This Morning’s Prince Harry Exclusive Highlights Birmingham’s Invictus Games Legacy

10 July 2026

Prince Harry joined Alison Hammond live on ITV’s This Morning today as the programme marked exactly one year until the Invictus Games arrive in Birmingham in 2027.

Founded by Prince Harry in 2014, the Invictus Games is an international multi-sport event for wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women, both serving and veteran. Competitors from around the world take part in a range of sports, with the event celebrating recovery, resilience and the power of sport to change lives.

Broadcast live from the NEC, the special edition saw Alison reporting from Birmingham while Dermot O’Leary and Angela Scanlon hosted from the studio. The result was an uplifting programme that celebrated the resilience of wounded veterans, the legacy of the Invictus Games and the city’s important role in the event’s history.

Opening the show, Alison told viewers she was helping kick off the countdown to the Games, which will return to the UK next year. She was joined by Invictus Games presenter and medallist JJ Chalmers, who explained why Birmingham remains so closely linked to the competition.

JJ highlighted the role of Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham in treating injured military personnel returning from conflict and said the Invictus community was effectively born in the city before growing into a worldwide movement.

Alison also reflected on Birmingham’s connection to military rehabilitation, prompting JJ to share his own experience of recovery after being seriously injured while serving in Afghanistan.

He told viewers:

“I owe this city my life and I will always be grateful.”

Prince Harry Praises Birmingham’s Role

The Duke of Sussex later joined Alison to discuss the significance of Birmingham hosting the Games in 2027.

Speaking about the city, Prince Harry said many wounded service personnel from across the world had passed through Birmingham during their recovery journeys, making the return particularly meaningful.

He said: “It’s quite a moving return for these guys and it means a hell of a lot.”

The Duke also praised the impact the Games continue to have on competitors and veterans around the world, including those from Ukraine.

The Power Of Invictus

One of the most memorable parts of the interview came when Prince Harry explained why Invictus continues to connect with audiences more than a decade after its launch.

Speaking about the competitors who take part, he said:

“It is literally overcoming adversity.”

He continued by praising the athletes who inspire millions through their determination and resilience.

“There’s just a huge amount of respect, hope, and admiration and inspiration.”

The comments reflected the core message behind the Invictus Games, which focus on recovery, rehabilitation and achievement rather than simply sporting success.

Alison And Harry Share A Lighter Moment

While much of the discussion focused on the importance of the Games, there were also plenty of lighter moments between Alison Hammond and Prince Harry.

The pair joked about food, football and future events, with Alison inviting the Duke to her home for ackee and saltfish.

When Alison suggested she would attend next year’s Games, Prince Harry laughed and replied:

“Of course, I’ll be disappointed if you weren’t coming.”

The exchange highlighted the easy rapport between the pair and provided a memorable moment for viewers.

Looking Ahead To Birmingham 2027

The programme also featured inspirational stories from veterans Steve Arnold and Dave Henson, both of whom became double amputees while serving in Afghanistan before going on to represent their country through sport.

Their stories, alongside the contributions from JJ Chalmers and Prince Harry, reinforced the message at the heart of the Invictus Games: that recovery, resilience and determination can achieve extraordinary things.

With just one year to go until Birmingham hosts the Invictus Games, today’s This Morning special offered a powerful reminder of why the event continues to inspire millions around the world. Through stories of courage, recovery and determination, the programme highlighted exactly why the Games have become one of the most important sporting events for wounded veterans anywhere in the world.

To watch in full visit: itv.com/watch/this-morning

This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player.