Prince Harry surprised everyone with a video on Saturday evening. The Duke of Sussex is currently in Los Angeles with Meghan Markle and their son Archie.
The family-of-three is following the implemented lockdown, which is why Prince Harry is delivering his exciting announcement from his new LA home. Back in March, the Duke of Sussex announced the cancellation of the Invictus Games due to the global coronavirus pandemic. He launched the international adaptive multi-sport event in 2014, where wounded, injured, or sick armed service personnel and their associated veterans gather and have a friendly competition.
In his heartfelt message, Prince Harry shared that he understood the disappointment of those who had been training for a long time to compete. However, he pointed out that everyone’s safety and wellbeing are more important during this time of crisis.
In his new video, Prince Harry looked much happier than his previous one. He acknowledged the drastic changes in everyone’s lives after the coronavirus outbreak, but he was optimistic about the event.
"Hello everybody. As we commemorate VE Day this weekend and pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of the entire Second World War generation, we should also have been gathering together in the Netherlands to kick start The Invictus Games 2020 in The Hague,” he said. "Life has changed dramatically for all of us since I was last in The Hague, but the IG2020 team has done an incredible job to adapt so quickly to the situation and they are busy putting plans in place for next year. The new dates will be shared with you very soon."
The day that Prince Harry released his new video was supposed to be the opening ceremony of the Invictus Games 2020. But the Duke of Sussex shared that virtual events will instead be taking place.
"Although we can't be together in person, I'm really happy that there are plenty of virtual activities planned for this week and I encourage you all to get involved, if you can because you never know, it might be fun and a change from the norm,” he said. "Alongside all the virtual activity from the team in The Hague, I'm delighted that The Invictus Games Foundation will be hosting a virtual conference with international speakers and participants sharing their thoughts and experience of resilience and why the Invictus spirit is so important. I'm incredibly grateful for your continued support. Stay safe, and this week stay tuned as we bring The Hague home to you."
In his previous video, Prince Harry told everyone to look at the bright side. He said that competitors will have another year to prepare and get even better.
