Prince Harry is currently in the UK to launch the official “One Year to Go” countdown for the Invictus Games, which will take place in Birmingham next July, but the event is reportedly facing a funding shortfall
08:08, 10 Jul 2026Updated 08:08, 10 Jul 2026
His games are in trouble(Image: AARON CHOWN, POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Prince Harry’s Invictus Games faces the threat of cancellation despite his tireless efforts to secure backing and funding. The Duke of Sussex is presently in the UK to kick off the official “One Year to Go” countdown for the competition, scheduled to take place in Birmingham next July.
Speaking on the Daily Expresso podcast, presenter JJ Anisiobi revealed that a source has disclosed the event, designed for wounded, injured or sick military service personnel and veterans, “could get cancelled”. He elaborated: “Invictus is a great idea, and it started off really well. I’ll start with this… it used to be sponsorship was the main way it was funded. In recent years, and for the Birmingham games, it’s now majority by whichever country is hosting the games.”
He went on: “The UK has underwritten £26m for next year’s Invictus Games. But they will only release that money if Invictus raise enough money for them to go ahead.
Harry’s 2027 Invictus Games is reportedly at risk of being cancelled(Image: Getty)
“Currently, the UK government has given them approximately £3m of that underwritten £26m, which means Invictus have got to raise a lot of money between now and next year for the games to ahead in its entirety.
“And it doesn’t seem to be going too well. Boeing, massive, huge company, not a company short of a few bob, they pulled out… that’s one huge sponsor already out.”
The presenter disclosed that one of Harry’s primary reasons for being in the UK was to generate enthusiasm and financial support for next year’s competition. Yet his efforts have proved fruitless thus far, casting serious doubt over whether the games will proceed, reports the Express.
He said: “The Birmingham contingent are actively seeking commercial partners now, running around trying to get it. The organisers have launched a sponsorship programme and they are inviting businesses to register interest. Previously you’ve have people like Jaguar and Boeing involved. Invictus is now going to local Birmingham businesses, asking them for money.”
Presenter and comedian Mark Dolan replied: “This is a nightmare on wheels. This is catastrophic. And the reason why is this is all he’s got… Invictus is Harry, Harry is Invictus.”
The prince attended the Invictus Games Foundation’s event at Chatham House, in London, on Tuesday (July 7) where he delivered a speech which praised the importance of the event. He is also set to travel to Birmingham to front events celebrating the countdown to the games.
Despite initially planning on travelling with his wife, Meghan Markle, and their children, Archie and Lilibet, Harry eventually decided to come to the UK alone due to ongoing security disputes. His arrival in London earlier this week also coincided with the High Court rejecting his privacy lawsuit against Associated Newspapers Ltd.
Prince Harry’s team has been approached by Reach PLC for comment.
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