Prince Harry announces return of the Invictus Games in Orlando, USA

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Prince Harry has announced that the Invictus Games will be held next year
The Games will take place between the 8th and 11th May in Orlando
Prince, 30, said he is 'delighted' by the choice of host city
Harry made the announcement in a video message released by the Palace
He is currently taking part in anti-poaching operations in Namibia

Published: 04:55 EST, 14 July 2015 | Updated: 11:05 EST, 14 July 2015

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Prince Harry has announced that the Invictus Games will return next May and will be held in Orlando, a Florida city best known for its many theme parks.

Harry, 30, who is currently working with anti-poaching patrols in northern Namibia, made the announcement in a video message released by Kensington Palace.

The Games, which see wounded former servicemen take part in a range of different sports, made their debut in London in September 2014.

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It's back! Prince Harry announced the return of the Invictus Games in a video message released by the Palace

Harry, who organised the Invictus Games and even took part in a game of wheelchair rugby, said in the message that he had always hoped the inaugural event would be 'just the beginning'.

'As I've continued to work with wounded servicemen and women, I regularly see the power of the soldiers' stories to inspire others,' he said.

'For every competitor last September, there are hundreds of others around the world who would benefit from having the same opportunity.

'I wanted other cities and countries to look at the competition - what it meant to those taking part and those who saw it - and take up the challenge for the next Invictus Games.'

Since the end of the 2014 Games, the Invictus Games Foundation been inundated with bids from countries and cities interested in hosting the Games in future.

Prince Harry announces the second Invictus Games in Orlando

Success: Last year's Games were a huge success, with Harry joining athletes for a game of wheelchair rugby

Project: The Games are a pet project of Prince Harry's and he took a hands-on role in organising them

Royal support: He had support from his brother Prince William and father, the Prince of Wales

Harry practices MURDERBALL for 2014 charity Invictus match

According to Kensington Palace, the US bid for Orlando won the rights to next year's event, which takes place between the 8th and 12th May, thanks to the city’s 'outstanding sporting facilities and great tourist infrastructure'.

'I am absolutely delighted that the United States has taken up that challenge and will host the next Invictus Games in 2016,' added Harry.

'I have no doubt that the USA will set the bar even higher than London did and put on a great show.'

Speaking about the Orlando Games, organiser Ken Fisher said: 'Sport and exercise are important to the health and healing of our wounded warriors.

'We are honoured the Invictus Games is coming to the United States. The competitors, their families and caregivers are all inspirations and each of their stories is a testament to courage, love and perseverance.'

Harry added: 'I can’t wait to see the American public supporting these inspirational men and women at the next games. And what better place to host such a great family event than Orlando.'

The Invictus Games are a personal project of Prince Harry's and were inspired by the Warrior Games - a US initiative witnessed by the prince during a visit to Colorado in 2013.

Entertainment: James Blunt, himself a former soldier, was among the acts to perform in the closing concert

Inspiration: Prince Harry's 2013 trip to the Warrior Games in Colorado inspired the Invictus Games

Return: The prince, pictured in Colorado, said he is 'delighted' with the choice of Orlando

NZ wheelchair rugby players break out Haka at 2014 games

Last year's event, the first, proved a huge success and attracted competitors from all over the world, including Denmark, the US and Afghanistan.

The opening ceremony, which was held at the Queen Elizabeth Park in east London, was attended by the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, as well as William and Harry.

Michelle Obama was among the high-profile names to record video messages, while Denmark's Crown Prince Frederik was among the guests.

Events included archery, athletics and wheelchair rugby, while the closing concert saw performances from Ellie Goulding and the Foo Fighters among others.

News of the new Games has been welcomed by servicemen, among them Paul Wilson who competed for Team GB in archery last year.

'After very difficult times over the last few years, taking part in sport has been a massive help to me,' he said. 'It’s given me a sense of purpose, a structure to my life and something to focus on.

'Competing in the Invictus Games last year was a life-changing experience for me and inspired me in so many more ways than I could have imagined.

'I am so excited the Games are happening again and will inspire hundreds more men and women around the world on their journey to recovery.'

Harry, who recently left the Army after more than a decade of service, is currently working on conservation projects in Africa but will return to the UK in the autumn.

Along with organising the next Invictus Games, he will also take part in the Walk of Britain - a fundraiser aimed at raising money for veterans charity, Walking with the Wounded.