Reflecting on Sweet Memories: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Invictus Games Journey

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have shared countless memorable moments throughout their journey together, and one of the most heartwarming ones is tied to the Invictus Games. The Duke of Sussex, now 40, recently opened up about the special connection he and his wife, Meghan, 43, have with the Invictus Games, a competition he founded in 2014 for injured, wounded, or sick active military members and veterans. The Games hold a deep personal significance for Harry, who drew inspiration from his own military service, including his time in Afghanistan. For Meghan, the Invictus Games have also become a meaningful part of her life, as she joined the community shortly after the Orlando Games in 2016 and has since been an active supporter.

One of the fondest memories Harry cherishes is from the 2018 Invictus Games in Sydney, Australia. At the time, Meghan was pregnant with their first child, Archie, now 5, and the couple was freshly married, having tied the knot in May of that year. Harry recalls a lighthearted and endearing moment during the event: "I’ll never forget the bear hug I received from Rob out on Sydney Harbor — and my genuine concern that he might try the same with my wife, who was pregnant at the time!" This memory captures the joy, love, and camaraderie that the Invictus Games embody. For Harry, being surrounded by these incredible individuals and their families is truly where he feels most at home.

This year’s Invictus Games, held in Vancouver, saw Meghan by Harry’s side for a few events before she returned home to care for their two children, Archie and 3-year-old Lilibet. Although she couldn’t attend the entire event, Meghan’s support for her husband and the Invictus community was evident. In a sweet gesture, she took to her newly-launched social media page to show her appreciation for the Games and the participants. Harry expressed his gratitude for her heartfelt Instagram shoutout, calling it "very sweet and much appreciated." Despite her busy schedule as a mother, Meghan continues to be a steadfast supporter of the Invictus Games and the veterans it honors.

The Invictus Games are more than just a sporting event; they are a symbol of resilience, hope, and unity. Harry, who launched the Games in 2014, understands the challenges that injured veterans face, having served in the military himself. He shared his insights on the emotional journey of the participants, saying, "They will continue to have bad days. But for this week, the bad days are very limited … because they realize that they’re not isolated, they’re not alone. Everybody around them is carrying something. Once you put all these guys and girls in the same arena, they start sharing each other’s stories and realize that … there’s nothing wrong with them." The Games provide a platform for these heroes to heal, connect, and find strength in their shared experiences.

Looking ahead, the Invictus Games will next take place in 2027 in Birmingham, United Kingdom. For Harry, this location holds a profound emotional connection. He explained, "Birmingham for us, is a very, very emotionally connected place. A lot of these guys, they woke up in Birmingham after being blown up in Afghanistan." The city’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital is renowned for its medical care, particularly for military personnel injured in combat. This makes Birmingham not just a venue but a place of healing and hope for many veterans. The 2027 Games promise to bring even more inspiring moments and stories of courage and resilience.

In reflection, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s journey with the Invictus Games is a testament to their dedication to service, compassion, and the military community. From the sweet memories of Meghan’s pregnancy to the heartfelt support she continues to show, the couple’s involvement with the Games is deeply personal and meaningful. For Harry, the Invictus Games are more than just an event; they are a celebration of the human spirit and a reminder that even in the darkest times, there is always hope, connection, and strength to be found. As the Invictus Games continue to grow and inspire, they remain a powerful symbol of what it means to overcome adversity and find community in the shared journey of healing.