UNIPA News 11 July || LONDON-Prince Harry has called for the United Kingdom to strengthen its “national resilience,” saying the ability to overcome adversity is increasingly important both in Britain and around the world.
Speaking during an appearance in Birmingham to mark the one-year countdown to the 2027 Invictus Games, the Duke of Sussex said individuals can draw strength from experiences of trauma, loss, and hardship. He suggested that the resilience demonstrated by competitors in the international sporting event for wounded, injured, and sick military personnel offers valuable lessons for society.
Addressing ITV’s This Morning, Harry said resilience is developed through the way people respond to difficult experiences, adding that stronger national resilience is needed in the UK and globally.
The prince also made a light-hearted correction after referring to England’s upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup quarter-final against Norway as a “soccer” match before immediately changing the term to “football.”
Later at the event, Harry described the return of the Invictus Games to the UK as “incredibly special,” noting that the inaugural competition was held in London in 2014. He said Britain has long valued service, resilience, and unity during challenging times.
Reflecting on the first edition of the Games, Harry joked that while many familiar faces had returned, “some of us have lost our hair,” drawing laughter from the audience.
The Birmingham engagement was attended by Harry without his wife, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, or their children.
Invictus Games Birmingham Chief Executive Helen Helliwell praised Harry’s continued involvement, describing him as a committed supporter of the armed forces community and emphasizing the personal importance of the Games to its founder.
Established by Prince Harry in 2014, the Invictus Games bring together wounded, injured, and sick service personnel and veterans from around the world to compete in adaptive sports while promoting recovery, rehabilitation, and resilience.
