Invictus Games Flag to Join Carrier Strike Ahead of Invictus Games Birmingham 2027
The Invictus Games flag, a powerful emblem of unity, trust, and duty, has officially set off on its remarkable journey to the Invictus Games Birmingham 2027. More than just a ceremonial transfer, this journey stands as a living tribute to the sacrifice of all who serve or have served. As the flag crosses continents and communities, it will weave a story of global solidarity amongst the Invictus Games community.
The journey began in Vancouver, British Columbia, at the conclusion of the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025, where the flag was passed to Team UK, the hosts for Birmingham 2027. From there, it embarked on its journey to the British Army Training Unit Suffield (BATUS), where it was welcomed by British and Canadian forces. The flag was conveyed across the North Atlantic aboard HMCS Ville de Québec. This leg of the journey was granted courtesy of the Canadian Navy, helping us to carry forward the Invictus Spirit across the seas and strengthen our bonds within an international community.
Upon reaching the UK earlier this month, the next chapter of the flag’s odyssey will begin aboard HMS Prince of Wales (PWLS), one of the Royal Navy’s most advanced aircraft carriers. As the ship deploys as part of the UK Carrier Strike Group (CSG), along with an international task group, many from Invictus Games’ countries, the flag will travel alongside her crew, over thousands of nautical miles to serve as a dynamic ambassador for the Games; a symbol of unity, hope and unconquerable spirit.
As it travels aboard PWLS, the Invictus Games flag will visit countries with strong military traditions and deep connections to its community. These international stops along the Strike Group's deployment voyage will provide powerful opportunities to share the spirit and message of the Games far beyond the host nation - reinforcing the international and inclusive spirit at the heart of the Invictus Games and advocating it further among the Armed Forces Wounded, Injured and Sick community, serving and veteran, along with their families.
In parallel, those onboard will take part in a range of activities, including mental health and wellbeing workshops, team sport challenges, and resilience-building exercises - all rooted in the Games’ core principles of recovery through sport and the strength found in shared experience. These engagements will connect the military community on board with the ethos of the Invictus Games, aiming to build solidarity and understanding of the Games in the most fitting of environments: among those who serve.
When the Carrier Strike Group returns to the UK, the Invictus Games flag will continue its extraordinary journey across the country, carrying with it stories and memories, evoking the Invictus Spirit. Its path will lead toward Birmingham, where it will be proudly raised at the NEC during the official ‘One Year to Go’ ceremony for the Invictus Games Birmingham 2027. This moment will mark an exciting milestone in the flag’s ongoing voyage - a powerful symbol of what’s to come as it prepares to embark on a wider national adventure starting in July 2026, building momentum toward what promises to be an unforgettable Games.
To follow along our journey, visit our website page here.