The Duke of Sussex has opened the Invictus Games for wounded military personal — the first event he and his wife Meghan have attended in Europe for two years.
As he formally opened the games in the Netherlands, Prince Harry praised the Ukrainian team members who left their war-torn nation to compete.
Prince Harry, who founded the games to help the rehabilitation of injured or sick military service members, received a standing ovation as he paid tribute to the “boundless humility, the compassion and the friendship” of the event.
He paid tribute to the “bravery” of Team Ukraine in choosing to attend the games, echoing his wife's sentiment that everyone stands with them.
He said: “Your bravery in choosing to come and for being here tonight cannot be overstated.
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Britain's Duke and Duchess of Sussex attend a reception hosted by The Hague in the Netherlands and the Dutch Ministry of Defence, ahead of the Invictus Games at Zuiderpark in the city. PA -
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex arrives ahead of the start of the Invictus Games in The Hague. The EPA -
Prince Harry and Meghan, Duke and Duchess of Sussex, talk to mayor Jan van Zanen of The Hague, ahead of the Invictus Games, which take place from April 16 to 22. AP -
The games are for military personnel and veterans who have been psychologically or physically injured in service. AP -
Britain's Prince Harry, who served in the British Army, and his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, at a ceremony before the games open. Reuters -
Zuiderpark has been renamed the Invictus Games Park for the week of the event. PA Photo -
Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, attend a friends and family reception in The Hague. The Dutch city describes itself the global centre of peace and justice. Reuters -
Prince Harry greets well-wishers in The Hague. He launched the Invictus Games in 2014. Reuters -
The Duchess of Sussex waves to well-wishers. She and her future husband made their first official appearance as a couple at the 2017 Invictus Games in Toronto, Canada. PA Photo -
The 2022 Invictus Games in The Hague will feature 500 competitors from 20 different countries, participating in 10 sports. PA
“You told me yesterday when you decided to join us despite all odds, you said you came to be on this global stage, not simply to show your strength but to tell your truth, the truth, of what is happening in your country.
“You know we stand with you. The world is united with you and still you deserve more.
“And my hope is that these events, this event, creates the opportunity in how we as a global community can better show up for you.”
Harry told the crowd about his conversations with son Archie about what he wants to be when he grows up.
The duke said: “To be role models, or the role models that each of you are, takes strength and it takes courage.
“When I talk to my son Archie about what he wants to be when he grows up, some days it's an astronaut, other days it's a pilot — a helicopter pilot obviously. Or Kwazii from Octonauts. If you're laughing, then you've seen that.
“But what I remind him is that no matter what you want to be when you grow up, it's your character that matters most, and nothing would make his mum and me prouder than to see him have the character of what we see before us today.”
He said those involved with Invictus had overcome immense challenges.
“And together you are healing and teaching the world as you go.”
The Duchess of Sussex said everyone was “standing with” the Ukraine team at the Invictus Games, as she addressed the opening ceremony in The Hague.
“For each team, my husband and I both recognise it's been a lot to get here, both physically and emotionally. Not least of which for the Ukraine team, who we are all standing with,” she said.
Meghan also paid tribute to the service and dedication of all those participating in this year's games.
“One thing I know for sure is that every single moment it has taken to get here will be worth it, because it is here at the Invictus Games that we honour your years of active duty on the field and your continued service to your country, to your family and your community off the field," she said.
“Thank you so much for your service and thank you to all the family and the friends that are here, who've been supporting you along the way. Because this is service, this is dedication and this is the Invictus family.”
