Prince Harry has launched his first engagement of a five-day visit to the UK, travelling to Central London for an Invictus Games Foundation event at Chatham House. The Duke of Sussex arrived 25 minutes early, appearing contemplative as he was met by his PR adviser Miranda Barbot and his security officer Christopher Sanchez.
Private Conference for Invictus Games Countdown
The private conference forms a crucial element of the "One Year to Go" celebrations for the Invictus Games scheduled to take place in Birmingham in 2027. The gathering is uniting members of the Invictus community, prominent experts and policymakers, including UK minister for veterans and people Calvin Bailey, to examine matters affecting wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans – all those eligible to participate in the Paralympic-style competition.
The event commenced around the same time Harry was anticipating the judgment from his High Court case against ANL, as it is understood he was waiting in a reading room at Chatham House when the outcome was expected to be announced. The High Court revealed that Harry had lost his case against ANL, with the judge rejecting all of the 97 allegations brought by the claimants.
Harry's Address After Verdict
Inside the event, chair of the Invictus Games Foundation Lord Charles Allen, CBE, welcomed Harry to the stage just moments after the verdict was handed down, as he thanked the audience for attending before quipping that "this is one of the few rooms in the UK that has air conditioning!" Harry stated during his address: "Looking around this room, I see people representing different nations, different governments, different militaries, different organisations and different approaches to recovery. And that's exactly as it should be."
"No two countries are the same. No two healthcare systems are the same. No two military cultures are the same. What brings us together is far more important than what sets us apart."
"Every one of us believes that those who have served their country – and in particular those whose lives have been changed by that service – deserve more than our gratitude. They deserve opportunity. The chance to redefine one's Purpose and Identity. They deserve to truly feel our admiration and Respect. And they deserve every chance to build the life they choose beyond military service. That's what the Invictus Community is all about."
Harry concluded: "I hope you leave this conference with a deeper understanding of what the Invictus movement really is. Not simply a week of sport every few years, but a community united by one belief: that the unconquered human spirit exists in every nation and that our shared responsibility is to create the conditions in which it can flourish."
Uganda's Debut and Upcoming Events
During his speech, Harry also revealed that Uganda will be participating in the Invictus Games for the first time in 2027, later remarking with humour that he had "let the cat out of the bag" as the announcement was meant to remain under wraps until later in the event. Later this week, Harry will travel to Birmingham to mark the official one-year countdown to the 2027 Invictus Games, bringing his UK visit to a close.
William's Separate Engagement
Meanwhile, just 12 miles away, Harry's estranged brother Prince William carried out an engagement of his own, visiting Ysgol Gymraeg Llundain, also known as The London Welsh School, in Hanwell, West London. The Prince of Wales arrived at precisely the same time as Harry's event at Chatham House got under way, as William joined pupils in sending their best wishes to Team Wales ahead of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Despite the brothers being in such close proximity, it is understood they will not be meeting during the Duke's time in the UK, as their ongoing rift persists.
Harry's Arrival and Film Festival Appearance
Harry touched down in the UK last night, stepping out just hours later to show his support for a friend at a film festival. The Duke of Sussex made his way to Central London, where he was photographed at the 'Shoot The People' UK Premiere in the VIP arrivals area. The film, screening at Picturehouse Central, focuses on Harry's friend Misan Harriman, the chairman of the Southbank Centre, with whom he was pictured smiling as they posed for photographs together.
Misan has shared a close bond with Harry and his wife Meghan for a number of years, most notably photographing their announcement that they were expecting Lilibet back in 2021.
Accommodation Offer Withdrawn
Harry touched down in the UK without Meghan Markle and their children, Archie and Lilibet, just hours after his offer of accommodation at Buckingham Palace was withdrawn. When the trip to the UK was first revealed, the Mirror reported that Harry had been offered the chance to stay at a royal residence during his time in his home country, at the King's invitation, with Buckingham Palace among the options put forward. The prince's spokesperson confirmed on Monday morning that Harry had accepted an offer to stay at the Palace for part of his visit. However, the Palace subsequently clarified that this would no longer be possible, as the accommodation is no longer available.
