Prince Harry, known as the Duke of Sussex, recently disclosed his sentiments regarding two significant aspects of his life – his family connections and the Invictus Games, a sporting event he established ten years ago for injured service members.
The 39-year-old royal made a trip to Whistler, British Columbia, the designated venue for the upcoming 2025 Invictus Games, shortly after visiting his father, King Charles III, in London, following the monarch’s recent cancer diagnosis.
During an interview with ABC News’ Will Reeve on “Good Morning America,” Harry shared that upon learning about his father’s health condition, publicly announced on February 5, he promptly arranged to visit him.
Expressing his love for his family, Harry emphasized his gratitude for being able to spend time with his father by making the immediate journey to London from California.
Although Harry refrained from elaborating on the specifics of his father’s illness, he expressed his desire to reunite with King Charles soon.
Acknowledging the opportunity to visit his family during planned trips to the U.K., Harry affirmed his intention to maintain these connections.
Having last seen his father during the king’s coronation at Westminster Abbey in May, Harry engaged in a brief meeting with Charles on February 6, where the latter had already commenced cancer treatment.
Subsequently, he stayed overnight in a hotel before departing from Heathrow Airport the next day, without encountering his brother, Prince William, with whom he shares a strained relationship.
When questioned about the potential impact of Charles’ illness on reuniting their family, Harry acknowledged the likelihood and reflected on the unifying effect of illnesses within families, drawing from his observations of Invictus athletes’ families.
He noted the strength demonstrated by families coming together in times of adversity, expressing contentment in witnessing such unity.
The Invictus Games hold a special place in Harry’s heart, symbolizing his commitment to wounded servicemembers and their families since its inception in 2014.
Originating as an international adaptation of the U.S. Department of Defense’s Warrior Games, which Harry attended in 2013, the Invictus Games have evolved under his stewardship, including hosting events in various global locations.
Scheduled for February 8 to 16, 2025, the upcoming Invictus Games in Vancouver and Whistler will mark the introduction of winter sports to the competition, alongside traditional events like swimming, rowing, and wheelchair basketball.
Over 500 participants from numerous nations are expected to partake, engaging in diverse sporting disciplines such as alpine skiing and wheelchair curling.
During a visit to Whistler’s One Year To Go celebration, Harry and his wife, Meghan, interacted with Invictus participants, showcasing their support for the event.
Harry even embraced the challenge of trying out the skeleton sled, emphasizing his active involvement in fostering opportunities for the athletes and witnessing their joy firsthand.
Reflecting on his life in America with Meghan and their children, Archie and Lilibet, Harry expressed gratitude for his role as a father, highlighting the humor and grounding influence his children provide.
Despite residing in the U.S., Harry remains uncertain about fully embracing American identity, acknowledging the appeal of living in a new environment while contemplating the possibility of obtaining American citizenship in the future, albeit not currently a top priority.
