Prince Harry has received a major boost after reports emerged that his Invictus Games is likely to secure a "big money" Amazon sponsorship. The investment is expected to cover a significant amount of the rumoured £20 million bill for next year's event.
The Invictus Games, founded by Prince Harry in 2014 alongside Sir Keith Mills, is an international multi-sport event for wounded, injured, and sick military service personnel and veterans, both former and current. Next year's Games are scheduled to take place between July 10 and July 17 2027 in Birmingham.
Deal described as 'shot in the arm'
A source told The Sun: "The deal would be a shot in the arm for Invictus and Harry. The Invictus committee are really hoping it gets over the line. Amazon wanted to get involved."
The source added: "The games are a big undertaking and expensive. And it's interesting Amazon is Netflix's big rival. It maybe shows Harry and Meg moving in a different direction with a new partner."
Funding confirmed for Birmingham 2027
An Invictus Games spokesperson 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."
The spokesperson continued: "Invictus Games Birmingham 2027 has the funding required to deliver the Games. We are 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."
Earlier Uganda controversy resolved
Next year's Invictus Games have not been without complication this year. Earlier this month, it was reported that newly joining country Uganda would be dropping out due to the apparent fallout between Harry and the rest of the Royal Family.
In a post on X, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba wrote that, "In order not to be construed as being opposed to His Majesty King Charles III of the United Kingdom, whom we deeply revere, Uganda hereby withdraws from the Invictus Games."
"We shall not participate in anything that does not have His Majesty's approval. I have factions in the Ministry of Defence that support that Harry-Meghan nonsense. I had to quash it straight away. I support the monarch. Period."
However, just a few weeks later, it was announced that Uganda had re-joined the competition and will now be taking part, according to a spokesperson for the country's military.
