Prince Harry Returns to Britain for First Invictus Spirit Awards

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, stepped out in London on Sept. 17 for his first public appearance since arriving back in Britain.

The occasion was the inaugural Invictus Spirit Awards, held at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich, according to Town & Country. The duke arrived solo just after 6:30 p.m. UK time.

He wore a dark suit and bow tie with his medals pinned to his chest. The group included his Afghan Campaign medal, his Golden, Diamond and Platinum Jubilee medals, and his Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order medal.

That last honor, an award for service to the monarch, was given to him in 2015. The duke served in the British Army for a decade, including two tours in Afghanistan.

Asked how things were going as he arrived, he answered briefly. "Good. It's good to be back on British soil."

The evening was designed to celebrate people who thrived in or made an outstanding contribution to the Invictus Games community. The Invictus Games are the international sports competition the duke founded for wounded, injured and sick service members and veterans.

Security shaped the night. The exact venue was kept secret until after his arrival. The duke no longer has taxpayer-funded police protection in Britain and traveled with his own privately funded security team.

The project has stayed with him. He stepped back in 2020 as a working royal, a family member who carries out official duties for the monarch, and kept Invictus as one of his few continuing charitable commitments.

What makes this stand out is the fit. Invictus grew out of his own military service. More than a decade later, it remains his most visible link to that life in uniform.