Duke of Sussex says he may not have remained in school without the support and motivation he found through sport
Prince Harry has opened up about the powerful role sport played in his life, sharing a personal reflection while celebrating his inclusion in TIME's #TIME100Sports list.
The recognition was also highlighted on the official Invictus Games Instagram account, where the organisation reflected on the impact the sporting event has had on wounded, injured and sick service personnel around the world.
In an interview with TIME's Sean Gregory, Harry spoke candidly about his love of sport, his military service and the inspiration behind the Invictus Games.
The Duke recalled that the idea for the international competition first took shape during his 2013 deployment to Afghanistan. While attending The Warrior Games, an event for wounded military personnel, he witnessed firsthand the transformative effect sport could have on recovery and rehabilitation.
Reflecting on that moment, Harry said, "I thought, 'Wow, look at the power of sport, look at how it is literally changing lives in front of my very eyes.' It was so clear to me. Let's invite as many countries as possible to make it international, because clearly more countries need to benefit from this."
The Invictus Games were launched in London's Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in 2014, bringing together more than 400 competitors from 13 nations. The name "Invictus" comes from Latin and means "unconquered."
Discussing the lasting impact of the Games, Harry explained that many former service members struggle with a loss of identity after leaving military life.
"When you are wearing your nation's flag on your arm, on your chest, once that's removed, there's something that's missing," he said. "What we've managed to achieve through Invictus over the years is not only to give people their purpose and their meaning back, but give them their identity back."
Harry also shared a more personal memory from his childhood, admitting that sport helped him navigate school when academic work did not come naturally to him.
"Sport held me together. I was one of those kids at school who did not enjoy classroom work. If it wasn't for the sports field, and the amount of sports that were on offer, there's no way I would have stayed in school," he revealed.
Looking ahead, Harry said he hopes the Invictus Games will one day expand from a one-week event to two weeks, allowing even more participants to benefit from the experience.
The Invictus Games Foundation echoed that message in its social media tribute, writing: "What began as a belief in the power of sport has grown into a global movement, one that not only supports recovery, but creates community, belonging and hope. It proves every day that sport can restore meaning and, for some, be truly life-saving."
The organisation added that while the recognition is appreciated, the true achievement belongs to the Invictus community, whose resilience and determination continue to inspire its mission.
