Prince Harry has offered a special look behind the scenes of a memorable evening as the first-ever Invictus Spirit Awards brought together wounded, injured and sick service personnel, veterans and members of the wider Invictus community in London.
The inaugural ceremony took place on September 17, 2026, at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich. Prince Harry attended the event as Founding Patron of the Invictus Games Foundation, marking his first public engagement since returning to the UK. He appeared in black tie and wore his military medals before meeting guests and veterans at the event.
A video highlighting moments from the evening has now given supporters a closer look at the atmosphere surrounding the ceremony. The footage offers a glimpse into an event designed not simply to recognise individual achievements, but also to celebrate the determination, service and support that have become central to the Invictus community.
Prince Harry's Message Behind the Awards
During his opening remarks, Prince Harry focused on the people who continue to move forward after experiencing serious challenges, as well as those who support them during their recovery journeys.
He explained that the evening was about celebrating people who continued despite adversity and those who stood beside them. His message also highlighted the importance of ensuring that people beginning their recovery journey do not have to face it alone.
That message sits at the heart of the Invictus Spirit Awards, which were created to recognise individuals and organisations who demonstrate resilience, leadership, generosity and commitment to the Invictus Movement.
A Night Dedicated to the Invictus Community
The first Invictus Spirit Awards brought together nominees and guests from different parts of the international Invictus community. According to the Invictus Games Foundation, 14 nominees were recognised across six award categories.
The awards were designed to honour people whose stories reflect the values associated with the Invictus Movement, including recovery through sport, supporting others and making a positive contribution to the wider veteran community.
The ceremony also looked beyond sporting achievements. The Foundation described the awards as a way of recognising people who have helped others, strengthened the movement and demonstrated determination through difficult circumstances.
More Than £1.6 Million Raised
One of the major highlights of the evening was the fundraising total. The inaugural Invictus Spirit Awards, presented by ATCO, raised £1,667,985 for the Invictus Games Foundation.
The organisation said the funds will support its year-round recovery programmes for wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans. This means the impact of the event extends beyond the awards ceremony itself, helping create further opportunities for recovery and rehabilitation through sport.
The fundraising achievement added another important dimension to an evening that was already focused on recognising members of the Invictus community.
Six Award Winners Recognised
The evening also saw six winners recognised for their contributions and achievements. The official Invictus Games Foundation announcement confirmed the following recipients:
- Resilience Award: Hari Budha Magar, UK
- Invictus Champion Award: Ken Fisher, USA
- Invictus Community Award: Francisco Pedraza Osorio, Colombia
- Invictus Movement Award: Oksana Horbach, Ukraine
- Invictus Legacy Award: Nick Booth, Canada
- Henry Worsley Award: Temuri Dadiani, Georgia
The winners reflect the international nature of the Invictus community, with recognition going to people from several countries and different areas of contribution.
A Special Moment in Prince Harry's UK Return
The Invictus Spirit Awards also carried particular significance because they marked Prince Harry's first public appearance since returning to Britain.
Harry was photographed arriving at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich before greeting guests and taking selfies with wounded veterans. His appearance came after he and Meghan Markle returned to the UK with their children following several years living in the United States.
For Harry, the evening therefore combined his continuing involvement with the Invictus community with a major public appearance in Britain.
Looking Ahead to Birmingham 2027
The timing of the Invictus Spirit Awards is also significant for the wider movement because the next Invictus Games are scheduled to take place in Birmingham in 2027.
The Invictus Games Foundation continues to provide year-round opportunities for wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans, with sport forming an important part of its recovery and rehabilitation work.
The first awards ceremony adds another platform for recognising the people who contribute to that mission, while the fundraising element provides additional support for programmes operating beyond the Games themselves.
Key Takeaways
- Prince Harry attended the inaugural Invictus Spirit Awards in London on September 17, 2026.
- The event marked his first public engagement since returning to the UK.
- The ceremony recognised individuals and contributors from the international Invictus community.
- Six winners received awards across six different categories.
- The event raised £1,667,985 for the Invictus Games Foundation.
- The funds will support year-round recovery programmes for wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans.
- A video released after the ceremony provides a closer look at memorable moments from the event.
- The awards come ahead of the Invictus Games Birmingham 2027.
The first Invictus Spirit Awards ultimately brought together recognition, fundraising and the personal stories that have shaped the Invictus community. With Prince Harry highlighting the importance of resilience and support, the event provided a new way to celebrate those helping wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans continue their recovery journeys.
