowboarding, and biathlon.
This event will also be the first time the Games return to a former host country, as Vancouver previously held them in 2017.
In addition to promoting the new School Program, Harry joined children for sitting volleyball, one of the Invictus Games’ signature sports, and asked them about their favorite games.
The Invictus Games, founded by Harry in 2014, have grown into a global event showcasing the strength and resilience of wounded, injured, and sick service members and veterans.
Over the years, the competition has been held in cities like London, Toronto, Sydney, and Dusseldorf, with each location bringing new stories of triumph and recovery.
The Duke’s efforts to keep the Invictus spirit alive extend beyond the events themselves. In 2023, Netflix released Heart of Invictus, a documentary series showcasing the journeys of several athletes as they prepared for the Games.
The project, produced by Archewell Productions, received praise for shedding light on the resilience of its participants and the importance of the competition.
Harry’s Vancouver appearance followed a surprise visit to Toronto’s Grey Cup on November 17, where he generated excitement for the upcoming Games.
The Invictus Games Foundation also recently announced that the 2027 Games will take place in Birmingham, England, bringing the tournament back to its roots in the UK.