Author: bang5

Loose Women’s Denise Welch has opened up about her recent health setback, revealing that she was rushed to hospital after returning from an idyllic holiday with a nasty infection

Loose Women’s Denise Welch has revealed that she was rushed to hospital after returning from holiday for a horrible infection that left her on ‘a drip for a week’.

The TV star opened up about her health setback on Tuesday’s Loose Women, revealing that after returning for holiday, she was rushed to hospital for acute peritonitis. The condition is an infection of the inner lining of your abdominal.

Denise returned to Loose Women today and opened up about her battle with depression before revealing that she ended up in hospital after flying back from a holiday in the Caribbean.

Speaking to her fellow Loose Women stars, Denise said: “I got back from a lovely holiday in the Caribbean last Saturday. All bronzed looking forward to coming on here and showing off my suntan. I got rushed into hospital on the Saturday with acute peritonitis – a perforated diverticulitis

Denise opened up about her health setback upon returning to Loose Women

“I’ve been in hospital for a drip for a week! They didn’t have to do surgery, they got it with antibiotics thankfully. As my mother said, ‘Take me to the knacker’s yard!’”

She added that she’s recovering but still feeling the effects. She said: “I’m eating and believe you me, what’s going on down there, I’m a Loose Women – believe you me!”

Denise had been previously speaking about her mental health, sharing that she “collapsed” before doing a pantomime performance in December. The former soap star pulled out of playing Captain Hook in the 2024 Peter Pan pantomime at Nottingham Theatre Royal due to ill health.

Denise recently opened up about her relationship with husband Lincoln Townley as the couple took part on Celebrity Hunted. “We do have a good laugh,” admitted Denise. “The thing with us is that we take our business very seriously, but we don’t take ourselves seriously.

“There’s a balance there, which really works because we have a good laugh. We find humour in so many things together. I always thought there wouldn’t be one person that I fancy and be able to laugh with like I laugh with my girlfriends or my gay best friends. But I managed to find that in Lincoln.

“I think laughter is very much a part of the success of our marriage and the very fact that I didn’t want to do Celebrity Hunted with anybody but my husband says it all.”

Escape to the Country star Steve Brown had a heartwarming announcement to share with viewers in the latest instalment of the BBC property series

In the latest episode of BBC’s heartwarming property show Escape to the Country, host Steve Brown had some delightful news for viewers.

The episode began with the introduction of Georgina and Bryan, a newlywed couple eager to leave behind the hustle and bustle of London for their dream home in the peaceful Kent countryside.

With a budget of £1.35 million, they were searching for a large detached house with four bedrooms and at least two acres of space for their dogs to roam freely. A guest annexe was also on their wishlist for family visits, along with a maximum one-hour commute to the capital. For presenter Steve Brown, this particular house hunt was personal as he is originally from Kent.

Keen to take on the challenge, Steve revealed his deep connection with the area, having been born and raised in Kent. While driving through the scenic country lanes on his way to meet Georgina and Bryan, Steve couldn’t resist expressing his appreciation, saying: “Look, I know how lucky I am.”

Steve Brown has revealed that he is set to become a father ( 
Image:
BBC)

“Travelling up and down the country, helping people find their dream home on Escape. But there’s nothing like helping a couple move to my county of Kent. It does put a little bit more pressure on me to deliver. But I’ve got faith in Kent, and it’s a great place to raise a family, too. Well, I hope so, because very soon I’m going to become a father for the first time,” he added.

During their catch-up, Steve wasted no time in reiterating his love for Kent before findin`g out exactly what drew the couple to his cherished stomping ground. Bryan got into the details of their quest for the dream dwelling, highlighting that it couldn’t be too remote from London given their professional ties. He shared: “We have to commute in occasionally for work. But, we really just wanted open countryside and beautiful views.”

Georgina, brimming with enthusiasm, chimed in about the appeal of Kent’s seaside allure, saying: “Kent just had everything we wanted.” The duo also envisioned a future for possible offspring away from the high-energy pace of London life.

The episode began with the introduction of Georgina and Bryan ( 
Image:
BBC)
Their expedition for the ideal home took them to several resplendent estates within their £1.35 million range. Still, it was the charm of the second location they explored that particularly resonated with them, leading to plans for a subsequent visit by the programme’s conclusion.

However, as the episode came to a close, there was an unexpected turn of events. In a twist relayed off-screen by Steve, it was revealed to the viewers that the pair ultimately didn’t make it back for that next viewing.

He revealed: “They have had an offer accepted on a house with an annexe and two acres of land in Staplehurst. Welcome to my turf guys, I look forward to seeing you around.”

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Richard Osman has spoken out about the allegations of sexually inappropriately behaviour made against Gino D’Acampo, giving his behind-the-scenes take on his shows being dropped

Richard Osman has given his take on the Gino D’Acampo scandal, with the Pointless presenter revealing why the TV chef’s shows have finally been removed from the schedules.

Gino, 48, was accused last week of “distressing” and “sexually inappropriate” behaviour in an ITV News investigation, with dozens of people coming forward with allegations of “unacceptable” and “horrendous” behaviour over the course of 12 years.

In the latest episode of his podcast with journalist Marina Hyde, The Rest is Entertainment, Richard spoke about the allegations with his co-star as they discussed why it has taken years for these allegations to come to light about the former This Morning star.

Richard Osman has give his take on the Gino D’Acampo allegations after the TV chef’s show was pulled from the ITV schedules
Richard – who has produced Deal or No Deal and Whose Line Is It Anyway before presenting – spoke on the podcast about ITV pulling Gino’s shows from the schedules.

“You could look at it on one level and some of the papers have done and certainly a lot of the commentators have done and say, ‘Oh my God, you can’t say anything anymore, this is a huge overreaction, yada yada yada,’” he said.

“People do not lose their job just because they said a couple of things a couple of times. It’s a pattern of behaviour, it’s upset a number of people over a number of years.”

He added that the repetitive nature of the inappropriate behaviour will have led to staff speaking out. “We’ve said before on this show, if you’re in trouble as a presenter but actually your crew loves you and people who work with you go, ‘That’s just what they do and he’s a really decent guy,’ then you don’t get fired.

“There have to be a whole series of things that happen, it has to go on long enough and for it to be tiresome enough – which is the word we never use.”

Earlier in the show, Marina gave her take on why Gino’s alleged behaviour may have gone unnoticed for years. “It’s interesting that nobody confronts in that situation and there’s lots of different reasons. There’s a sort of reason that it’s just Gino being Gino and there is very much a persona that he has been encouraged to play up to.”

She added that another reason is that the shows he is involved in are not expensive to make and so taking time out of the schedule to reprimand Gino would likely derail a production by “an hour or two”. She said: “There are these constant value judgements being made by people. ‘How bad is it?’”

I’m A Celebrity’s spin-off series is returning after two years on ITV, as Ant and Dec head back to South Africa for the second series of South Africa with a new line-up

Ant and Dec are reportedly returning to South Africa for another series of I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! spin-off South Africa.

The ITV show is rumoured to be back on our screens as the broadcaster begins its search for another line-up of famous faces who’ve previously tackled the jungle.

The Mirror understands I’m a Celebrity…South Africa will be coming back for another series after the show’s successful first series, which was watched by over five million viewers each episode.

The show will reportedly be filmed again in South Africa, after its first series was filmed there back in April and May of 2023.

Last year’s series saw Carol Vorderman, Jordan Banjo, Amir Khan, Fatima Whitbread and Helen Flanagan among others take part ( 
Image:
ITV)

Two years ago, stars such as Amir Khan, Corrie’s Helen Flanagan, TV presenter Carol Vorderman, Olympic athlete Fatima Whitbread and Diversity’s Jordan Banjo took part in the spin-off – which was won by Myleene Klass.

The series attracted an average of seven million viewers during its 2023 debut, with campmates competing for the title of Jungle Legend. The public don’t get a chance to vote for contestants to face Bushtucker Trials or stay in camp, with the celebs competing in challenges to stay on the show.

The news comes just months after I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here’s 2024 series, which was won by McFly star Danny Jones. The final saw Coleen Rooney, Reverend Richard Coles, Danny Jones and Oti Mabuse make it to the final stage of the ITV competition, with Reverend Richard placing third and Coleen being a runner-up.

As for the next series, which will likely air towards the end of the year, Olympic legend Sir Steve Redgrave is in talks to take part after his turn on Dancing on Ice. When asked whether he would head to the jungle, Steve told The Sun: “We’ll see. My compromise was to do Dancing on Ice – at the moment. But never say never.”

He added that while he would “survive” the challenge, he wouldn’t enjoy it. “I’m quite a fussy eater so I wouldn’t do well with the limited calories you get. It might be quite good for my figure from that point of view! It’s something I would consider,” he said.

It’s not the only show that Ant and Dec are bringing back, with Cat Deeley recently revealing that the pair are keen to revive SM:TV Live after putting Saturday Night Takeaway on ice.

I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! will return to ITV later this year.

The Loose Women favourite has spoken out about a terrifying health scare after she collapsed at home

Loose Women favourite Andrea McLean has bravely spoken out about a harrowing health ordeal that led to her being rushed to hospital after she collapsed at home.

The 54-year-old, who bid farewell to the ITV chat show in 2020, disclosed that she was battling flu-like symptoms last December when her condition dramatically deteriorated.

In a candid post on her blog, Andrea recounted how she initially brushed off her sickness as just another seasonal lurgy, expecting it to clear up within a week.

But after a week of unyielding fever, shivers, and chest discomfort, she spotted an alarming clue her urine had turned a dark shade of brown.

Her situation escalated when she fainted in her bathroom and remained on the floor for an hour until her husband Nick Feeney discovered her, reports the Express.

Heeding their GP’s urgent advice, Andrea and Nick dialled 999, and paramedics swiftly made their way to their residence. She recounted: “The ambulance team were amazing. My blood pressure was so low I couldn’t stand, and I was in a lot of pain. To be honest, I was barely aware of what was happening.”

Andrea was seriously unwell ( 
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(Image: Getty))
Upon reaching the hospital, Andrea underwent a series of tests, including X-rays and CT scans, which exposed the gravity of her illness. She was struck with a diagnosis of severe pneumonia, acute kidney injury, and sepsis a trio of potentially fatal conditions that demanded immediate medical intervention.

“Things happened quickly; drips, super-strong antibiotics via IV and orally, and I was transferred to the Emergency Assessment Ward,” she detailed.

Andrea’s husband called 999 while she was waiting to be seen at a doctors surgery ( 
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(Image: Getty))
The TV host endured a harrowing few days in hospital, which she described as a “fraught” ordeal. She detailed the sensory assault from the distressing sounds of fellow patients, sleep-deprived nights, and the relentless agony she suffered.

Her initial night in the respiratory ward was particularly harrowing. Andrea found herself in a bay with elderly patients, some battling dementia, and recounted a terrifying incident where one woman aggressively accosted her at night, tugging fiercely at the privacy curtain.

Andrea starred on Loose Women for 13 years ( 
Image:
ITV)During her stay, Andrea grappled with fatigue, severe discomfort, and a diminished appetite. Her sense of taste became overly sensitive, rendering eating an unenjoyable experience.

She was eventually prescribed stronger painkillers, which brought some solace. Desperate for a more tranquil recovery space, she fought to be allowed home.

After discussions with medical staff, she secured permission to spend nights at home, while still attending the hospital daily for IV antibiotics and check-ups.

Reflecting on the experience, Andrea is profoundly thankful for her husband’s steadfast support. She shared: “Nick’s life stopped for the first few weeks of the new year too. He drove me to hospital every day, sat outside for hours, then drove me home, made dinner, and put me to bed. And then did it all again the next day.”

Five weeks into her recovery, Andrea has confessed she’s still on the mend and regaining her strength. Although the TV star hoped she’d bounce back swiftly, a joyful chuckle with Nick brought home just how far she’s come.

She remarked: “We both looked at each other, shocked at the realisation that it was the first time I’d belly laughed for weeks.”

TV star Ruth Langsford promoted an important three-word message alongside a snap of her vivid green juice

Ruth Langsford has lifted the lid on a simple superfood concoction to kickstart the new week. The Loose Women panellist, 64, took to Instagram to share the recipe, while promoting one key three-word message.

“Monday’s food prep begins,” she wrote, showcasing a snap of the vivid green liquid in her blender. The Story added: “Eat your greens.” The TV star’s straightforward recipe involves just six ingredients including spinach, celery, cucumber, ginger, apple and water.

While each of these ingredients boast their own unique health benefits, leafy greens like spinach often receive special attention among experts. Dubbing them a ‘superfood’, Katherine D. McManus, an affiliate teacher at Harvard Medical School, previously said in 2022: “Dark, leafy greens are a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and calcium, as well as several phytochemicals (chemicals made by plants that have a positive effect on your health). They also add fibre into the diet.”

Ruth’s simple blend uses just six key ingredients ( 
Image:
Nicky J Sims/Getty Images)Meanwhile, Helen Bell, a nutritionist at Help & Advice, also recently told the Mirror: “[These foods] are known for supporting brain health and improving cognitive function… including leafy greens like spinach and kale, which are high in folate and other essential nutrients, can make a significant difference.”

Beyond this, celery is known for an extraordinary compound called ‘phthalide’ too. This phytochemical is praised for its ability to help relax muscles in the walls of blood vessels.

Incorporating this into your diet may help tackle high blood pressure, which can lead to life-threatening conditions such as heart disease and strokes when left unchecked. This comes as more than 170,000 deaths are caused by heart and circulatory diseases each year, as per the British Heart Foundation.

However, if you aren’t so keen on these ingredients, fear not. In 2016, Ruth shared another version of the juice on Facebook, which appears to swap celery and apple for avocado, kiwi and lime.

Rather than ‘normal’, still water she also used coconut water. “Tomorrow’s breakfast smoothie…..now that’s what I call green,” Ruth penned. “#nutribullet #greenjuice #spinach #cucumber #avocado #kiwifruit #ginger #lime #coconutwater.”

Despite its perks, this concoction certainly polarised her followers at the time, with many labelling the green juice as ‘yuck’. One person wrote: “Yuk! Ruth no way could I face that no matter what,” while someone else added: “That looks revolting, life’s for living ! Why not eat all the things you like but smaller portions!”

However, another person said: “I made in my Nutribullet today…spinach, banana, pineapple, kiwi, goji berries & sunflower seeds…was delicious!”

Loose Women star Ruth Langsfordhas opened up about her plans for Valentine’s Day this year

Loose Women star Ruth Langsford has shared a rare insight into her life post-divorce as she opened up about her Valentine’s plans.

Last year, Ruth split from her husband, Eamonn Holmes, after 27 years together. The couple, who had been married for 14 years, share 22-year-old son Jack.

During Monday’s (February 10) edition of the ITV talk show, Ruth spoke about the growing popularity of Galentine’s Day, a holiday that celebrates women’s friendship and is typically marked on February 13.

The annual festival of sisterhood was first celebrated on the hit US sitcom Parks and Recreation in 2010 and has become a global calendar staple ever since.

Ruth Langsford opened up about her Valentine’s Day plans on Monday’s (February 10) Loose Women ( 
Image:
ITV)

On today’s Loose Women, Ruth explained that she had been asked to join a Galentine’s celebration this year following her divorce.

“There are gift guides to tell you what to buy for your friends. Restaurants are now offering special Galentine’s or Palentine’s nights out and special offers,” she said.

“I think it’s rather nice because I’ve had some girlfriends invite me out this Valentine’s Day, and they sent me a thing saying, ‘You are invited to a Galentine’s Day, and we’re all going out,’ which I think is really nice because I haven’t done that before.”

Ruth’s co-star Sally Dynevor added: “I think that’s lovely because girls big each other up, don’t they? So, it’s great to have your pals round.”

Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes split last year after 14 years of marriage ( 
Image:
Dave Benett/Getty Images)
In a recent interview with Woman & Home magazine, Ruth shared how she’s been able to “move on” since her split, which she described as “difficult”.

“Relationship breakdowns are very difficult, but you deal with it and have to move on. You can let yourself crumble, or you pick yourself up and get on with life. It’s a choice,” she said.

“I’m not delighted my marriage is over, but I’ve accepted it. I’m trying to now embrace the fact I’m single and can make choices that are just about me.

“Divorce is very painful. Most don’t do it in the public eye, with everybody having an opinion. But that’s the nature of my job. I’ve always had that, and if you can’t cope, you shouldn’t be doing this job.”

Ever the one to watch for fashion and beauty inspiration, Frankie Bridge has let fans in on her go-to lip gloss right now and it comes with an affordable price tag

The Loose Women hostess is always one to share her latest beauty faves and finds with her fans, and this week is no exception. Her followers clammer to ask where her current go-to lipgloss is from. And Frankie did not disappoint, as she told her fanbase the brand and the shade of the lip product she’s currently “loving.”

And the best news is, it won’t break the bank. Available from a variety of retailers, including Space NK, Sephora and Cult Beauty, Frankie’s fans and shoppers keen to bag a “luxurious high-shine” lipgloss can pick up her go-to Vieve Lip Dew in her favourite shade for under £25.

Frankie shares pics with fans of the lip gloss she’s been reaching for while in Dubai ( 
Image:
Frankie Bridge/Instagram)

While on a trip in Dubai, Frankie shared a video on her Instagram of her reapplying a super-shiny lipgloss that fans were eager to know more about, as they flooded her inbox with questions about what the product was. Sharing a photo of her collection, Frankie directed followers to Vieve’s Lip Dew in the shade Rosa, her current favourite.

Retailing for £21 and available in six hues, including Frankie’s loved Rosa shade, this lipgloss’s high-shine finish will reveal luscious lips. The gloss is packed with skin-loving ingredients to help deliver smoother, fuller-looking lips, combining makeup with lip care. Its formula features a moisturising blend of raspberry seed oil extract and vitamin E, while camellia oil softens and smooths the skin.

The Lip Dew creates the illusion of fuller-looking lips and can be worn alone or over lipstick for never-ending styling opportunities. The gloss is scented with a delectable vanilla scent and comes in a clear version, which is perfect for delivering a golden multi-dimensional finish. The range of flattering colours coats the lips in a sheer, subtle veil of high-beam colour, whether you’re opting for Frankie’s preferred Rosa or one of the other subtle, shiny shades.

It’s not just Frankie who adores this lipgloss, as shoppers have left raving 5-star reviews. One satisfied customer beams: “I have 4 shades of them. It is a luxurious, high-shine lip gloss that delivers hydration and a glass-like finish without feeling sticky. Infused with nourishing ingredients, it keeps lips soft and comfortable while adding a plump, juicy look. Whether worn alone or over lipstick, it’s the perfect way to achieve a dewy, effortless glow.”

Another happy shopper gushes: “I recently tried Vieve’s lip dew for the first time and I’m so impressed! They feel absolutely amazing on the lips and the shades are so gorgeous! I’d definitely recommend. They’re perfect for winter as they feel really hydrating and nourishing on my lips.”

A third praises: “Absolutely love! Bought this from the store in Liverpool, and can’t stop reaching for it! So nice and hydrating and not sticky! Definitely recommend the shade Rosa- stunning! Can wear it by itself or with a lipstick/liner too. Bought this from the store in Liverpool, and can’t stop reaching for it! So nice and hydrating and not sticky! Definitely recommend the shade Rosa- stunning!”

You can pick up Frankie’s current favourite lip gloss from Space NK, Sephora or Cult Beauty for £21.

Ruth Langsford welcomed a returning Loose Women panellist on the popular daytime show as she detailed the tragedy she had endured while being away from the ITV show

Loose Women star Ayda Field made a wholesome return to the ITV show following the devastating LA wildfires.

Presenter Ruth Langsford welcomed Ayda back on Monday afternoon (February 10). She then shared an update on how she had been doing since the fires that swept across California last month.

The California wildfires left thousands of residents displaced, and many lost their homes. Sharing how she and her family were affected as well as a brief update on her mother’s cancer diagnosis, Ayda told Ruth and the Loose Women audience how she was doing.

Ruth said: “We have to welcome back Ayda, lovely to see you. Always lovely to see you but so much has happened since we last saw you, you were back in LA your home town where you grew up.”

Ruth Langsford welcomed Ayda Field back to Loose Women ( 
Image:
ITV)

Ayda agreed and said, “We were there when the fires broke out because, as I think I’ve discussed, my mum is going through cancer treatment, so we were there to be with her. And I think it was two days after the Golden Globes.

“We had gone to the Golden Globes and had these lovely frocks on and were in a celebratory mood, and everything turned so quickly in Los Angeles. It was very surreal.”

She later added: “It was terrifying because all of a sudden, you could feel the winds and hear the winds and you knew that fire was ripping through the city.

Ayda shared her experiences on the show ( 
Image:
ITV)
“It was hazy and black and it was all very quick and all in real time. It was very surreal. Our phones kept going off with amber alerts. They are very loud and very strong.

“It was kind of chaos because you didn’t know if your area was close and there were some alerts that were sent wrong.”

She added: “The children knew something happening, as the air quality was really bad. You couldn’t go out and the kids couldn’t play in garden.”

Ayda is married to Robbie Williams ( 
Image:
FilmMagic)Ayda, who shares three children with singer and husband Robbie Williams, said their youngest children, Coco, six, and four-year-old Beau, were easily distracted by watching the cartoon Bluey. But she could sense the panic in her eldest child Teddy.

She shared: “I was very stressed out and so was Rob. “Teddy was terrified and just kept saying, ‘We’ve got to go!’”

Fortunately, Ayda and Robbie’s home were left untouched by the fires. However, thousands of people, including many celebrities, were unlucky.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have shown a loved-up display at the Invictus Games in Vancouver, but their decision has sparked backlash from fans

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have wowed fans with their affectionate displays at the Invictus Games – from cosying up together with champagne to a passionate on-stage kiss – but one move has sparked controversy.

On Saturday, the Sussexes were seen dancing away in the stands at the glittering opening ceremony of the Games at the 40,000-capacity BC Place Stadium before making a surprise visit to watch an NHL ice hockey match between Vancouver Canucks and Toronto Maple Leafs.

They kept up the pace on Sunday, with Meghan posting behind-the-scenes snippets via her newly reopened Instagram account. However, while fans have been delighted by her candid updates – which include footage of Prince Harry, 40, ‘dad dancing’ – one video has sparked backlash.

The pair could be seen travelling along in a golf buggy

Some believe the pair ‘should have walked through’ the group of injured veterans
The clip in question shows the couple smiling and waving at cheering crowds as they travel along on a golf buggy at Saturday’s opening ceremony, with footage showing them riding past disabled veterans. Reacting to the clip, one person commented: “So Meghan and Harry, two able-bodied people, are driven on a golf cart past disabled veterans. Some of the veterans are [in a] wheelchair. They should have walked through the group, meeting, greeting and shaking hands. All with a camera following them. Unbelievable.”

Another wrote: “Disabled veterans made to stand waiting in a mile long cold concrete corridor whilst these two very able-bodied get golf carted in the opposite direction. Just when you think they can’t sink any lower.” And a third added: “Who so being honoured here? The veterans OR Harry and Meghan being honoured by the veterans!”

The comments come as one British soldier has spoken fondly of Harry’s Invictus project, after shocking his girlfriend by proposing to her at the tournament. Team UK wheelchair basketball competitor James Cairns, 35, got down on one knee to his partner Hannah Wild on court at the Vancouver Convention Centre.

James and Hannah have been together for four years. James said: “Invictus has been my driving force because I’ve been struggling with my mental health. This past year I’ve lost about seven people who died by suicide after battling PTSD. It’s been a big toll on me, but it was Hannah that pushed me and gave me the driving force to apply for the Invictus Games, and now we’re here in Canada.”

The Duke yesterday also showcased his goofy side during the half-time interval of a wheelchair basketball event, taking part in the ‘Moose Cam’. This cam stunt encourages spectators to smile, poke out their tongues, and waggle their hands by the side of their heads, moose-style. Harry proved game, and Meghan couldn’t help but chuckle as he appeared on the big screen amid cheers from the crowd.

Meghan couldn’t help but laugh as Harry joined in with the ‘Moose Cam’ ( 
Image:
Humphrey Nemar)Prince Harry first founded the Invictus Games in London in 2014, with this year marking the seventh edition of the competition for wounded military servicemen and women. The nine-day competition will see more than 500 athletes compete in 11 different events, which will include winter sports for the very first time.

The Duke’s enthusiasm for the Games, known to be a true passion project of his, was evident in his emotional speech given at the opening ceremony. Addressing competitors, Harry said: “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.”