Prince Harry, a former British Army captain, founded the Invictus Games, an adaptive sports competition for sick, injured, and wounded service members and veterans, earlier in 2014.
According to The People on February 8, Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, carried on the tradition at the opening ceremony of the 2025 Invictus Games in Vancouver, Canada, by taking over the stage and greeting the veterans and service members to the adapted sports competition.Prince Harry, a former British Army captain, founded the Invictus Games, an adaptive sports competition for sick, injured, and wounded service members and veterans, earlier in 2014.
According to The People, Prince Harry remarked, "We gather here in Vancouver in a spirit of unity in this moment of difficulty and division in many parts of the world," while speaking to the crowd at BC Place in Vancouver. We speak for twenty-three countries. speak a wide variety of languages and represent the entire range of religions and faiths found throughout the world.
"Despite our differences, we are based on respect for one another here at the Invictus Games. We compete fiercely, but we also believe in, support, and cheer for each other."
"Listen, the Games were born more than a decade ago from a promise that I made to myself — a promise to uphold my obligation, my sacred obligation after my own decade and privilege of military service — to do whatever I could to help my fellow brothers and sisters heal and to champion everything that we stand for," he stated.
"I've lost count of the times that we've heard you tell us that the Invictus Games'saved you,'" Harry went on. I disagree, with all due respect. You were not saved by Invictus. You were able to save yourself.
"You were the one who persevered despite the uncertainty and hopelessness. You brought us with you when you climbed your own peak. Even when you didn't, you were the one who persisted.
"The Games just bring out your inner self. Character is the most valuable and scarcest resource in the world. It is an unbeatable spirit of strength and endurance. That's what makes the Invictus Games so magical.
"At this moment, when there is no shortage of crises, no absence of uncertainty, no lack of weak moral character in the world, the values you embody — the way you carry yourselves — not only at the Invictus Games, but each and every day...your courage, your resilience, your humanity...illuminate a path forward for us all," Harry said.
"Show the world how you behave under completely impossible circumstances," the Duke of Sussex concluded his address. Show the world that you have no fear. Show the world how magnificent your victory effort is. Prove to the world your Invictus status.
Artist performances included Chris Martin of Coldplay, Katy Perry, Nelly Furtado, Noah Kahan, and Roxanne Bruneau, in addition to Prince Harry's attendance during the opening ceremony.
Meghan Markle-Prince Harry "kiss": Meghan Markle and Prince Harry were photographed sharing a kiss in the stands prior to Harry's speech at the Invictus Games 2025 opening ceremony.
Meghan reportedly told the gathering, "You will see him throughout this week," according to The People. "You will see him at the games, you will see him probably curling with you and cheering you on at wheelchair basketball."
Just as we are his family, you are also his. And I hope you understand how much of his heart has gone into each and every beat that has brought you all to this incredible week.
"I want you all to understand how much it means to him and how much you all matter to him. "It gives me great pleasure and honor to present to the stage my husband, Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, the founder of the Invictus Games, and the father of our adorable, enthusiastic children who are supporting you from California," she continued.
"At this moment, when there is no shortage of crises, no absence of uncertainty, no lack of weak moral character in the world, the values you embody — the way you carry yourselves — not only at the Invictus Games, but each and every day...your courage, your resilience, your humanity...illuminate a path forward for us all," Harry said.
"Show the world how you behave under completely impossible circumstances," the Duke of Sussex concluded his address. Show the world that you have no fear. Show the world how magnificent your victory effort is. Prove to the world your Invictus status.
Artist performances included Chris Martin of Coldplay, Katy Perry, Nelly Furtado, Noah Kahan, and Roxanne Bruneau, in addition to Prince Harry's attendance during the opening ceremony.
Meghan Markle-Prince Harry "kiss": Meghan Markle and Prince Harry were photographed sharing a kiss in the stands prior to Harry's speech at the Invictus Games 2025 opening ceremony.
Meghan reportedly told the gathering, "You will see him throughout this week," according to The People. "You will see him at the games, you will see him probably curling with you and cheering you on at wheelchair basketball."
Just as we are his family, you are also his. And I hope you understand how much of his heart has gone into each and every beat that has brought you all to this incredible week.
"I want you all to understand how much it means to him and how much you all matter to him. "It gives me great pleasure and honor to present to the stage my husband, Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, the founder of the Invictus Games, and the father of our adorable, enthusiastic children who are supporting you from California," she continued.
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