The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were welcomed with rapturous applause as they arrived at the star-studded Invictus Games 2025 opening ceremony on Saturday February 8, where Prince Harry, gave a speech that left many competitors in tears.
Harry and Meghan, 43, arrived holding hands and exchanged a series of loving looks throughout the event at BC Place in Vancouver, with Meghan spotted by HELLO! dancing along to the celebrity performers and capturing the moments on her phone.
The couple enjoyed performances from Coldplay's Chris Martin, Katy Perry and Nelly Furtado inside the packed stadium.
Keep scrolling for all the best moments ...
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© Jim Jeong/ShutterstockOpening act
Ahead of the opening ceremony, attendees were treated to a drum performance by Lil'wat Nation Youth Q'awam'Redmond Andrews.
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© Samir Hussein/WireImageHarry and Meghan arrive
The Invictus Games is an international multi-sport event for wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women, both serving and veterans.
The inaugural event was held in London, followed by Orlando two years later, Toronto in 2017, Sydney in 2018, The Hague in 2022 and Dusseldorf in 2023.
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© Samir Hussein/WireImageHarry's pride
Harry, who served in the British Army for ten years, founded the Games in 2014, after being inspired by the Warrior Games in the United States.
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© Jim Jeong/ShutterstockRound of applause
Harry and Meghan were seen applauding during the athletes' parade, with Meghan getting into the spirit and waving blue pompoms.
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© Samir Hussein/WireImageMeghan works the crowd
Meghan happily chatted to members of the crowd throughout the ceremony.
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© Samir Hussein/WireImageA busy week for the Sussexes
The Sussexes are expected to attend several events during the week-long tournament in Vancouver and Whistler, including the debut of winter sports including Nordic Skiing, wheelchair curling, snowboarding and alpine skiing.
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© Samir Hussein/WireImageNelly Furtado's performance
Iconic Canadian singer Nelly Furtado performed a medley of her hits including Like a Bird at the opening ceremony.
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© Jim Jeong/ShutterstockNelly wasn't alone!
In the spirit of the Invictus Games, Nelly performed alongside blind artist Mattmac and a group of disabled dancers, who performed a breathtaking routine.
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© Jim Jeong/ShutterstockChris Martin performs
Chris Martin brought his signature wittiness to the ceremony as the Coldplay frontman performed hits like Higher Power and Viva la Vida.
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© Getty Images for Invictus GamesChris turned the energy up to 11 and had the crowds dancing, including Meghan
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© Samir Hussein/WireImageA shared kiss
As the royal prepared to head down for his speech, he shared a kiss with his wife.
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© Samir Hussein/WireImageNoah Kahan
The crowd went wild for country singer Noah Kahan when the artist performed.
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© Samir Hussein/WireImageHarry's speech
"Hello Canada and Bienvenue!" began the Prince.
"So, the Toronto Games in 2017 were incredible, and I’m told there is no rivalry between East and west coast, especially when it comes to sport, but I have a question for you Vancouver: 'Are you ready to show Toronto—and the world—how the Games are done?'"
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© PA Images via Getty ImagesVideo from inside the ceremony showed manyu of the competitors become emotional as Harry spoke of their courage and spirit.
"Over the past decade I’ve lost count of the times we’ve heard you tell us that the Invictus Games saved you. Respectfully, I disagree. Invictus didn’t save you. You saved yourself," he said.
"It was you, who pushed through the doubt and despair. You, who summited your own mountain and brought us along with you. It was you who kept going even when you didn’t think you had any more to give. We didn’t do that. You did."
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© Samir Hussein/WireImageKaty Perry closes the night
Katy Perry closed out an eventful opening ceremony with some of her major hits including Roar, Dark Horse and Firework.
Prince Harry's speech in full.
Hello Canada and Bienvenue! So, the Toronto Games in 2017 were incredible, and I’m told there is no rivalry between East and west coast, especially when it comes to sport, but I have a question for you Vancouver:
Are you ready to show Toronto—and the world—how the Games are done? I would like to begin by honouring the First Nations, who are hosting this year’s Games. Lílwat, Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh. Hite-sap —— coo-cwee-lum.
From the bid for the Games through to this week’s competition, we have walked together, side-by-side on this journey, and are so grateful to you for having these games on your land. Today, and for the next week - Warriors unite.
In this moment of difficulty and division in many parts of the world, we gather here in Vancouver in a spirit of unity. We represent 23 nations. Speak many different languages and reflect the full breadth of the world’s religions and faiths.
Beyond any differences, here at the Invictus Games we are grounded in mutual respect, competing fiercely, but believing in one another. Supporting one another. And rooting for one another.
The Games were born more than a decade ago, from a promise I made to myself. A promise to uphold my obligation—a 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 we stand for.
Over the past decade I’ve lost count of the times we’ve heard you tell us that the Invictus Games saved you. Respectfully, I disagree. Invictus didn’t save you. You saved yourself.
It was you, who pushed through the doubt and despair. You, who summited your own mountain and brought us along with you. It was you who kept going even when you didn’t think you had any more to give. We didn’t do that. You did.
The Games simply reveal what is already within you. That scarcest—and most precious—of the world’s resources: character. A spirit—of fortitude and perseverance that can never be defeated.That is the magic of the Invictus Games.
For one of the most powerful ways of healing comes not from the hospital or recovery center, but from having a sense of purpose. A sense of belonging. From being a part of something greater than ourselves.
And that healing, though it begins with you, extends to your children and loved ones, who delight in the simple gift of seeing you smile again…of knowing your mind isn’t someplace else. That you are fully present.
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. And for that, we thank you.
Your leadership did not end when you stepped off the battlefield or took off the uniform. It endures. The example you set is a compass for the world. We need you. And we’ll always need you.
Someone once asked Nobel Laureate Toni Morrison how we survive whole in the world. She replied: 'Sometimes, you don’t survive whole, you just survive in part. But the grandeur of life is that attempt. It’s not about that solution. It is about being as fearless as one can, and behaving as beautifully as one can, under completely impossible circumstances.'
So as we embark on this year’s competition, here is my challenge to all of you: Show the world how you behave under completely impossible circumstances. Show the world your fearlessness. Show the world the grandeur in your attempt at victory. Show the world why You…Are…Invictus.
