Prince Harry could be set to secure a "big money deal" from Amazon, it has been revealed. The 42-year-old is set to host the 2027 edition of the Invictus Games in Birmingham next July. It is understood that Amazon have agreed to sponsorship terms for the event, with the expectation that Meghan Markle will also make an appearance.
Funding gap and event details
It has also been reported that the Invictus Games, which Harry founded when he was still a working royal in 2014, needs a £20million cash injection to cover the costs of next year's competition. The Games, which is a multi-sport event for wounded, injured and sick military veterans, is set to "welcome 550 wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans, and their families, from 25 nations" to Birmingham between July 10 and 17 next year.
According to the Games' 2027 website, they will "compete in 12 adaptive sports to support their recovery and inspire others through their resilience".
Amazon's involvement and Boeing's exit
The reported partnership offer from Amazon comes after aircraft manufacturer Boeing, which had previously been a major backer of the Invictus Games, chose not to renew its sponsorship following the last event two years ago. It has been reported that it would have been "expensive" for them to be involved in next year's event, with sources adding that Amazon "wanted to get involved".
A person familiar with the matter told The Sun: "The deal would be a shot in the arm for Invictus and Harry... Amazon wanted to get involved. They already do a lot to back veterans, including employment programmes. The games are a big undertaking and expensive. And it's interesting Amazon are Netflix's big rival."
Official statement and next steps
Speaking ahead of next year's event, an Invictus Games Birmingham 2027 spokesman said: "Invictus Games Birmingham 2027 is excited about the partnerships taking shape as we build towards the Games next year.
"We've already announced some great partners and look forward to welcoming more who share our ambition for the Games in the months ahead. Invictus Games Birmingham 2027 is supported through a combination of UK Government underwriting, commercial partnerships, charitable support and in-kind contributions and will continue to secure additional income as we move towards the Games."
