The Duke of Sussex has garnered significant recognition for his contributions to sports and veterans’ welfare by being named in TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in Sports list for 2026. Prince Harry has been acknowledged for his commitment to the Invictus Games, an adaptive sports competition designed specifically for armed forces personnel and veterans across the globe.
During an interview with TIME, Prince Harry, now 41, stated, “If it wasn’t for the sports field and the amount of sports that were on offer, there’s no way I would have stayed in school.” His passion for various sports—ranging from rugby and football to cricket and polo—has played a crucial role in his life and personal development.
The seeds for the Invictus Games were sown after Prince Harry attended the Warrior Games in 2013, which showcased the remarkable abilities of wounded service members. Having served a decade in the British Army, including multiple tours of duty in Afghanistan, he was inspired to create a similar platform on an international scale. “I thought, ‘Wow, look at the power of sport, look at how it is literally changing lives,’” he reflected, highlighting the transformative nature of sport in the lives of these service members.
The inaugural Invictus Games took place in London in 2014 and has since travelled to various international venues including Orlando, Toronto, Sydney, The Hague, Düsseldorf, and most recently Vancouver-Whistler in 2025. The games are a testament to how sport can unite nations and bring healing to those who have served.
Looking ahead, the next edition of the Invictus Games, scheduled for 2027, will be held in Birmingham. Around 550 competitors from approximately 25 countries are expected to participate. The Duke is set to return to the UK next month to mark the one-year countdown to this significant event.
Despite the ongoing success of the Invictus Games, Prince Harry is keen to expand their reach. He highlighted the profound impact the initiative has had on participants and their mental well-being. “One thing that we really celebrate at Invictus is not only do we change lives, but we save lives as well,” he noted, emphasising the importance of the support network that the games have fostered.
He shared heartfelt stories from participants who attribute their survival to the Invictus Games, saying, “That’s not based on anything other than the amount of individuals that come up to me and say, ‘If it wasn’t for Invictus, I would have killed myself.’” These anecdotes reflect the deep emotional ties forged within the community surrounding the games.
Prince Harry also expressed his desire for the Invictus Games to grow beyond its current format, potentially extending the length of the competition to further benefit participants. He noted the increasing demand for such initiatives, as evidenced by the continued relevance of the Games after a decade.
Reflecting on the journey of the Invictus Games, he remarked, “It’s amazing how after 10 years that we’re still doing this, that we still need to do this.” The Duke’s commitment serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for those involved and underscores the Games’ crucial role in fostering resilience among veterans and service personnel.
As anticipation builds for the upcoming Birmingham Games, Prince Harry’s influence and dedication to this cause continue to resonate within the sporting world and beyond. His efforts not only honour the sacrifices made by service members but also demonstrate the enduring power of sport to heal and unify.