ST PAUL’S CATHEDRAL hosted a service to mark the tenth anniversary of the Invictus Games on Wednesday afternoon. The Duke of Sussex, who founded the sporting event for wounded soldiers, read from 1 Corinthians 12.4-11 (“There are varieties of gifts, but the same spirit”).
He was met at the door of the cathedral by the Dean of St Paul’s, the Very Revd Andrew Tremlett. During the service, Dean Tremlett paid tribute to those involved in the Games. “We recall, with admiration, the skill, and determination of those who seek to repair, rehabilitate, and reclaim the lives of those living with serious illness or injury: changing and saving lives.
“We acknowledge, with gratitude, the courage and strength of those wounded, injured, or sick servicemen and -women who have sought a pathway to recovery, encouraging those who live in darkness by the unconquered light of their spirit.”
Prince Harry attended the service during a brief visit to the UK, but did not meet his father the King, owing, a spokesperson said, due to “his Majesty’s full programme”.
On the same afternoon as the service at St Paul’s, the King was hosting a garden party at Buckingham Palace which was attended by several Anglican bishops.
The Bishop of Southwark, the Rt Revd Christopher Chessun, wrote on social media that he was “delighted to see His Majesty The King resume royal duties”.
Also in attendance were the Bishop of Croydon, Dr Rosemarie Mallett; the Bishop of Ramsbury, Dr Andrew Rumsey; and the former Primate of the Anglican Church of Korea, the Rt Revd Moses Nay Jun Yoo, who is currently an Assistant Bishop in the diocese of Southwark, where he ministers to the Korean community.