Prince Harry breaks silence on returning to UK amid security concerns
Prince Harry says it’s ‘good’ to be back in the UK after living in California for six years with Meghan.
The Duke of Sussex attended the inaugural Invictus Spirit Awards at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich, south-east London, on Thursday evening, dressed in black tie and wearing his military medals.
Harry posed for photographs in front of the press and then for selfies with wounded veterans.
Before he went into the venue, he said: "It’s good to be back on British soil.”
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The 42-year-old, along with his wife, 45, returned to the UK on 26 August 2026 with their two children, Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five. They are reportedly living on a non-royal, 83 acre plot in the Cotswolds, having to spend '£3 million a year on security'.
He founded the Invictus Games for wounded, injured and sick military personnel and veterans, which takes place every two years, in 2014.
Giving a speech at the awards, he said: “In 2008, flying home from Afghanistan, I travelled alongside three seriously injured British servicemen and the coffin of a Danish soldier.
“That flight stayed with me because it helped me begin to understand two things about the military that would shape the rest of my life: it gives you purpose, identity, belonging, a team; and in a matter of seconds, injury or illness can take it all away.
“Years later, after seeing the Warrior Games in America, we brought an idea back to London. We had less than a year to make it happen — which was probably useful, because it gave everyone less time to tell us it couldn’t be done.
“In September 2014, more than 400 competitors from 13 nations came together for the first ever Invictus Games. Now 12 years later, thousands have benefited. We have 26 nations in our community, and the games are coming home!
“And something happened that was bigger than sports competition. People who thought a part of their life was over began to see that something else might just be beginning. Their families, too, saw loved ones return to them in mind and spirit.”
The duke also had a message to veterans at the awards and around the world.
He said: “And to the veterans here tonight, and those wherever you are around the world, I want to say this as one soldier to another: your service matters. What you gave in uniform matters. And people far beyond the military community who see in your example what courage, resilience and leadership actually look like.
“People are watching. The teammate who is struggling. The young soldier wondering what life after uniform might look like. The family trying to find its way forward.
“You may no longer wear the uniform, but you still lead. Every time you get back up, reach back for someone else, or turn what happened to you into purpose for others, you are serving again — just differently.
“And that matters far beyond our military community. National resilience isn’t built by governments alone. It is built in communities – by people who know how to endure, adapt, lead under pressure and look after one another when things get tough.
“At a time when societies around the world are being tested, the Invictus spirit has something to teach all of us. This community doesn’t just demonstrate resilience. It helps build it.
“Never underestimate what your example gives to the world.”
Topics: Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, UK News, Royal Family
Anish Vij