Prince Harry admits plans for new Invictus centre gave him 'goosebumps'

Prince Harry admits plans for new Invictus centre gave him 'goosebumps'

Watch: Kriss Akabusi talks about Prince Harry forming the Invictus Games

GB News
Hannah Ross

By Hannah Ross


Published: 22/05/2024

- 22:35

The Duke of Sussex was shown plans for a new centre during his recent trip to Nigeria

  • Meghan and Harry recently returned from a three-day trip to Nigeria to promote the Invictus Games
  • The architect of the new centre said that the facility would be a “healing space” for veterans and soldiers
  • Have your say: Did you enjoy seeing Harry and Meghan visit Nigeria? Just click the comment button above now

Prince Harry admitted that plans for a new Invictus centre gave him “goosebumps.”

The Duke of Sussex was shown plans for a proposed Invictus Games Centre in Abuja, Nigeria while he and Meghan visited in May.


The facility will provide a “healing” space for veterans and soldiers in the West African country.

Prince Harry spoke about the proposed centre in awe after he was shown computer-generated images of the facility during a reception held by the Chief of Defense Staff General Christopher Musa during the couple’s tour.

Prince Harry

Prince Harry founded the Invictus Games in 2014

Getty

During the reception, Harry said service personnel not being “defined by their injuries” was a growing belief among the wounded.

The prince said: “And that is what the new centre you’re building is all about. Seeing the plans for the new Invictus Centre gives me goosebumps.”

Harry added that the Nigerian team had been a welcome addition to the Invictus Games.

He said they “represented their service and this country, extraordinarily — won medals and came back with smiles on their faces.”

Invictus Games Centre

The proposed Invictus Centre in Abuja, Nigeria

Defence Headquarters Abuja

The architect of the new centre, Kobina Banning, described the space as “a healing place for veterans.”

Banning told PEOPLE: “Nigeria has the largest army in Africa, and with everything that is happening, this will give more hope for those who are serving as they know that if something was to happen there is this facility to fall back on.

"It will help them heal but also is telling them they are not being left alone.”

Banning explained that the “pioneering institution” was inspired “by the rich architectural heritage of courtyard housing, the facility's design embodies the timeless beauty and functionality of traditional hollow squares, fostering a sense of unity, community, and openness.

Invictus Games Centre

The proposed plans for the Invictus Games centre gave Prince Harry "goosebumps"

Defence Headquarters Abuja

“Here...soldiers embark on a transformative journey of healing, hope, and renewal."

The Sussexes' three-day tour of Nigeria largely focused on promoting the Invictus Games and the country's effort to rehabilitate injured soldiers.

The trip came after Nigeria entered their own team at last year’s event in Dusseldorf, Germany for the first time.

The next Invictus Games are set to be held in Vancouver and Whistler, Canada in February 2025.

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