Michelle Turner Hails Prince Harry’s Invictus Games for Transforming Her Life
Michelle Turner, a 45-year-old military veteran and former Royal Air Force sergeant, has credited Prince Harry with changing her life, highlighting the positive impact of the Invictus Games. Her heartfelt remarks come amid ongoing public debate surrounding Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, following his controversial ESPY award win earlier this month.
Turner’s inspiring statement was made on Tuesday, July 23, coinciding with the announcement that the Invictus Games will return to Birmingham, UK, in 2027. The international multi-sport event, launched by Prince Harry in 2014, supports wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women, both active-duty and veterans.
Turner, who has a heart condition that causes sudden collapses, attributes the Invictus Games with giving her hope. Reflecting on a significant moment at a 10-year celebration event at St. Paul’s Cathedral in May, Turner shared with PEOPLE how she, her husband John, and their 11-year-old daughter Maya read a poem at the service. She tearfully recounted Prince Harry personally praising her after she received a standing ovation.
"How do you ever thank somebody for changing your life, changing your family's life? There are no words," she said.
Having competed in the Toronto 2017 and Sydney 2018 Games, Turner praised the atmosphere and the impact of the event. "All I see here is smiles. It is giving people a focus again. He is so relatable and so lovely to everybody, and he loves this Invictus Games," she told the Express.
Excited for the future, Turner added, "You struggle to explain the magic but people will be able to come along and see it for themselves and feel that magic and inspiration. We will fill the stands."
The return of the Invictus Games to the UK marks the first time the event will be hosted in the country since its inauguration in London in 2014. Choosing Birmingham as the host city is significant, as it is close to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, a key facility for returning injured service personnel, and Fisher House, which provides accommodation for families during hospital recoveries.
