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Prince Harry has remained dedicated to the military and supporting veterans following his retirement from the British Army in 2015. As one of many members of the British royal family to serve their country throughout history, Harry spent 10 years in the Armed Forces before establishing the Invictus Games to help wounded, injured and sick service members.
Harry joined the military in 2005 after passing his Regular Commissions Board qualification in September, allowing him to begin 44 weeks of Officer Cadet training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. In January 2006, Clarence House announced Harry was joining the Blues and Royals cavalry regiment. He was commissioned as an army officer three months later.
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From 2007-2008, Harry was deployed to Afghanistan working as a forward air controller. He spent 10 weeks there before his location was discovered by the media. In February 2008, the prince was promoted to the rank of lieutenant with the Household Cavalry. He returned to Afghanistan as a helicopter co-pilot and gunner from 2012-2013, making him the first royal since Prince Andrew to serve in a combat zone.
Harry spoke openly about his military experience, saying he felt like a regular guy in uniform. His decade-long career ended in June 2015 when he retired as a captain. Two years later, he was promoted to captain general of the Royal Marines, major in the British Army, and squadron leader in the Royal Air Force by Queen Elizabeth II.
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In 2014, Harry founded the Invictus Games, a multi-sport event for wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women. The first games were held in London that September. Since then, the competition has grown internationally and helped thousands of ill and injured veterans on their path to recovery through the power of sport.
Harry has been closely involved with the Invictus Games ever since. He attended the 2016 event in Orlando, 2017 in Toronto, 2018 in Sydney, 2019 in The Hague, 2022 in The Hague following a two-year pandemic delay, and 2023 in Dortmund, Germany, where he kicked off the week-long event. Harry's presence at the games has shined a light on the importance of supporting veterans in their recovery and rehabilitation.
Beyond the Invictus Games, Harry has continued championing veteran causes. In December 2019, he wore a Santa suit to video chat with children of fallen military members for the Scotty's Little Soldiers charity. "You are part of an amazing community and there is support for you every single day should you need it," he told the kids.
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In February 2021, one year after stepping back from senior royal duties, Harry returned the military titles and royal patronages he had been given by Queen Elizabeth II, including Captain General of the Royal Marines. However, he has remained outspoken about issues affecting veterans like the crisis in Afghanistan.
When the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in August 2021, Harry and Meghan addressed the international Invictus community through a statement, encouraging members to support one another. They also expressed hope through their Archewell Foundation that despite suffering around the world, communities can come together in service.
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In June 2024, Harry was announced as the recipient of the 2024 Pat Tillman Award for Service at the ESPYs. While some criticized the decision, others like Jake Wood, the 2018 recipient, defended Harry's selection given his dedication to veterans through the Invictus Games foundation. Whether people agree with all his actions or not, Harry's commitment to helping veterans recover and find purpose after military service is undeniable.
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