Prince Harry thanked Dominic Reid for his ‘relentless service’ after 10 years working for Invictus Games on Friday.
The Duke of Sussex, 39, has thanked the Invictus Games Foundation’s chief executive for his ‘dedication and ‘leadership’ as the charity’s boss announced he was stepping down after a decade in the role.
The prince said he was ‘immensely grateful’ to his friend Reid for transforming the Paralympic-style sporting competition for wounded, injured and sick military personnel and veterans from an ambitious idea into a global movement.
Harry, who founded Invictus in 2014, praised his tireless efforts and spoke of the journey they shared together in a heartfelt statement.
He said: ‘I am immensely grateful to my friend, Dominic, whose dedication and leadership transformed the Invictus Games from an ambitious idea to an internationally recognised movement.
Prince Harry thanked Dominic Reid (left) for his ‘relentless service’ after 10 years working for Invictus Games in a heartfelt statement on Friday
‘His tireless efforts over the past decade have supported thousands of wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans through sports rehabilitation, helping to showcase their unparalleled strength and contribution to society.’
He added: ‘Thank you, Dominic, for a decade of relentless service to the Invictus Games Foundation.
‘What a journey it has been, and how fortunate we are to work with such an incredible community of people.
‘We pray we don’t need the Games for another 10 years, but thanks to you, the team and our future CEO, we will be ready.’
Announcing his decision, Mr Reid said it was ‘the time for someone new to take this vital movement forward into its second vigorous decade’.
He said the search for his successor would be an important one and that he looked forward to passing on the baton and continuing to support the foundation, adding: ‘Once a member of the Invictus family, you never leave.’
Harry, who stepped down as a working member of the royal family in 2020 for a new life in the US, returned to the UK briefly in May to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Invictus with a special service at St Paul’s Cathedral.
Former soldier Mr Reid said: ‘I have delivered the 10-year vision I set out, which includes the introduction of winter sport which is close to my heart as a former biathlete.
The Duke of Sussex , 39, has thanked the Invictus Games Foundation’s chief executive for his ‘dedication and ‘leadership’ as the charity’s boss announced he was stepping down after a decade in the role
Invictus Games Foundation CEO Dominic Reid, (left) Harry, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex (centre) at the Invictus Games The Hague 2020 Opening Ceremony
‘I remain the Pageantmaster of the Lord Mayor’s Show and look forward to the exciting new projects I am developing.’
Harry, who served on the frontline in Afghanistan, was inspired to set up the global tournament after attending the Warrior Games in Colorado in 2013 and seeing how injured American military personnel thrived on the challenge of taking part in competitive sports that aided their recovery.
The duke went on to stage the inaugural games in London’s Olympic Park in 2014 and the tournament has since been held across the globe in Orlando, Toronto, Sydney, the Hague and Dusseldorf, with the first Winter hybrid Games being hosted in Vancouver and Whistler in 2025.
Preparations are underway to announce the host city for the 2027 Games, with Birmingham and Washington DC up against one another on the final shortlist.
Reid described it a ‘privilege to work closely’ with Harry, saying: ‘His concept, passion, and drive have been instrumental in our success, in particular by focusing attention on mental health in sports rehabilitation.’
It comes after Harry and Reid marked the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games in London in May.
Harry paid tribute to the Invictus Games family’s ‘commitment, enthusiasm and belief’ and joined an Invictus conference looking back over the past decade.
Harry arrived at the Honourable Artillery Company’s headquarters on the edge of the City of London for the one-day summit, called the Invictus Games Foundation Conversation, ahead of tomorrow’s service
It comes after Harry and Reid marked the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games in London in May
Harry at Armoury House in London today for an Invictus Games panel with Louise Minchin
Harry at Armoury House in London today for an Invictus Games panel with Louise Minchin
Prince Harry speaks with a member of the Company of Pikemen and Musketeers at the Honourable Artillery Company in London today
Writing in the foreword for the summit, Harry said: ‘It has been an honour to watch the Invictus Games Foundation grow over the years; what began as a vision to pay tribute to the courage and resilience of wounded, injured, and sick service personnel and veterans, has flourished into an international organisation built on hope, strength, and unity.’
Harry was inspired to found the global tournament after attending the Warrior Games in Colorado in 2013 and seeing how injured American military personnel thrived on the challenge of taking part in competitive sports that aided their recovery.
He went on to stage the inaugural games in London’s Olympic Park in 2014, followed by Orlando in 2016, Toronto in 2017 and Sydney 2018.
Organisers said after 2020, Invictus will be staged every two years, but The Hague Games planned for that year was delayed by the pandemic until 2022, followed by Dusseldorf 2023, while Vancouver Whistler is planned for 2025.
The duke wrote: ‘As we look ahead to the first winter hybrid Games at Vancouver Whistler 2025 next year, we are eager to celebrate the Invictus Spirit once again – exemplified in every single competitor, staff, friend and family member – your commitment, enthusiasm and belief, have been the driving force behind our continued success.’
He added: ‘Together, we have created a legacy that transcends sports; a community that embraces compassion, respect, and the unyielding belief in the power of the human spirit. As we celebrate this milestone, let us recommit to the Invictus mission.’