UK minister makes his feeling clear on Prince Harry after holding meeting with royal
Labour Party MP and Veterans Minister Al Carns has made his feelings clear on Prince Harry after holding a meeting with the royal in Canada.
Carns has pledged full government support for Prince Harry’s Invictus Games when they come to Birmingham in 2027.
The Selly Oak MP, who attended the recent Games in Canada, praised Harry as an “amazing patron” of the international sporting event for wounded service personnel.
“We will get behind it, I can guarantee you,” Mr Carns told The Telegraph.
The 44-year-old former Royal Marine Colonel, who served in Afghanistan, expressed confidence in his city’s ability to host the event.
He added: “Birmingham has really good spirit and the UK is increasingly involved and committed to delivering support to its veterans.”
The minister revealed he had breakfast with Prince Harry last Friday to discuss plans for the Birmingham Games.
During their meeting, they explored ways to expand the Games’ reach and impact.
“We talked about how we can broaden out the Games from an international perspective, make it connect more into society,” Mr Carns said.
He emphasised their shared vision of engaging younger generations.
The Duke of Sussex concluded the 2025 Games in Vancouver on Sunday, addressing more than 12,000 people at the Rogers Arena.
“And so long as the challenges around us demand it and require it… the Games will go on,” Harry told the crowd. “Bring on Invictus Games Birmingham 2027. You have permission to party.”
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Mr Carns said: “It’s going to be amazing. We’re going to try and build a real festival feel.”
The minister highlighted Birmingham’s track record of hosting major events, noting: “Birmingham has good pedigree in running big events, like the Commonwealth Games.”
The next Invictus Games will take place in Birmingham, UK in 2027.
It will be the first time the Games has returned to the UK since the edition of the competition in 2014.