The National Archives have discredited Prince Harry's assertions made during his speech at the 2024 Invictus Summit, revealing that the initiative wasn't solely his own.
Prince Harry's return to the UK marked the commemoration of the 10th anniversary of his Invictus Games, symbolizing an unwavering belief in the resilience of the human spirit. The international sporting event, which was founded by the Duke of Sussex in 2014, is scheduled to hold a special Thanksgiving service at St Paul's Cathedral in London on Wednesday.
During the one-day Invictus Games Founding Conversation Summit held at The Honorable Artillery Company headquarters, Prince Harry paid tribute to the commitment, enthusiasm, and unwavering belief of the Invictus Games family.
The Duke of Sussex participated in the Invictus conference, reflecting on the past decade and looking towards the future. Reflecting on the growth of the Invictus Games Foundation, Prince Harry expressed his pride in its evolution from a simple vision honoring the courage and resilience of wounded service personnel and veterans into a global organization built on hope, strength, and unity.
Additionally, Prince Harry revisited the origin story of the Invictus Games, which he co-founded alongside Sir Keith Mills, an entrepreneur involved in organizing the 2012 Olympic Games in London. Despite initial doubts about the project's feasibility, Prince Harry's inspiration for the games stemmed from his visit to the United States in 2012, where he witnessed the Department of Defense's Warrior Games. Upon returning to England, he sought to expand upon this model, leading to the inception of the Invictus Games.
Contrary to Prince Harry's narrative, historical records from the National Archives reveal that the first Invictus Games were held in 1922, long before Prince Harry's involvement. Although Prince Harry joined the Invictus initiative in 2014 with sincere intentions, the historical lineage of the games contradicts claims of it being solely his initiative, as it was fashioned on the basis of the Warrior Games.
Criticism from former supporters of the Invictus Games highlights concerns over its transformation into what some perceive as a mere spectacle and a platform for personal gain. Despite its noble beginnings, the Invictus Games has faced allegations of deviating from its original purpose, becoming more about celebrity and extravagance rather than serving its intended beneficiaries—veterans.
