Prince Harry recently attended a service to mark 10 years of his Invictus Games, an event that he founded in 2014 to support and celebrate injured and sick military personnel. Despite not seeing any of his royal relatives at the service, several unexpected guests showed up to support the Duke, including close relatives of his late mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, and a mentor who helped him after her death. Among the attendees were Diana’s siblings, Lady Jane Fellowes and Earl Spencer, as well as former army officer Mark Dyer, who acted as a mentor for Harry. The presence of these non-royal relatives sent a “clear signal” of support for Harry at the event.
The show of unity from the Spencers, Diana’s family, comes at a time when it was revealed that Harry would not be meeting up with his father, King Charles, during his trip to the UK. A spokesperson for the duke stated that it would not be possible for him to see his father due to his full schedule. According to royal expert Ingrid Seward, the support from the Spencers signifies their claim to Harry once again, especially after his departure from the Royal Family. This gathering was seen as a recognition of the Spencers’ ongoing support for Harry and their efforts to be there for him when needed.
Prince Harry’s visit to the UK also coincided with a garden party held by King Charles at Buckingham Palace, just two miles away from where the service was taking place. Despite being in the same vicinity, Harry did not have the opportunity to meet with his brother, Prince William, who was also in attendance at the service. The duke last saw his father in February when he rushed back from the US after learning of Charles’s cancer diagnosis. Harry arrived in the UK on Tuesday and was set to fly to Nigeria for an event linked to the Invictus Games, where he would meet up with his wife, Meghan.
The Invictus Games, inspired by Harry’s visit to the Warrior Games in Colorado in 2013, have since grown into a global event that celebrates the resilience and strength of injured military personnel. The tournament has been held in various locations around the world, offering participants the opportunity to engage in competitive sports that aid in their recovery and rehabilitation. The 2025 edition of the Invictus Games is scheduled to be hosted in Vancouver and Whistler, continuing the legacy of supporting and honoring military veterans. Harry’s commitment to this cause and his efforts to provide a platform for these individuals to showcase their abilities reflect his dedication to supporting those who have served their countries.
