Prince Harry shared an emotional moment in London as he honoured former Gurkha soldier and mountaineer Hari Budha Magar at the first-ever Invictus Spirit Awards.
The Duke of Sussex attended the inaugural ceremony in Greenwich, where the event celebrated the courage, resilience and determination of people connected to the Invictus community.
Harry became visibly emotional when Hari Budha Magar received the Invictus Resilience Award. The former Gurkha lost both legs above the knee after an IED blast in Afghanistan in 2010, but later found a new sense of purpose through mountaineering.
As Hari's achievements were recognised, Prince Harry was seen wiping away a tear before standing to applaud him. His standing ovation joined the wider celebration of a remarkable recovery journey and the determination required to overcome life-changing injuries.
The emotional tribute came during an evening designed to recognise achievements that may not always receive public attention. Harry spoke about the importance of character and the strength demonstrated by members of the Invictus community as they rebuild their lives after injury, illness, trauma or loss.
During his speech, the Duke reflected on an experience from 2008 that influenced his understanding of injured military personnel. He recalled travelling home from Afghanistan alongside seriously injured British servicemen and the coffin of a Danish soldier.
According to Harry, that experience helped him understand how military service can provide people with purpose, identity, belonging and a close-knit team. Injury or illness, he explained, can suddenly disrupt those important parts of a person's life.
The Prince later became involved in bringing the spirit of the Warrior Games to Britain. That effort eventually contributed to the creation and growth of the Invictus movement, which now includes participants and supporters across numerous countries.
Harry told guests that the Invictus community has expanded to 26 nations over the past 12 years, with thousands of people benefiting from the movement.
However, his message focused on something beyond medals and major sporting achievements. He highlighted the smaller personal victories that can become significant milestones for people recovering from difficult experiences.
For some, those victories can include getting out of bed, asking for support, returning to work, reconnecting with family or discovering a renewed sense of purpose.
The story of Hari Budha Magar provided a powerful example of that message. After losing both legs in Afghanistan, Hari went through multiple surgeries and a difficult period before turning toward mountaineering.
His determination eventually led him to remarkable achievements in the mountains, making his recognition at the Invictus Spirit Awards particularly significant.
The ceremony also looked toward the future of the Invictus movement. Harry confirmed that preparations are continuing for the Invictus Games in Birmingham in 2027, followed by the 2029 event in Daejeon, South Korea.
Prince Harry's emotional reaction to Hari's story became one of the most memorable moments of the evening. Rather than simply celebrating a sporting accomplishment, the award recognised a wider journey of resilience and rebuilding after serious injury.
The Invictus Spirit Awards therefore placed the focus on the people behind the achievements, highlighting how courage can also be found in the quieter stages of recovery and everyday life.
Key Takeaways
- Prince Harry attended the first-ever Invictus Spirit Awards in London.
- He became emotional while honouring Hari Budha Magar, recipient of the Invictus Resilience Award.
- Hari lost both legs above the knee following an IED blast in Afghanistan in 2010.
- The former Gurkha later discovered a new purpose through mountaineering.
- Harry wiped away a tear before giving Hari a standing ovation.
- Harry highlighted the importance of everyday victories during recovery.
- The Duke said the Invictus community has grown to 26 nations over 12 years.
- The next Invictus Games are scheduled for Birmingham in 2027 and Daejeon in 2029.
