United Kingdom

Invictus Games may be Prince Harry’s chance to rebuild bridges with the military and the royal family

We were in Colorado Springs watching the Warriors Games when the Prince, inspired by how sport can help wounded veterans both physically and mentally, realized it was a concept he could bring back to Britain.

The name Invictus, with its distinctive “I AM” logo, means “disobedient” and was chosen by the prince to embody the fighting spirit of the contestants.

In September 2014, he hosted the first Invictus Games at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London.

He remembers the prince cycling around the place, urging the press to cover him as much as possible.

We made a proper commitment, and the inauguration ceremony was attended by then-Prime Minister David Cameron, Prince Charles, Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, Prince William and Frederick, the Crown Prince of Denmark. The event also included a recorded message from Michelle Obama, then First Lady.

This proved to be a triumph and is considered the most successful solo initiative ever launched by royalty.