Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, brought his passion for service and connection to Vancouver, Canada, on Nov. 18, launching the School Program for the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025. The initiative aims to introduce the values and spirit of the Invictus Games to schools worldwide, inspiring the next generation to embrace resilience, inclusion, and support for veterans and service members.
The event took place at the historic Seaforth Armoury, where the 40-year-old royal met with elementary and high school students. As a father to Prince Archie, 5, and Princess Lilibet, 3, Harry’s ease and warmth with children shone through during the event. Videos shared on social media captured his interactions, including a conversation where he asked kids about their favorite sports and joined them for a round of sitting volleyball.
“Seeing them learn about the Invictus Games has had a profound impact on me because this is where Invictus starts to go even wider outside of the Invictus community, into schools in Canada and hopefully around the world,” Harry said during a heartfelt speech.
The visit comes just 81 days before the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025, set to take place in February. This iteration of the Games will make history by introducing winter sports such as alpine skiing, snowboarding, wheelchair curling, and biathlon. The return to Canada marks a special moment, as the Games were previously held in Toronto in 2017.
Prince Harry’s dedication to the Invictus Games began in 2014 when he founded the international adaptive sports tournament to support wounded, injured, and sick service members and veterans. Over the years, the Games have expanded in scope, offering participants a platform for healing and community.
Speaking with PEOPLE in 2022, Harry reflected on the impact of the Invictus Games: “It’s been a lesson in serving a purpose greater than ourselves… Invictus is all about upholding that value.”
The Duke’s commitment has also extended to the small screen. In August 2023, Netflix premiered Heart of Invictus, a documentary series produced by Harry and Meghan Markle’s Archewell Productions. The series followed athletes preparing for the Games in The Hague, Netherlands, offering a behind-the-scenes look at their journeys of resilience and determination.
Looking ahead, the Invictus Games will return to England in 2027, with Birmingham set to host the competition for the first time. This marks a significant milestone, bringing the event back to the U.K. for the first time since its inaugural edition in London in 2014.
Prince Harry’s work with the Invictus Games continues to inspire countless individuals, demonstrating how sports can foster healing, camaraderie, and hope. As the Vancouver Whistler 2025 Games approach, his efforts to engage younger generations underline the lasting legacy of his mission.
