In a heartfelt speech read at today’s Invictus Games opening ceremony, Prince Harry spoke about finding “unity” during a “moment of difficulty and division”. Read the full speech here

Prince Harry’s Invictus Games are now underway in Vancouver-Whistler, Canada, with a star-studded opening ceremony featuring the likes of Katy Perry, Nelly Furtado and Coldplay’s Chris Martin.

Held in the city’s 40,000-capacity BC Place Stadium, the glittering ceremony began at 9pm UK time, ahead of what is anticipated to be the biggest and best Invictus Games to date.

Harry and Meghan watched the ceremony from the stands ( 
Image:
Samir Hussein/WireImage)

Addressing the crowds, Harry said: “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.”

Harry declared that the Invictus Games were about ‘competing fiercely, but believing in one another’ ( 
Image:
Samir Hussein/WireImage)
He continued: “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.

The prince referred to the competitors as ‘warriors’ ( 

Image:
Humphrey Nemar/staff Photographer.)

“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.

His speech included a quote from Nobel Laureate Toni Morrison ( 
Image:
Samir Hussein/WireImage)“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.”