Prince Harry has received a major international accolade, returning to an extremely prestigious list after a long absence. The Duke of Sussex has been recognised as one of the world's most influential sporting figures, earning a place on TIME Magazine's 100 Most Influential People in Sport 2026 list for the first time in five years.
Harry was named in the publication's 'Leaders' category alongside some of the biggest names in global sport, including NFL star Myles Garrett, world No. 1 tennis player Aryna Sabalenka and long-distance running champion Faith Kipyegon.
The honour recognises Harry's work establishing the Invictus Games in 2014, the international sporting competition for wounded, injured and sick servicemen, women and veterans that has become his signature charitable project.
The Inspiration Behind the Games
Speaking to TIME senior correspondent Sean Gregory, Harry reflected on the moment that inspired him to create the Games after attending the Warrior Games in the United States in 2013, shortly after completing his second tour of Afghanistan.
"I thought, 'Wow, look at the power of sport, look at how it is literally changing lives in front of my very eyes'," he said. "It was so clear to me. Let's invite as many countries as possible to make it international, because clearly more countries need to benefit from this."
Just a year later, Harry launched the inaugural Invictus Games at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London, bringing together more than 400 military personnel and veterans from 13 countries.
Impact on Participants
More than a decade on, he believes the event continues to provide former service members with a renewed sense of identity and purpose. "When you are wearing your nation's flag on your arm, on your chest, once that's removed, there's something that's missing," Harry said. "What we've managed to achieve through Invictus over the years is not only to give people their purpose and their meaning back, but give them their identity back."
Since stepping back from royal duties alongside wife Meghan Markle in 2020, Harry has continued to oversee the Games from the couple's home in Montecito, California. The competition has since expanded significantly, with six further editions taking place.
Recent and Future Games
The most recent Games were held in Vancouver and Whistler, Canada, in 2025 and featured winter sports for the first time. Attention is now turning to Birmingham, which will host the next summer Invictus Games in 2027. The event is expected to welcome 550 competitors from 25 nations.
Reports have suggested Harry has invited his estranged father, King Charles III, to attend or help open the Games, although neither Buckingham Palace nor the Sussexes have publicly confirmed those claims.
Life-Saving Impact
Reflecting on the impact Invictus has had on participants, Harry said the event has done far more than simply foster competition. "One thing that we really celebrate at Invictus is not only do we change lives, but we save lives as well," Harry said. "That's not based on anything other than the amount of individuals that come up to me and say, 'If it wasn't for Invictus, I would have killed myself'."
The father-of-two, who grew up playing rugby, soccer, cricket and polo, also credited sport with helping him navigate difficult periods in his own life. "Sport held me together."
Previous TIME Recognition
The latest recognition marks the second time Harry has been honoured by TIME. He was previously named among the world's most influential people in 2021, when he and Meghan appeared on the magazine's cover after being included in its 'Icons' category for their humanitarian work via their charitable organisation Archewell Foundation, now known as Archewell Philanthropies.
