Duke of Sussex opens Invictus Games, praising Ukraine team


Simon Rushton
  • English
  • Arabic

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.

“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.”

A Ukrainian flag during the opening ceremony of the Invictus Games. AFP
A Ukrainian flag during the opening ceremony of the Invictus Games. AFP

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.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex appear on stage together. Getty Images
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex appear on stage together. Getty Images

“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.”

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Types of bank fraud

1) Phishing

Fraudsters send an unsolicited email that appears to be from a financial institution or online retailer. The hoax email requests that you provide sensitive information, often by clicking on to a link leading to a fake website.

2) Smishing

The SMS equivalent of phishing. Fraudsters falsify the telephone number through “text spoofing,” so that it appears to be a genuine text from the bank.

3) Vishing

The telephone equivalent of phishing and smishing. Fraudsters may pose as bank staff, police or government officials. They may persuade the consumer to transfer money or divulge personal information.

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Fraudsters duplicate the SIM of your mobile number without your knowledge or authorisation, allowing them to conduct financial transactions with your bank.

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Someone illegally obtains your confidential information, through various ways, such as theft of your wallet, bank and utility bill statements, computer intrusion and social networks.

6) Prize scams

Fraudsters claiming to be authorised representatives from well-known organisations (such as Etisalat, du, Dubai Shopping Festival, Expo2020, Lulu Hypermarket etc) contact victims to tell them they have won a cash prize and request them to share confidential banking details to transfer the prize money.

If you go

The flights
Etihad (etihad.com) flies from Abu Dhabi to Luang Prabang via Bangkok, with a return flight from Chiang Rai via Bangkok for about Dh3,000, including taxes. Emirates and Thai Airways cover the same route, also via Bangkok in both directions, from about Dh2,700.
The cruise
The Gypsy by Mekong Kingdoms has two cruising options: a three-night, four-day trip upstream cruise or a two-night, three-day downstream journey, from US$5,940 (Dh21,814), including meals, selected drinks, excursions and transfers.
The hotels
Accommodation is available in Luang Prabang at the Avani, from $290 (Dh1,065) per night, and at Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp and Resort from $1,080 (Dh3,967) per night, including meals, an activity and transfers.

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Who was Alfred Nobel?

The Nobel Prize was created by wealthy Swedish chemist and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel.

  • In his will he dictated that the bulk of his estate should be used to fund "prizes to those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind".
  • Nobel is best known as the inventor of dynamite, but also wrote poetry and drama and could speak Russian, French, English and German by the age of 17. The five original prize categories reflect the interests closest to his heart.
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Five personal finance podcasts from The National

 

To help you get started, tune into these Pocketful of Dirham episodes 

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Balance is essential to happiness, health and wealth 

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What is a portfolio stress test? 

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What are NFTs and why are auction houses interested? 

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How gamers are getting rich by earning cryptocurrencies 

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Should you buy or rent a home in the UAE?  

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Updated: April 17, 2022, 10:51 AM