Prince Harry shared a video message online just moments after the Royal Family made their appearance at this year's Trooping the Colour. The 41-year-old appeared in a clip posted for the Invictus Germany Sports Festival 2026, which runs from June 12 to 14.
Harry's Message to Invictus Athletes
In the video, posted during the second Invictus Germany Sports Festival, Harry addressed attendees: "Thank you for your service... have a fantastic time in Dusseldorf. Lean on those when you need to and celebrate everything you have achieved, and most importantly, have fun."
Harry, who resigned from his senior working royal duties in 2020, has not been present at Trooping the Colour since 2019.
Royal Family at Trooping the Colour
The royals gathered in London to celebrate the monarch's official birthday, a traditional ceremony that occurs annually in June. The horse-drawn carriages departed Buckingham Palace to travel along The Mall at roughly 10.45am, with Harry's message appearing online at around 11.11am, reports the Express.
Harry was present at the 2019 Trooping the Colour alongside his wife, Meghan Markle, with the pair having welcomed Prince Archie just weeks beforehand. The former working royal is expected to visit the UK next month for the one-year countdown celebration for the 2027 Invictus Games, scheduled to be held in Birmingham. It is unclear whether Meghan and their two youngsters, Archie and Lilibet, will accompany him to the UK.
History and Significance of the Invictus Games
Harry established the Games in 2014, with the inaugural event held in London. The competition will be back in the UK next year. The Birmingham Games are scheduled to run from July 10 to 17, 2027.
Trooping the Colour Ceremony Details
Trooping the Colour is as much a social occasion as a ceremonial event. Stands around Horse Guards Parade were filled with about 8,000 family members of the guards and officers on parade. Crowds had gathered in The Mall to watch the royal family's carriage procession from Buckingham Palace, with Charles and Camilla in the middle of a Sovereign's Escort provided by the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment.
Riding behind the King were the royal colonels – the Prince of Wales, who is Colonel of the Welsh Guards; the Princess Royal, Colonel of the Blues and Royals; and the Duke of Edinburgh as Colonel of the Scots Guards. The way was led by the Band of the Household Cavalry with two shire horses bearing solid silver kettle drums and musicians.
The route was lined for the first time by personnel from all three military services, including units from the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards to the 26 Engineer Regiment, 16th and 4th Regiments Royal Artillery, the Royal Lancers, the RAF Regiment and the Royal Navy.
