Charity head Prince Harry steps down: Duke thanks Dominic Reid for ‘tireless service’ after 10 years working for Invictus Games

Prince Harry thanked Dominic Reid on Friday for his “tireless work” after 10 years at the Invictus Games.

The 39-year-old Duke of Sussex thanked the chief executive of the Invictus Games Foundation for his “dedication and leadership” as the charity’s boss announced he would step down after a decade in the role.

The prince said he was “enormously grateful” to his friend Reid for transforming the Paralympic sporting competition for wounded, injured and sick servicemen and veterans from an ambitious idea into a global movement.

Harry, who founded Invictus in 2014, praised his tireless efforts and spoke in a heartfelt statement about the journey they have been on together.

He said: ‘I am immensely grateful to my friend Dominic, whose dedication and leadership transformed the Invictus Games from an ambitious idea into an internationally recognised movement.

Prince Harry thanked Dominic Reid (left) for his “tireless 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 ill service members and veterans through sports rehabilitation, allowing them to demonstrate their unparalleled strength and contribution to society.”

He added: “Thank you, Dominic, for a decade of tireless service to the Invictus Games Foundation.

‘What a journey it has been and how privileged we are to work with such an incredible community of people.

“We pray that the Games will not be needed again for another 10 years, but thanks to you, the team and our future CEO, we are ready.”

Announcing his decision, Mr Reid said it was “time for someone else to take this important movement forward and into a powerful second decade”.

He said the search for a successor would be important and that he looked forward to passing the baton and continuing to support the foundation. He added: ‘Once you are part 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, briefly returned to the UK in May to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Invictus with a special service at St Paul’s Cathedral.

Former serviceman Reid said: ‘I have delivered on the vision I set out for the next 10 years, which includes introducing winter sports, which is close to my heart as a former biathlete.

The 39-year-old Duke of Sussex thanked the chief executive of the Invictus Games Foundation for his “dedication and leadership” as the charity’s boss announced he would step down after a decade in the role

Dominic Reid, CEO of the Invictus Games Foundation (left), Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex (centre) at the Opening Ceremony of the Invictus Games The Hague 2020

‘I will remain as Pageantmaster of the Lord Mayor’s Show and look forward to the exciting new projects I develop.’

Harry, who served on the front lines in Afghanistan, was inspired to create the global tournament after attending the Warrior Games in Colorado in 2013 and seeing how injured US military personnel thrived on the challenge of participating in competitive sports that aided their recovery.

The Duke hosted the first Games in 2014 at the Olympic Park in London, and since then the tournament has been held around the world in Orlando, Toronto, Sydney, The Hague and Düsseldorf. The first hybrid Winter Games will be held in Vancouver and Whistler in 2025.

Preparations are underway to announce the host city for the 2027 Games, with Birmingham and Washington DC on the shortlist.

Reid described it as “a privilege to work closely” with Harry, saying: “His concept, passion and drive have played a major role in our success, particularly through the focus on mental health in sports rehabilitation.”

This came after Harry and Reid celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games in London in May.

Harry paid tribute to the ‘commitment, enthusiasm and belief’ of the Invictus Games family and took part in an Invictus conference looking back on the past decade.

Harry arrived at the Honourable Artillery Company headquarters on the outskirts of the City of London for the one-day summit, dubbed the Invictus Games Foundation Conversation, ahead of tomorrow’s service

It comes after Harry and Reid celebrated 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 to a member of the Company of Pikemen and Musketeers at the Honourable Artillery Company in London today

Harry wrote in the summit’s foreword: ‘It has been an honour to watch the Invictus Games Foundation grow over the years. What began as a vision to honour the courage and resilience of wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women and veterans has grown into an international organisation built on hope, strength and unity.’

Harry was inspired to create this global tournament after attending the 2013 Warrior Games in Colorado and seeing how injured US military personnel thrived on the challenge of participating in competitive sports that aided their recovery.

In 2014, he hosted the first Olympic Games at the Olympic Park in London, followed by Orlando in 2016, Toronto in 2017 and Sydney 2018.

Organizers said Invictus would be held every two years after 2020, but the Games scheduled for that year in The Hague were postponed to 2022 due to the pandemic, followed by Düsseldorf 2023, while Vancouver Whistler is scheduled for 2025.

The Duke wrote: ‘As we look ahead to the first Hybrid Winter Games in Vancouver Whistler 2025 next year, we look forward to once again celebrating the Invictus Spirit, embodied by every competitor, staff member, friend and family member. Your dedication, enthusiasm and belief are the driving force behind our continued success.’

He added: ‘Together, we have created a legacy that extends beyond sport; a community that embraces compassion, respect and an unwavering belief in the power of the human spirit. As we celebrate this milestone, let us recommit ourselves to the Invictus mission.’