Prince Harry will be at the start of the 2025 Invictus Games today (Image: GETTY)
has always made the one of his main priorities – even since stepping down as a senior member of the five years ago.
, the seventh annual tournament is set to begin later today in Canada.
After spending 10 years working in the military – including two occasions in Afghanistan – the Duke of Sussex made the decision to use his own personal experience to create an event for others who have served.
The 40-year-old made the decision to adapt the event in a way to suit wounded, injured or sick armed personnel.
Five years before he announced plans to step away from royal duties, Harry’s career in the military came to an end in 2015.
Here, Express.co.uk delves into exactly what the Invictus Games is, when it was founded and where the 2025 Games will take place.
What is the Invictus Games?
The Invictus Games is an international multi-sport event, which was founded by .
The event is aimed at wounded, injured and sick Armed Forces personnel and veterans.
After attending the Warrior Games in America in 2013 – as well as understanding the impact of his own deployment in Afghanistan – Harry felt inspired to launch the Invictus Games in 2014.
The former working royal was reportedly inspired by how the power of sport could help wounded servicemen and women in their recovery – physically, psychologically, and socially.
The Games take place over the span of one week, with around 500 competitors involved. The event takes it name from the Latin word ‘Invictus’ which means ‘unconquered’ or ‘undefeated’.
When did the Games start?
The first-ever Invictus Games took place at London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in September 2014.
With no Games in 2015, the second took place in May 2016 in Orlando, USA.
The 2020 Games were postponed due to the -19 pandemic, finally taking place in the Netherlands in April 2022.
The number of nations taking part has dramatically increased from 14 in 2014, to 22 in the upcoming Games.
Other cities that have held the Games so far include Toronto in 2017, Sydney in 2018 and Düsseldorf in 2023.
The event is aimed at wounded, injured and sick Armed Forces personnel and veterans. (Image: GETTY)
What is Harry’s involvement in the Games?
is the patron and founder of the Invictus Games Foundation.
, he maintained a strong bond with the foundation, as well as being part of the Governing Board. Portraying his dedication, Harry has attended every Invictus Games.
Since their relationship first came to light in 2017, has attended many events for the Games alongside her husband.
Where is the 2025 Invictus Games being held?
The 2025 Games are being held in Vancouver and Whistler in Canada. The opening ceremony, which is set to take place later today, will be held at the BC Place in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Harry will reportedly be joined by performers such as Katy Perry, Noah Kahan, Nelly Furtado and Roxane Bruneau today.
As well as the UK and the USA, the sporting event graced Canada in 2017. It was at the Games in 2017 Games that Meghan – now his wife of six years – was first pictured with Harry.
Meghan and Harry pictured at the Invictus Games in Düsseldorf, Germany in September 2023 (Image: GETTY)
Will Meghan be at the 2025 Games?
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have reportedly
Although her attendance has been uncertain in the lead-up to the Games, the 43-year-old’s decision to attend has finally been announced just hours before the opening ceremony.
Meghan’s decision to attend is thought to have been made due to her wish to be there in support her husband – as well as the mission of the Games.
According to , family remains their top priority. The couple’s two children, Archie, five, and Lilibet, three, are thought to be staying at home in California.
Where can you watch the Games in the UK?
as the official UK broadcaster for the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025.
According to the offical website for the Invictus Games, nine daily highlight shows will be available on ITVX across the duration of the Games – which will include the Opening Ceremony music acts.
Richard Botchway, ITV Assistant Sport Commissioner, said: “We’re excited to bring the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 to a free-to-air audience on ITVX.
“The Invictus Games is a brilliant event which champions and celebrates exceptional athleticism. We look forward to working with the team and showcasing this incredible event.”