Prince Harry has spoken about his dreams for the Invictus Games – the Paralympic style sporting event he founded for wounded servicemen and women. Harry, who will be drawing the curtain on this year's games with a closing ceremony on Sunday night, said that he has big plans to make the competition an annual affair. "The question is, 'What do we do next year?'" said Harry, who revealed that America was showing interest in hosting the games for 2016, and Canada for 2017.
© Photo: Getty ImagesPrince Harry said he would love to bring the Invictus Games up north
"I personally would love to keep it in the UK," he said. "So many good things happen in London where the rest of the country has to watch on TV or travel long distance. "If we can take this up north then it would be great. If we can keep it in the UK next year and then go abroad, I think we'll have done a really good job." Harry cited Manchester, Sheffield and Glasgow as possible locations for future Invictus Games events, which this year was held at London's Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
Pippa and James Middleton join Peter and Autumn Phillips at Invictus Games match
© Photo: Getty ImagesPrince Harry took part in a wheelchair rugby match during this year's Invictus Games
The fourth-in-line to the throne, who celebrates his 30th birthday on Monday, perhaps gave a nod to Glasgow as the Scottish city successfully hosted the Commonwealth Games over the summer, beating Nigeria's Abuja and Canada's Halifax to the bid. The games, which were first held in 1930, bring together hundreds of athletes from the Commonwealth of Nations, of which Harry's grandmother The Queen is head.
Harry takes part in wheelchair rugby match with Zara and Mike TindallThe opening ceremony of the Invictus Games on Wednesday evening was welcomed with excitement from spectators and praise for Harry's achievement. He had been planning the sporting event – based on America's Warrior Games – since the start of this year, after he quit his job as an Army Air Corp helicopter pilot.
© Photo: Getty ImagesPrince Harry's games have been supported by famous faces including Boris Johnson
At the time of the March launch, Harry spoke highly of the nation's injured army personnel, saying, "I have witnessed firsthand how the power of sport can positively impact the lives of wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women in their journey of recovery." Harry added that the games would focus on "what they can achieve post-injury" as well as "celebrate their fighting spirit". The games will culminate with the Jaguar Land Rover Invictus Games Closing Concert on Sunday evening, headlined by the Foo Fighters and featuring sets from Harry's good friend James Blunt as well as the Military Wives Choirs and other acts.
