Welp, the Invictus Games announced the host city for their 2027 games. There were two cities in contention, it was between Birmingham, England versus Washington DC. Both choices came with positives and negatives, and I would imagine that the fear of another Trump presidency loomed large as they made their decision. But still… I can’t believe Invictus would do their founder so dirty. Invictus 2027 will be held in Birmingham:
Prince Harry’s Invictus Games will once again be held in England. The latest city to win the chance to hold the Duke of Sussex’s paralympic-style adaptive sports tournament for veterans and wounded, injured and sick armed forces personnel is Birmingham, England.
The selection of the city, which was chosen over Washington, D.C., brings the Invictus Games back to the U.K. for the first time since the inaugural competition was held in London in 2014.
The announcement came on July 23 in the U.K. by a team led by Dominic Reid, CEO of the Invictus Games Foundation, who recently announced he will step down in 2025. The Invictus Games Birmingham will take place in July 2027, following the next games scheduled for February 2025 in Vancouver and Whistler, Canada, which will feature winter sports for the first time.
In a statement, Prince Harry, 39, congratulated Birmingham, noting: “Your city’s strong ties to the Armed Forces community made it a formidable contender from the very start. Over the years, we’ve seen each city bring a unique spirit and vision to life for competitors, their families, and spectators.”
“We have no doubt the people of Birmingham will join in celebrating the unwavering respect and admiration we have for our veteran and service community, showing the world how their courage ignites hope and unites us all — something your city knows well.”
Again, this is three years away so let’s not spend three whole years freaking out about this. It absolutely sucks and given the state of affairs over the past six years, it will absolutely be a sh-tshow for the Sussexes. The British media will gleefully spend the next three years harassing and threatening the Sussexes. I guarantee that there will be several “the king ordered Harry to stay away from the Invictus Games” stories. I guarantee that we will hear a million “William REFUSES to meet with his brother” stories. But it is what it is. I wish there had been a third city in the mix. It’s past time for the games to be held in an Asian country.
The Invictus Games Foundation is delighted to announce the host city of the Invictus Games 2027 will be Birmingham, UK.#IAMHere @Birmingham2027
— Invictus Games Foundation 💛🖤 (@WeAreInvictus) July 22, 2024
Photos courtesy of Cover Images.
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- Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex attend Sitting Volleyball on day 6 of the Invictus Games at the Merkur Spiel-Arena in Dusseldorf Featuring: Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex Where: Dusseldorf, Germany When: 15 Sep 2023 Credit: Dutch Press Photo/Cover Images **NOT AVAILABLE FOR PUBLICATION IN THE NETHERLANDS OR FRANCE**
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- The Duke and Duchess of Sussex at the IG25 and Team Canada Reception at the Hilton Hotel during the Invictus Games in Dusseldorf, Germany. Featuring: Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex Where: Dusseldorf, Germany When: 15 Sep 2023 Credit: PA Images/INSTARimages **NORTH AMERICA RIGHTS ONLY**
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- The Duke and Duchess of Sussex at the IG25 and Team Canada Reception at the Hilton Hotel during the Invictus Games in Dusseldorf, Germany. Featuring: Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex Where: Dusseldorf, Germany When: 15 Sep 2023 Credit: PA Images/INSTARimages **NORTH AMERICA RIGHTS ONLY**
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- Closing ceremony of the Invictus Games. Featuring: Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex Where: Dusseldorf, Germany When: 16 Sep 2023 Credit: PA Images/INSTARimages **NORTH AMERICA RIGHTS ONLY**
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- Closing ceremony of the Invictus Games. Featuring: Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex Where: Dusseldorf, Germany When: 16 Sep 2023 Credit: PA Images/INSTARimages **NORTH AMERICA RIGHTS ONLY**
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- Guests arrive to attend a ceremony marking the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games, at Saint Paul’s Cathedral, London Featuring: Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex Where: London, United Kingdom When: 08 May 2024 Credit: Cover Images
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- Prince Harry Duke of Sussex attending a St Paul’s Cathedral service to mark the Invictus Games’ tenth anniversary in London, UK. Featuring: Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex Where: London, United Kingdom When: 08 May 2024 Credit: Dutch Press Photo/Cover Images **NOT AVAILABLE FOR PUBLICATION IN THE NETHERLANDS OR FRANCE**
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- Guests attend a ceremony marking the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games, at Saint Paul’s Cathedral, London Featuring: Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex Where: London, United Kingdom When: 08 May 2024 Credit: Cover Images
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- Guests attend a ceremony marking the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games, at Saint Paul’s Cathedral, London Featuring: Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex Where: London, United Kingdom When: 08 May 2024 Credit: Dutch Press Photo/Cover Images **NOT AVAILABLE FOR PUBLICATION IN THE NETHERLANDS OR FRANCE**
I mean, Harry is damned if he does damned if he doesn’t anyway. Maybe this is his way of saying that his family can’t keep him away from England when it matters. I know there’s a lot of reasons why a host city is chosen, but I’m glad that they haven’t been scorned out of the UK entirely.
How can they choose to have the games there, when the host country refuses to provide their founder with security?
They are probably gonna provide security for this event. He is the founder of the games, not giving him security for the games would be a dealbreaker.
There is a new government in the UK. They may have made assurances.
I’ve got concerns about Harry’s safety in the UK but as an ex resident of Birmingham, I am absolutely thrilled to bits for them.
How can they choose to have the games there despite how awful it will be for IG’s founder and his family? Who on earth was on the committee that decided this, completely disregarding how problematic this will be for the Sussexes, and how much extra nonsense and stress it will cause them?
If I were Meghan, I would be unable to attend because I’d be washing my hair on those days.
Or, as Marcia Brady would say, “Something suddenly came up.”
When the mail was freaking out about Germany giving the Sussexes so much security it was confirmed that that was something that was agreed upon when their bid was accepted. I don’t believe IG would’ve chosen Birmingham if there wasn’t an agreement in place around protecting the Games and their founder. Remember that Mercer was very dedicated to this proposal and Sunak sent his wife to the IG church service; now that the Tories are out the Home Office might also be less ridiculous towards Harry but I we’ll have to wait and see on that.
Well, alot can happen in 3 years.
Except his wife has vowed that she will never step foot in Great Britain again .
If not she, then who will lead the
parade of disabled athletes ?
When did she say that she’ll never set foot in the UK again? I mean I wouldn’t. Its not safe. Why go where people are actively trying (hoping) to kill you?
Please provide your source for Meghan stating she would never step foot in England.
Vowed? Lol, where is it that I can find this vow of which you speak?
And I wasn’t aware that it was Meghan’s job to ‘lead the parade of disabled athletes’.
@ Beth Bark, what?
How about an actual disabled athlete from the home country?
It’s sadism, or the best strategy. Cough *sadism*
Let’s hope the people unite behind the veterans and the founder and make the detractors look like the idiots that they are, and the whole world will see it, again.
@BeanieBean, just a guess, but I read it as a dig at how Meghan always “makes the games about herself” 🙄
Was this a board decision,I hope that Harry agreed and was Ok with this. I cant imagine the inches of columns just handed to the BM.
I’m sure he was. Harry still loves his country and wants his children to see it too. I just hope he isn’t disappointed when the media (and his family) try and derail the games with their nasty ways again.
I am pretty sure he knows that and expects it.
It’s a board decision. But they’d have to ensure Harry and Meghan will be safe. And the rules re media will apply. Just because it’s in England, doesn’t mean the rota get to go.
The hilarious part will be watching (whoever) is king ignore it. And He (whichever he) will.
It’s a board decision, but at the end of the day, I wonder if they would defer to Harry’s wishes, all things being equal.
The games wouldn’t even EXIST if it wasn’t for him, so I don’t think that letting him have final approval over where they’re held is unreasonable.
Harry isn’t involved with the decision? I’m sure factors like money and other logistics are involved but I don’t know why he would hold the games in England. Emotionally it will be a complete disaster for him and Meghan if she attends.
I hope Meghan stays home with her babies and mama. They don’t deserve her presence.
@cjw, I agree. Until the security issue is resolved Meghan and the Sussex children are not safe in the UK. Besides, I’m not sure that she would receive a warm welcome in Birmingham. After all, was it not in the nearby Midland city of Nottingham that Meghan was referred to as “Marmite” by some charity bosses that, notwithstanding Meghan’s contribution, didn’t want to be connected to her for fear that the connection would damage their reputation?
I am sorry, but this is the worst f*cking decision the Invictus could make. I understand we don’t know behind the scenes discussions, but it will be all about BRF, instead of the games. Meghan won’t be safe there, I hope she doesn’t go. We don’t even know if Charles is gonna live that long. Also, all the public votes were predominantly for D.C. Why would even ask the people if you are gonna go with the least favored option?
Where did you see the option for a public vote? I wasn’t looking bc I didn’t realize there was an option. I think there’d have to be a lot more than a public vote though. There are a lot more Americans than Brits. No way to make that fair.
I’m hoping for the best for them.
I wish there was a third option. It probably came down to potentially fascist run America or already terrible UK. Either way – huge mistake. Every other country has been welcoming and supportive and the English are going to make a home grown international success into an intentional failure just to spite Harry. And their stupid enough to believe that the rest of the world won’t see what theyre doing if all previous games and the ones after are amazing.
I’m really disappointed. We might not spend the next 3 years gnashing our teeth but the rota rats and British press will definitely spend it bashing Meghan and writing all sorts of nasty crap about the Sussexes – will she or won’t she, how much the Deviled Egg hates his brother, etc. I already saw a headline talking about whether or not Meghan will attend.
I wonder if this was the last act of the British CEO who just stepped down?
Ugh. I just really feel like that country doesn’t need to be rewarded in any way after the way it’s treated Harry and Meghan and their children. And I don’t want to see one single Leftover Royal show up either. They’ve shown their true colors by ignoring the Games and IG athletes for the last few cycles so no need to pretend to care now.
Me too but they’ll do that anyway.
I really think the rota will be blocked like they’ve been every other one. Invictus set the rules. They will look after Harry and Meghan.
Any idea if the rota can get in by purchasing tickets to evening or sporting events?
As JayBlue said, I suppose – for Harry – there was no good choice. The British press would have spent the next three years denouncing him, pouting, and throwing up if Washington DC had gotten the nod. And the rota would have stepped up their negativity against Meghan and Americans.
I doubt the British media’s hate boner for Meghan will have diminished in the next three years. Time will tell.
For the sake of the athletes and for Harry, I hope these games are a huge success, but I also hope Meghan stays home with her babies for this one. The toxic media won’t be able to help themselves by creating hysteria and drama. You know those Windsors won’t be able to help themselves either.
With three years notice I’m sure Charles will somehow find himself too busy to see Harry.
In three years there will be no King Charles.
The King might not even be alive in three years. Dark but also realistic. Planning this might give Harry extra reason to sneak in visits to his pa if his health is as bad as some suggest.
That means William is King. Not a better alternative.
I actually shuddered at this comment
The Invictus Games are bigger than the U.K. While the gutter UK press brigade may focus on the Sussexes every movement the global community will be focusing on the athletes, the venue hosting and the reception of the Sussexes. For me this is a sign that Prince Harry is larger than his birth family and has moved beyond them and their pettiness. Pretty sure Meghan will be there to support her husband and the athletes.
How can you be so sure, though? Perhaps Meg will attend the opening or the tail-end closing, but not the entire time unless something has drastically changed by 2027. That would mean a huge shift, including cessation of the BM attacks and apologies from the jealous British royals. Let’s face it, that has not happened in four years, and it is extremely unlikely to happen in another three years.
I don’t think Meg has ever attended the whole thing. Harry usually goes first and then Meg joins him or the other way around. I can’t see her not going at all. The invictus family love her as much as Harry. I agree Harry has become globally bigger than the royal family and having the games in England will just highlight how awful the royal family is. Look at how much better Harry looked when he was there for just a few days for the 10 year anniversary thing.
The big question the rats will be talking about is if they will bring the kids and will the kids see their cousins, grandpa if he is still alive.
Harry has always wanted IG to return to the UK so I’m sure he’s happy about it. He knows that the people still support him even if his family and press don’t. I think Birmingham was the best choice given it’s connection to the military and veterans and the bid had the full support of the Government.
Agreed. Plus, Birmingham campaigned hard for the games. It’s not a surprise that IG chose it.
If Meghan doesn’t feel safe to go she won’t. If she does decide to go for a few days I’m sure their team will make sure she is safe. At the end of the day it’s about the veterans and not if Meghan will go so we can see her fashions or that family. Some of the comments on the IG twitter page are embarrassing.
If Birmingham campaigned hard for it, seems like it’s a good choice. D.C. is an expensive city, so Birmingham might be easier on attendee’s wallets. Sounds like Birmingham has financial problems, so funding will have to be private. But IG Foundation will have already considered that. Harry knows enough about the security situation to make the right choice for him and his family. Hope it works out well for all.
It’s also in support broadly of the Keir Starmer government too.
I’ve been so impressed by the new labour government’s pre planning and preparedness to hit the ground running. Would imagine that this was something on their agenda, there is also a new labour mayor of the city, the first since 2017, so it would have been a key target.
I think that he will show up for the games……the Spencers as well
@EasternViolet, I don’t think the selection has anything to do with supporting Keir Starmer and the Labour government. The Tories under Sunak had already showed their support for IG in Birmingham. For sure, it might be seen as a positive bonus that Starmer coincidentally happens to be the prime minister and will provide solid backing.
To a degree, I think it is possible IG 2027 was always going to be held in Birmingham, and that the 10th year celebration at St. Patrick’s Cathedral was just a warm-up. The organizers may have been a bit thrown-off and saddened by the way the BM and bitter royals acted surrounding the celebration, but there was no wavering in the resolve and advocacy to, as Harry said in his recent statement, “Bring the Games home.”
You would think they would have announced right off the bat, instead of making a big to-do about narrowing it to two cities. But I get it being about promotion and engagement, and showing how the Games have grown to where cities are clamoring to place host bids. This will be a boost financially for Birmingham and the surrounding region. I thought Birmingham looked like a deserving front runner from the beginning, except for the hateful attacks, lies, and nonsense by the BM and bitter royals which threatens H&M’s lives and well-being.
💯 agree! Brummies are warm and friendly people who will whole-heartedly embrace Invictus, the magnificent competitors and their families.
There are also huge non-white communities in that lovely city which will be an additional plus.
It will be extremely hard for the royals to ignore these Games no matter what they think of our Harry, so the optics for that will be highlighted all around the world. I’m willing to bet there were people choking on their cornflakes or whatever they eat in all of the palaces this morning! Their bile will be strangling them, LMAO 🤣
@emme, I hope you are correct but as I noted above, I am still disgusted by some “non-white” charity bosses in that area referring to Meghan as ‘Marmite” and not wanting to recognize her donation. I just question how “warm and friendly” Meghan’s reception in the Midlands would be.
Yeah, I’m not sure how many Squaddies may simply skip 2027 IG. For sure, there will be those who will show up. Still, with the recent global attention given to IG as a direct result of Harry receiving the Pat Tillman Award, new attention from potential viewers and donors around-the-world has been generated.
Honestly, it was Harry and Meg as a couple showing up together at Invictus in Toronto, in 2017, which got the ball rolling in building huge interest in and wider support for the Games. It’s similar to the recent Suits streaming phenomenon on Netflix. The hook was the interest in seeing pre-Harry Meghan. The catch was the realization that, ‘Wow, this show is good. What a superb cast and production that has lasting value.’ 😉
Of course, the lasting draw for IG has been because it is about the spirit and emotion of human triumph and uplift, and about the poignant, loving ties of family togetherness. But, psst, that never existed among the British royals. 🤫 And the freakin’ BM have always been the ‘fly in the ointment,’ spoiling family unity. 🪰 💔
@aftershocks – I don’t know why Squaddies would boycott Birmingham, but if they do it would be a mistake. A boycott would just play into the RF’s hands and show that H&M aren’t popular, that even the Squaddie won’t show up. Wherever the Games are, I hope they’ll be the most successful ever.
Birmingham and Nottingham are in different parts of the country. It’s super weird to compare them. That’s like saying, “someone in Delaware was rude once, ergo it’s dangerous to visit Boston.”
There’s a massive, massive cultural difference between the West Mids and the North.
@samuelwhiskers, per Google Maps Nottingham is only 57 miles from Birmingham. FIFTY-SEVEN. That is NOTHING. They are both in the Midlands, with Birmingham being deemed to be in the West Midlands. I don’t think “it’s super weird to compare them.”. FIFTY-SEVEN.
The comments under the social media announcement about this were all pretty much how I imagine most of us feel here, so it will be interesting to see how this plays out.
The british press will make it all about Harry and the royal family. Charles and William will snub the entire competition which is a great look for the commander in chief. It’s going to be a mess.
I just hope security for Harry was part of the arrangement for the games, I’m sure it is.
I’m assuming since the next one is essentially north America (Canada) having one in the US might have been unpalatable and it was Europe’s turn again.
I also assume they have conditions about which media can cover it and also the safety of H and M. That must have been locked down. They’ve blocked the tabloids before so I assume that will happen again.
Now imagine if Charles dies around then. That’s going to be tricky and could happen.
I read that the games are going to be held in one large facility in Birmingham. That will make security less of an issue. And they will be able to control press accreditation.
It also doesn’t hurt that it’s now a labour government and the ministers will promote this event with enthusiasm.
If Harry’s own family decides to act above it and that’s only going to make it more obvious they are fake in their support of the military.
I actually don’t think this will be a mess, at least on H&M’s side of things. The Invictus Games will be what they always have been, no matter the location: uplifting, athlete- and family-centered and a well-oiled and organized series of events. What WILL be a mess is everything outside of it: the UK tabloids and the RF. Everything they say and do has a high potential to reflect badly on THEM, not Harry & Meghan. The rota and RF need to be careful because won’t be a good look for them if they whinge about H&M and stamp their feet about sh*t that happened 4 years ago when H&M are there for Invictus and supporting the military and the lifting up the athletes.
@becks and anne, I don’t think it will be a mess either. Think of a Venn diagram with IG, tabloids and royal family. The royal family have segregated themselves from the games. They can perform and tour and glad hand in the UK all they want but they took themselves out of consideration. The tabloids are a known quality and completely predictable. Plus international media will be present. All their complaining truly is noise and only reflects poorly on themselves.
If Harry and family travel to Birmingham and spend their time with the athletes and attendants and ignore the tabloids then they don’t have to be insulted or hurt or offended or bothered at all. They seem to be able to ignore the noise and focus on their own goals.
All that abusive noise caused immense suffering for H&M, which is why they were pushed to leave, and thankfully have built a happier, thriving, more peaceful and successful life for themselves, filled with love and unity. Still, the vile noise continues to threaten their lives and well-being, which is why amped-up security will always need to be an essential daily part of the Sussexes’ existence!
It has been at a huge cost that H&M can now focus on moving foward!
Three years is a long way off. Let’s be positive. Keep focus on IG
At the rate the leftovers are going who will be left in three years?
Not to be too terribly morbid about it, but KC is an elderly man with cancer. There’s a good chance it will be KW by then and hopefully he’ll have other things to occupy his mind.
It would be a good time for the new King to undertake an overseas tour:) He thought his last reception was cold, wait until he’s king. LOL
i agree: keep positive. As long as Harry’s associated with IG, I support their decision.
I’m loathe to think about the BM and the tabloids having stories to write for years. Ugh. But I’m happy for the OG British invictus veterans that have been there since the beginning. And for Birmingham. And for the fact that it will drive William Camilla and Charles up a wall. Let the will they bring the kids or not articles begin🙄
Yeah, I live in Birmingham UK now so very happy for the city. But ugh about the British media and the years of trolling the Sussexes this will bring.
But indeed an added bonus is the Conservatives (who rotate in and out of UK government to work for BRF) hate Birmingham — we’re a majority minority city, strong working class routes, and strong Labour backing.
Cheers to you! I lived on the Bristol Road South on the Northfield/Bournville border years ago and am thrilled for the city. I presume it’s in the venue where the Commonwealth Games were held?
@Berkeleyfarm — great that you’re formerly a Brummie and spent time in Northfield/Bournville! I lived in Berkeley years ago. And yes, I assume they’ll reuse all the Commonwealth Games venues!
As others have said, it’s three years from now. Who knows what leftover royals will still be around by then? But I do echo your sentiment — I think it’s great that Harry is bringing IG right on their doorsteps and showing that they and their tabloid media don’t scare him.
Harry would not take the children over without meghan.
I agree with that one hundred percent.
Meghan may very well show up for a few days but without the kiddies. No way would she expose them to that kind of media bombardment.
The only way I see Meghan bringing the kids is if KFC is truly very sick by then, with little time left, and Harry wants both of his children to meet their grandfather (and at an age where the kids might remember it, too). Chuck doesn’t deserve it after his abhorrent behavior, but Harry still rises above.
But I think they’d stay hidden away from the press the rest of the time, except for maybe one very low-key, controlled event with limited photographers.
I wasn’t happy when I saw this , but it is what it is .
A lot can happen in three years time , who knows what state the Monarchy will be in .
We can only hope that Meghan and Harry are protected .
I don’t really know how to feel about it to be honest .
I think we can predict one thing for sure: Kate won’t show up. At least their separation will work when it comes to this. William and Charles ignoring the event will only reflect badly on them. And the minor royals won’t show up because they’re afraid of their meal ticket. And yes, William will try to take attention away by going on some international tour. Charles will be busy with some charity event. And Mike Tindall better stay away.
With three years to flood the media with vitriol, the BaRF and RR will have a bazillion chances to step on their d*cks, and that will set Harry and the IG firmly on a high road that is stratospheric by comparison.
I worry about the security issues for the Sussexes, but even that will be clarified by then. This decision puts the issue right in KCIII’s face. He has the ability to fix this, but we all know he won’t. To the extent any doubt remains, the world will know that he’s the dogsh*ittiest of dogsh*t fathers/grandfathers.
C-Shell! You’re back!!!! 💐
Hey, hi, @NickG! 👋🏼👋🏼
It’s been a hard year, but I still make time to lurk every morning! 😁
“This decision puts the issue right in KCIII’s face.” – true, also because he’s the patron of the RBL (a position TQ held for her entire reign), which selects and prepares the British IG team. Should be an interesting dilemma for him.
The criticisms from the Republic folks in Twitter are increasing. Charles needed to show up and support his son to repair his image. It’d take Camilla going too…but I think Charles is blind and stubborn. William alteraste saud he never wants to see his brother again, so he better stay away. I will wonder where Harry (or Harry and his family) would stay. Anyone from Birmingham here know whether there’s a hotel or secure home near the venue?
Yikes.
A lot can change in 3 years.
Like King Willy. How would that work I wonder.
It’s too bad there wasn’t another option.
King willy would have zero power to stop it. Which is also HILARIOUS.
You found a silver lining! 😂 Thank you. Yeah, this is really going to set William off when his two choices are: 1) go and support his brother’s event, or 2) look VERY petty and bad in front of the world’s media. Quite a conundrum for old PWT.
I anticipate William’s jaw growing three sizes before the Birmingham games, at the very least. His hands will have six-packs from all the workouts they’ll be doing, clenching and unclenching and clenching again. His patented I’m-in-public-and-must-pretend-to-be-a-reasonably-sane-human-being Grimace will reach never before seen heights (depths?) of alarming.
I don’t expect you to agree with this but I think Birmingham is a great choice. I have a lot of family in the area and it is very diverse with a large British Asian community as well as British African and Carribbean and I think it won’t be the last UK city to host the games. It is tempting to equate the extreme right wing and racist views of the BM with the UK population. Simply not the case. I hope Meghan will be there and if she comes she will be very welcome and well protected. Also I think you do Harry a disservice by thinking he would not be fully supportive and fully consulted about this decision and I think he would recognise the importance of UK involvement in Invictus going forward in spite of the challenges.
The UK government allocated a huge amount of money for the games. No doubt this support played a part in selection. I don’t think anyone believes all the people in UK are racist, but Meghan and Archie were receiving numerous death threats while living there. I think, that is the part people worry about. We also saw the racist messages of police officers who provided the security for VIP in UK.
I actually do agree, @Christie T. These games are way bigger than one person or family at this point, and the Sussexes really have moved on. It’s the left-behind Windsors and the British press who are stuck. Harry and Meghan are going to be just fine- of that I am certain. Their children will be medium-sized and likely along for some of it, probably with Granny Doria in tow. And plenty of protection.
Doria was at the closing ceremonies of Invictus, in Toronto, in 2017. But why would you think she would necessarily attend in 2027 to specifically babysit her grandkids, in Birmingham, England, of all places?
Yeah, as I said above, I’m a WOC and I live in Birmingham UK. We’re a wonderful majority minority city with strong working class roots, and it’ll be great for us as a city exposure wise. We have the infrastructure from the very successful Commonwealth Games in 2022. But totally understand all the well founded concerns about the further vitriol directed at the Sussexes over the next three years due to this.
We know Meghan will be picked apart for every outfit she wears, no matter which, and the kids too. Yes, innocent kids would be criticized heavily. It’s sickening, and certainly haters will infiltrate the crowd.
The UK don’t have to be involved at all. Invictus is international. I’m not happy they’re getting it, the UK don’t deserve it, but given its a choice of 2, I see why.
I assume there are conditions about blocking the tabs like other games and protection for Meghan especially.. She’s had so many UK death threats. But they understand invictus.
It’s going to be traumatic for both of them, Meghan especially. I hate that she needs to go back. But she will for the games.
England can suck eggs as far as I’m concerned. They’re dead to me. I discovered all the ‘ left’, ‘enlightened’ people simply parrot the tabs. Too dumb to know better. Serves them right ripped off by lazy billionaires.
Thanks for all the Birminghamians (?) for sharing this about your city! No one is looking forward to the British tabloids, but I am looking forward seeing the community of Birmingham and UK veterans coming together
They are called Brummies 😀
okay….Brummies…..I love that.
I totally agree. The UK isn’t only about the Royal Family. Why should the people be denied a wonderful event like the IG just because Charles and William might have a hissy fit about Harry? And if they throw a fit, so what? It will only make them look more petty.
@Eurydice, the concern is not chiefly about the bitter royals ‘throwing a hissy fit.’ It is obviously mainly about H&M’s safety and security if/ when they both return to that ‘heat of the oven’ salty, bitter, jealous, left-behind island. Of course, thanks to the BM and to the toxic royal firm, no matter where they travel, H&M require top-level security protection at all times. As we know, it is more concerning in Harry’s homeland due to death threats, unresolved security protection issues, and constant rota/ tabloid clickbait whinging.
@aftershocks – this is an international event. There will be dignitaries attending from many countries and organizations, not just Harry and Meghan, so the security will be intensive. Between the UK government, the city of Birmingham and the IG organizers, they have time to figure this out.
For people worrying about Archie and Lili, in 3 years they’ll both be in school when the Games are happening. Most likely, Meghan will divide her time between the Games and the children, so I think that security can be managed.
To tell the truth, I’m more concerned that Charles will kick it in the middle of the Games and the whole country will have to go into mourning.
Thank you, Crissie T. This is a wonderful decision for Birmingham and for the Games. I’m sure the Brummies will embrace the games and the athletes and I bet Harry was a vocal supporter of this choice..
😳
Very awkward for the royals if they dont attend. The Wales children should also attend.
I don’t think it’s necessary for them to attend or best
Best not. They won’t, especially anyone named Wails
I’m sure that their parents would not allow them to attend. I had hoped that by then H&M would be able to bring the children…. But not now. I hope that Meghan stays at home.
There is going to be a rapprochement between Harry and his family before then.
For some time now the Daily Fail has been putting out softer and more positive Meghan stories. The Palace for some reason must have told the Fail to tone down its anti Meghan rhetoric.
Hope you’re right.
Would be wonderful if you’re right.
Or they’re looking for an invitation?
The royals are so slimmed down that they need Harry and Meghan’s star power so badly. Especially if Kate stays away from royal work and it’s clear they’re separated.
I can’t see the Wales attending. The Spencers? Yes! Eugenie and the other cousins? Lol, maaaaybe? Unlikely if William has a say.
Harry will work his way through this. He is good at handling things so that he will be safe. I don’t think he gives a shi* about what the British media and his hellish family will do. Harry and the Invictus games will come out on top like they always do. The world knows what the games are and that Harry’s so called family is jealous.
I imagine that security is one of the things negotiated during the bidding for the games. The IG foundation will have considered all factors.
Just yesterday a Trump rally opened with calls for civil war if Trump doesn’t win so yeah…I wouldn’t plan any large scale military / veteran events here in the next few either. As a wife of a veteran, these idiots have NO idea what they’re thirsting for. From what I’ve read, Birmingham doesn’t sound like the RF’s flavor anyway – lots of people who don’t look like them and probably don’t give a hoot who they are or how many tiaras they have. Sounds like my kind of people. Harry knows what he’s doing. It’s incredibly brave to say, “Yep – I know there will be push back but IG is bigger than me”. Selfless leadership 🙂
I’m not happy about this decision because the Windsor family fued will take center stage and overshadow the athletes. Trust the current and future commanders in chief, Charles and William, will not support it. Has these two made announcements on their social media pages?
acquarius64, international media will be there and the rest of the world will be getting the coverage of the games. If the bm want to scream and cry, let them. There’s nothing else they can do. Didn’t Invictus allow Chris Ship to cover the Germany IG? They’ll probably do something similar.
I was hoping for D.C., too, but the UK’s economy is really bad. I hope Birmingham gets a huge boost in revenues during IG. It sounds like a diverse city, which will welcome the athletes from all over the world. That is, IMO, the really important part. I want the competitors to be comfortable.
I do not think Chris Ship had IG credentials to cover Invictus in Düsseldorf. But he showed up anyway to get what scraps of coverage he could. 😂 This, from the very same royal reporter who blatantly said in early 2020 that he was never going to talk about H&M again. 🤣😂😆
I think it will be fine. There’s really no way out of this RF dilemma except straight through. Bring a well managed IG to the UK – help a lot of veterans, help the city of Birmingham, continue world-wide recognition of the IG. The UK government won’t ignore the games, the veterans’ families won’t ignore the games, we saw in Germany that NATO won’t ignore the games, the press certainly won’t, neither will the public. And by then the next city will have been chosen, so there will be the future to look forward to. Let the RF twist and turn however they want – show up to the games, don’t show up, try to take over, ignore it completely, meet with Harry, don’t meet with Harry, whatever. Everyone knows that the IG are Harry’s baby
I’m going to enjoy watching the British media and royal family cry about this for the next three years. Put another way, none of them were powerful enough to keep I.G. out of the U.K., and their constant hatred and pettiness for the Sussexes will be highlighted on the international stage.
I can’t wait to watch whoever is king by then look like a hateful buffoon.
Harry sitting with world leaders while the palaces pout and Kate plans her next revenge-picture press attack.
EXACTLY!!!!
I’m crossing everything that the First Gentleman makes a strong showing.
What a disappointment. The rats 🐀 & corp did everything they can to get Meghan to that asylum. I really hope that H&M makes a decision as a couple for her not to be there if the security situation continues to be the same which it will. I wonder what went into that decision to host the IG over there. What a disgrace?
I imagine that the egg is cracking at Kensington Palace after the announcement.
Perspective please.
I live five miles from DC. I am a civilian employee at the Pentagon. So yes I am very disappointed. Trust and believe we would have turned up and turnt it out.
But from the athletes perspective traveling to North America for two consecutive games is a haul financially and travel-wise.
From Birmingham’s perspective they can use the financial boost more than DC. Why should Birmingham be punished because that family and the rota rats are despicable people.
This will not be a disaster. Harry and Meghan are always about doing good for the largest number of people possible. They know the games are bigger than them and it’s about the athletes.
Yeah, when I thought about it, having the games in Europe is better option for most of the athletes.
I would have enjoyed traveling to Washington to see the games. Maybe sometime the games will be in washington.
This. While DC would have been an excellent place to host, Birmingham’s only real downsides involved the BRF/BM which we know they would have screamed, cried and thrown up about it either way. What IG does is bigger than the manufactured drama.
I think Birmingham winning the bid also gives the UK (and Labour) the opportunity to shake off the right-wing slant they’ve been more strongly associated with since Brexit. IG was already going to accomplish a lot regardless of where it was hosted, but IG in Birmingham could be much more for the country as a whole.
@freedie – this. I’m in the eastern US; as it happens, I visited Vancouver/Whistler just last month. Vancouver is far from many parts of the world. Whistler is another two hours by car for participants in the winter sports events being held there.
Logistically, these games are very ambitious for the organizers as well. Regular IG events (basketball, rowing, swimming, etc.) will be in Vancouver at two separate facilities. Curling will be at a third. The opening and closing ceremonies will be at two additional venues. The three additional Whistler locations are less spread out, but the IG are taking place during the regular skiing season, and it will be busy up there.
The entire area is beautiful, and I have no doubt the games will be the wonderful experience they always are, but it’s a huge amount of work for everyone behind the scenes. If it’s true Birmingham offers one venue where the core IG events can be held (there won’t be winter events in 2027), I can see the appeal, especially if it’s also easier for many participants to get to. And a centralized location should simplify security considerations.
Finally, the UK fields a pretty good sized team for the IG (59 for Dusseldorf), and as @Lavendel notes below, they’ve had pretty shabby treatment from both the previous government, and the RF. It sounds like Birmingham will be a welcoming environment for these men and women, and they deserve the celebration.
@Freedie, the North America ‘travel haul’ is not the issue, otherwise, why would D.C. have even been in the running for 2027? FYI– 2016 Invictus was in Orlando; 2017 Invictus was in Toronto.
I was thinking it was going to be the US for the longest time but the last month had me thinking the UK actually made more sense. I’m still hopeful the US voters will make the right choice in November but if Trump is re-elected I can’t even imagine the mess that the country will be in by 2027. The UK has an actual proper government now and is the safer choice. Its going to be awful for the Sussexes though particularly Meghan. Seeing the enthusiasm of the UK IG competitors was very nice however and I’m hopeful that it will be a good games. As others have said IG is now bigger than one person and the UK does make sense for many reasons just not any that include Harry and Meghan.
How bad will it look though for the BRF if they don’t say anything to their own home town athletes competing? Also, this is 2 and a half years away. A lot can happen in the span of that time. Who knows where the BRF will be at by then.
As if they care! Have the last few years not shown that no filth is nasty enough to be thrown at H&M (with the full endorsement of the BRF)?
I agree. William’s thirst for revenge is pathological. His ego and his anger. And Rupert Murdoch’s press and all their media attack dogs. The hatred is so that I wonder if William will try to take over and stop Harry from entering the country. Sounds delusional but I see how many minds they have brainwashed on social media (I’m always disappointed when I see “blue” accounts on Twitter attacking Harry and Meghan. And we have our share of paid shills like awful Megyn Kelly and gossiper Perez Hilton. The U.K. has Lady C and Dan Wooten, who have no shame.
If there is a city that deserves in UK the IG27 is Birmingham. It is a great city for veterans. It is not about H&M. It is about the wounded vets. So what if the trash tabloids and the leftovers royal whine about H&M. They do that anyway. They will have veterans to deal with, I bet. These people will fall on their own swords and choke on their bile. Birmingham is the city of Tommy Shelby after all, a veteran suffering from PTSD. I could not resist that. By order of Fo*kin Blinders, Birmigham will rise to honor its veterans!
I’m probably projecting but it wouldn’t surprise me a bit if it came down to the election. The idea of any Trumplings attaching themselves to Invictus to lip service respect for veterans is repulsive. But I’m sure it was really a matter of logitistics for the attendees, etc. though.
Birmingham will be great. The Waleses will tweet support without attending, or send 14 year old George. The press coverage will be insane but when isn’t it?
Celebitchy field trip next time they’re in the US though!
George at age 14 would be too young. I doubt he would be sent as representative. William at that age was never sent solo to represent the family or be a working royal.
I just hope that the commander in chief of the armed forces and the next commander in chief do not choose to ignore it and disgrace us all.
I actually hope they do exactly that because it will be one more BIG example of how stupid, bitter and jealous they are and how badly they will shoot themselves in the foot internationally if they refuse to show solidarity with the veterans. FFS, Charles is the Commander-in-Chief of the military, William will likewise take on that title if Charles isn’t around in 3 years. What a slap in the face it will be to the brave men and women who put their lives on the line defending England if the Wails and Windsors ignore IG. Bunch of feckless twits…
This. They are going to show their asses big-time, and I am going to laugh.
I think the threat of a second Trump presidency and Labour winning the last general election were the two factors who decided this choice. The bullying campaign against the Sussexes is going to be absolutely terrible and it has already started as the DM was writting about Meghan being too afraid to come.
Labour winning in the U.K. is surely a bonus @Lau, but I truly doubt it had anything to do with the final decision by the IG board. The election chaos in the U.S. in recent weeks, has obviously been very concerning. However, at the end of the day, I will bet that the Birmingham selection was always ‘in-the-bag,’ despite security concerns for the Sussexes, and in spite of the disappointingly sad, ongoing flack from the BM and the bitter left-behind royals.
I just think that Labour in power would probably not be as open to bullying the Sussexes than the Tories were. William is a Tory idiot so he would definitely have used his connections to make the Sussexes’ stay as miserable as possible.
While I agree the British tabloids will predictably do their worst I don’t agree that it will be awful for Meghan. She’s going to be focused on the IG bubble. If she’s not consuming their media she can carry on in blissful ignorance. Someone else will be tasked with monitoring security and social media and the tabloid media. She has proven to be focused, disciplined, optimistic and yes she will be reminded of her time in the UK but it will have been years and years ago. At least this is my hope for how she meets this event.
It was the British Media that drove her out of the country.
But she doesn’t have to consume that media. Someone else on the team can keep an eye on that.
@One of the Mary’s, someone else on the Sussex team already does perform that dire task. FYI: Duchess Meghan has never ‘consumed’ the British tabloid media. She simply has never! That fact has never stopped her from being attacked and chewed up by the BM, literally and figuratively. That reality has never stopped the toxic royals from feeding her to the wolves. 🫣
I’m hoping that the toxic BM won’t be a factor, and that Invictus press access will be handled the way their polo and Nigerian press was handled. I can’t believe that the Daily Fail will be given press passes, or that The Sun, Mirror, or any other tabloids will have access. It’ll be the BBC and ITV, and maybe the Guardian. The rest of them will set up cameras on some curb and hope for a glimpse.
I’d rather see the IFG held in Birmingham than Washington DC under a Trump administration.
Whoever is king, and I’m guessing it’ll be William, they’ll have to ‘show up’ in some way to support the wounded veterans. Then again, feud over family is their motto, so who knows? I’m not going to guess about Meghan’s attendance for a while.
At the 10th anniversary celebrations William was sitting at home doing nothing according to the royal diary.
@RobeM07, God forbid another Trump administration. 🚫 🙏🏽 That outcome is certainly NOT set in stone. But the recent election chaos in the U.S. has surely been concerning for everyone globally.
And this time around his administration will be formed by people even more radicalized. The Project 2025 folks.
I’ve never been to Birmingham but I live near DC. I think the infrastructure wasn’t there for DC. It was recently passed over for being a World Cup game city too. Weather could have also been a consideration. And if we’re talking security, let’s be honest, aside from the BRF nonsense, security is always going to be an issue in the States.
I do too, 30 – 45 minutes from DC. I was going to volunteer. Oh well.
Hmm. There are a lot of logistics that accompany these types of decisions, namely cost & accessibility (from a broad perspective). Birmingham was perhaps overall much, much cheaper & allowed for broader accessibility to and from the airport & venues, etc. There also would be concerns re: broad accessibility for veterans & patrons who need accommodations. In addition, for a little while (at least), it will bring commerce and international glamour to that area. Those things plus other attendant costs would not have come cheap or cheaply in DC.
OTOH, I think holding the games in DC would have brought them a broader American audience but I can also understand why Birmingham was good from another perspective—it places Harry & The Invictus Games back in the UK, even if it’s just a toehold. In that regard, I feel like holding the games In Birmingham is a PR win for Harry and the games. The stakes for the games being held in the U.S. aren’t that high (yet) IMO.
However, now that it’s been announced, my money says that a certain brother & his wife (if she ever returns to her skimpy public duties) will begin to saturate that area with their presence in the coming years.
I actually believe that the press will behave themselves while the games are in Birmingham but in the run up to them and after the press will attack Harry and Meghan. That’s what happened for their wedding and the royal tours that they went on.
I think this is a good choice. Birmingham obviously has the venue that Invictus needs and the services to support the games.
Although the events of the last couple of days has changed the political game in the US, DC is a rabbit warren. Not easy to get around and expensive!
I think this is actually good for Harry. Remember that folks showed up
for the 10 th year celebration and his other family did too.
He has more charisma and real warmth, and is doing his job with a lot more enthusiasm than the present BRF. Regular folks can see and respond to that.
So happy for the veterans and Birmingham, a city of the people.
One more thing – recently came across a prophecy by someone like Nostradamus that predicted Harry as King. Who knows. Maybe these games will highlight him even more as to who he truly is, and the rest for who they truly are.
I actually think it’s not so bad. The UK gets to see what a big deal and great event Invictus is and highlights the brave veterans and Harry as founder. Any nonsense and vitriol by the royal rota and the pettiness by the royal family will be very obvious and laid bare for all to see . The more people learn about what Harry and Meghan stand for, the less power the lies against them have power.
This has been a week of terrible ideas😕 First Biden steps aside…. Now this. The UK government has done nothing to deserve the games. Nothing. Birmingham is basically bankrupt and Meghan might as well stay at home. But….27 is a long ways away. Maybe something good will happen…. I’m not holding out hope.
I didn’t want the UK to get this for obvious reasons but I had a feeling they might because it seemed that Jonny Mercer’s proposal included some efforts to create new care for British vets, new paralympic activities, and wanted to expand IG there in the way that Germany and Australia have and I had a feeling IG would want to be a part of that. It’ll be interesting to see what changes now that Mercer is out but I’d imagine that Labour would be at least slightly less ridiculous about the Sussexes than the Tories were. (Also Mercer’s replacement put out nice comments when Team UK was announced so it seems like he’s supportive too).
I do think we as Sussex supporters have to be careful about what we say publicly about this especially on official channels. The decision has been made; there’s no changing. The only thing posting crap under the IG channels will do is reflect badly on the Sussexes and take away from wha the focus should be: the veterans.
Agreed. Just as I won’t say anything negative about VP Harris on social media, I will not cry about this decision. The derangers get off on our dismay, and they will never get mine, especially not aimed at Invictus Games.
I am going to sit back and watch that family, derangers, and the British media make all of our points for us. They are terrible, Birmingham and Invictus Games are not.
I think Prince Harry is doing it for the British participants of Invictus – they have been treated very badly by both politicians and the royal family. How can a head of state refuse to hold a memorial service for this great Invictus community? Heads of state were present in every country, only his home country constantly betrays him.
Prince Harry is again putting his pain in the background and his consortium of Invictus is following him.
But I, a fearful person, am so afraid that he, his wife and his children will be hurt even more physically and mentally in this country by this horrible press and his own London family.
I am trying not to be afraid but I will follow the couple and Invictus to Birmingham if I have to. Only know one thing – HuM always mean well.
Is that what the new Minister for Veterans Affairs said? “The Invictus Games are just one way we offer lasting support to personnel and veterans facing illness or injury.” Then we already know what Invictus is dealing with in this country. They will create endless competition, not for the veterans, but to hurt Harry and his family.
To me, this seems absolutely awful. But IG had the information, they have the expertise, I’m gonna trust that they know what they’re doing.
Unless there is a total turnaround with the crap show that the BM has been pulling I certainly hope Meghan and her children stay away from that media hellscape.
What I would really love to happen, is that Harry bans the British tabloid from doing first-hand coverage. And if not that, he banned certain reporters.#rotarats
I don’t want Meghan or the kids there. Hell, I don’t even want Harry there. Please iron out all security issues stat!!!
I didn’t want the games in the uk for obvious reasons but when you see the reasons the IG chair sets out it makes sense. Birmingham has a lot of links to the recovery of soldiers & they can do the games in one venue (like Dusseldorf & The Hague) whereas sounds like Washington would be spread out across different sites.
https://t.co/wXLBJDGbof
Sounds like Birmingham just put in a more competitive & cost effective bid. Plus Birmingham has hosted the commonwealth games which includes events for disabled athletes so we know they have the infrastructure in place for adaptive sports & the athletes.
Agreed that an Asian games would be great but there wasn’t an applicable bid for 2027. South Korea are talking about bidding for 2029 games with Nigeria & Italy. at the end of the day IG committee (so not Harry & Meghan!) can only decide based on the bids put in front of them.
I hope the public get behind the games & there will be good media coverage of the games & the athletes. People also need to remember it will mean a lot to the uk athletes to compete in front of a home crowd & I think the broadcast media will respect that.
The press will be messy & I would be surprised if health issues aside Charles or one of the royals like Anne or Edward didn’t attend. I think the grumblings from the veteran community may be too much for the brf to completely ignore. If security is an issue or it’s not good for her mental health Meghan will not attend or just in a v limited capacity. So I’m not too worried about that.
You’ve said it so well, @abritguest! We have to assume that the Sussexes and the organizers of Invictus are not fools and will go into this with eyes wide open.
Also, while the leftovers will certainly try their best to hijack this event and make it about themselves, Harry has already shown that he’s perfectly fine letting the royals “snub” him and look terrible. I think some of them will have to come and a few of his relatives will want to come. The Spencers will come. His true friends will show up. And, I suspect most importantly for Harry, those who support and advocate for veterans will come.
It really doesn’t matter if his father, brother (and their wives) avoid the event or not. But my guess is that they chicken out and make sure that they are on vacation for that exact week or so same as they do now.
What will happen if William is King then?
Nothing re Invictus. William will have no power to stop the international force that is Invictus.
And he’s just going to make himself and the monarchy look like the monsters they are. Come on, Big Boy Global Statesman, show your rage aimed at wounded vets where EVERYONE can see you for who you really are.
I am actually looking forward to this. VP Harris has me riding on a cloud.
Government wants the games there. They put in a bid and allocated money for it. They also lobbied hard with the church service, bringing Harry back to UK to celebrate its 10th year anniversary. Will has to listen to the government with the decisions like that, he can’t do anything. What he can do is to turn the news cycle into hate cycle with his royal reporters. Harry is used to that by now.
@sevenblue, hopefully that support will continue but it was Mercer, who is no longer the Secretary of Defense, that galvanized the support behind the bid. I know nothing about him as a politician but given his evident support of the Invictus Games I would hope he has some kind of presence there.
Some in the rota think the royals would continue to ignore Invictus even if held in uk. Im more inclined to think Charles would feel more obliged to show up than William if he was king by 2027. The games will be in July so I can see William using holidays as an excuse or if there is any pressure for a royal to attend- send Anne , Edward or Sophie to attend.
I think Harry can say hello to Anne and Edward. They support Willy but they haven’t directly attacked Harry.
I though I read that Harry had recused himself from being part of the decision making regarding the next Invictus host city when UK put in a bid. Europe is definitely more accessible for most of the participants. I believe two consecutive IG’s were held in Florida and Toronto and then followed by Australia. I’m willing to believe that Birmingham had the best bid after weighing Invictus priorities.
If nothing changes between now and then, I think it would be better for the royal family to not attend as it would be a distraction and attention away from the athletes. It should be about the veterans, not the smile and wave people. I worry a bit about Archie and Lili- they will be old enough to observe what is going on with the UK royals and the rabid BM. Perhaps some of the current RR and commentators will be “retired” in three years. One can only hope, and that worse will not come in their places.
Agree. I have to say that if William was smart, and he is not, he would find a way to shake Harrys hand and attend the IG’s. He would really make headlines and he could spin it as being the ‘better man’. If William attended and Charles (if able) didn’t that also goes to Williams favor. ‘Sporty Kate’ show up in her jeggings for some pr. I cannot imagine how the UK military feel about all of the military titles and medals going to the RF when they refuse to support their veterans.
If it’s held in the summer, the Wales’s (or king & queen consort by then), will be on vacation. They must be with their family in the summer!!!
The children should find it interesting and it would set a good example to George for his future to learn how to respect injured servicemen and women.
I’m looking at the bright side: The international media, including the U.S. media, will deliver a tutorial to the British media about how to cover the Invictus Games and its amazing athletes.
Hopefully, the British tabloid press will have to learn that lesson remotely.
Eh, IG has been around for ten years; they don’t appear to have learned anything yet.
For the most part I see IG Birmingham as really good. No way the gov’t or military would allow lax security for Harry and his family during IG. Harry will be the global stateman right in William’s backyard. I hope a garden party is the RF counter programming again 🙂 I even think this gives Meghan latitude to visit the UK without meeting the Windsor’s. Hopefully the Spencer’s turn out. My only worry is a royal funeral with Harry, and Meghan, being in the same horrible limbo as when QEII died.
I’m trying to get there with you, but kind of need a minute, as I did with Biden dropping out.
I’m thinking it will be very nice for Birmingham and the Sussexes will handle it the best way for them!
Boo!!! Somebody got a suitcase full of cash.
The IG committee did not “do Harry dirty”. There is no way this decision was made without Harry’s full participation. He is not some do nothing figure head. He has been deeply involved with all aspects of the Games organization from Day One. He has spoken openly about wanting IG to come back to the UK. The BRF/BM are trash but the UK is the founding country for Invictus. The city of Birmingham has a deep connection to the military community. The fact that this bid was put together and was successful shows how committed certain people are to supporting Invictus despite all the BS that has been thrown at Harry and the games. Despite what the BM wants there are people in the UK who love and respect what IG has done. Harry is not going to let the BRF/BM interfere with that. Since 2020, the BRF/BM have been openly trying to either take IG away from him or undermine the IG itself. They have not succeeded. The games are thriving. The Invictus community is thriving GLOBALLY. Look at how Harry handled this latest manufactured controversy surrounding the ESPY’S. He turned that into a triumph for Invictus. Will there be BS yes. But there would have been anyway. No matter where the Games were held. Harry will handle it Invictus will handle it. The Games will continue to thrive. You don’t have to give energy to the BS. Follow IG social media for news about the games. Tune out the BM that will try their best to make this about the BRF. The support for IG is going to be off the charts. Look at the media coverage of the launch today.
Also. I personally believe that a part of the reason the BRF/BM have been so insane about IG is because they knew this was a possibility. A bid like this doesn’t happen over night. This had to have been in the “planning stage” for years behind the scenes. The last thing the BRF/BM want is for Harry to be on display at his best in the UK yet this happened anyway. They received private and public funding for this despite the best efforts of the BRF/BM to taint this. As I said before I think the support for this is going to be off the charts. In the end I think the BRF will either ignore it or at some point try to clout chase off of it. The BM will want the clicks coverage of the event will provide. So they will cover it. At some point though in the face of the support for it they will look like the devils they are if they try to undermine it. The world will be watching.
They will definitely try to clout chase, but by then they will have completely ignored the athletes of THREE Invictus Games, so… yeah.
IMO Harry & Meghan will handle IG being England with their usual grace and kindness. They are both aware of everything that could happen, probably will happen, and how to deal with all of it. There is so much else to freak out about right now.
I was stunned when I heard the news. Initially, I am not at all happy about it. I have dread. Yet, they know what they are doing. The positives are (I’m having to tell myself the positives) that IG get bigger and gain more following each year, and the supporters are fierce. The Rota won’t be allowed, and they will FEEL it. The Royal followers are grade school children, so they will take note when Birmingham is crazy for Harry and his wife, as have been EVERYONE else. And I do want Meghan to go, and the children, because they will be safe and completely embraced. I don’t want Meghan not to be able to join her husband, because she is a big part of the games and everyone is crazy about her and want to see her. My only thought though was that I hope Harry steps up counterattacks if necessary, because it is just not fair. I want the salty isles to see how much everyone else loves them and is welcoming. I just can’t see him going if it is not a good thing.
Let’s not panic. I think this a strategic move on the part of the Inviçtus Games Foundation and Prince Harry. Support for U.K veterans especially disabled veterans has been piss poor. The Inviçtus Games at the Hague the U.K government sent their disabled veterans in a bus and not one of their military commanders supported them. Also remember Harry and Meghan where in Birmingham for One Child Charity and they recieved a warm welcoming reception. I think security for this U.K Invictus Games will be off the chain for H&M. But this puts the royal family with their chocolate medals in the hot seat. Just like the Invictus Games tenth anniversary ceremony in London did. King Charles is not popular, just look at the empty streets when he rode in his golden carriage to the opening of parliament. And if in three years William becomes King and he tries to stand in the way of this it’s the end of his monarch as far as I am concerned.
I think it’s awesome. It’s going to force the BRF to show their petty panties. They are gonna be too caught up in their self-important bullshit to support wounded veterans. I’m gonna need lots of popcorn.
I am right there with you!
Maybe this is good? … Three years is a long time.
The only bright side I see is the Windsors not being happy with the decision. Harry and Meghan (if she comes) will be in the spotlight and if the BRF steps in they will be second fiddle. If security is secured by the government Charles has no say and the government would put up for the accommodations. It would be a leadership test for William to see if he gives any support to IG and step back to let his brother shine. But given how Kate and William are,I see no effort on their part to be adults. Harry and Meghan be going back to an hostile environment created by the BM and the BRF. The fact that Harry abstained from voting for the host city shows leadership and the focus should be on the veterans. William would have pressured the committee to his preference. The wrong son is inheriting the throne.
There’s something unsettling about a Prince being designated stateless because of “reasons” meaning racism. I hope the security is tight. I hope the kids go with Meghan for their heritage.
But this stings and I hate it so much.
Urrghhh
I felt disappointed when I first heard Birmingham, although I expected it. I don’t underestimate the pettiness of the Windsors or the vileness of the BM and specifically the RR. However, all the negativity and “fears” expressed by people is really a downer already. There is the Vancouver games to come, and the negativity is not at all helpful to anyone. I think perhaps it’s time to trust the competence of the Invictus Games Foundation, the UK organizing committee, the veterans from all the participating countries, the Invictus Community and above all Prince Harry. Trust that the work of Invictus will continue to grow and do matchless work for veterans and their families, support and look forward to Vancouver, and do some research on Birmingham and how it handles its run-up to the games. I assume that the Foundation ensured the support of the government before making its announcement. Thankfully the Tories are out in the UK, but too bad about Mercer. He and the military, and the Birmingham committee must have done an extraordinary job on the bid.
Just as the Americans have recovered from the blow of Biden stepping down, and are energized to work for a Harris and Democrat victory in November, Sussex supporters should move forward with more positive energy and continued support for Harry and Invictus, and if not personally involved as volunteers, put emotional and moral support behind the Games. I’m not American, and we have our own fears in Canada, but a victory for the Democrats can only generate relief and hope north of the border.
I really don’t care if/when Harry goes to the UK just as long as he doesn’t drag Meghan with him. I hope she has the good sense to sit this IG out at home with her babies. We’re already 3yrs away from the game and I’ve already read articles about how they need to bring and show off the children to gain favor with the UK public. So the bs has already started and it would be another shyt show like 2022 the last time she was there. Meghan needs to sit this one out and let Harry do it on his own especially with them not being granted needed security and he’s not winning any cases over it either.
The derangers clamor to see the children so they can compare them to their perfect Wales kids.
And will pick apart little kids’ appearances. That’s how vile they are. Once they grow up more and read the vitriol they will be shocked.