Prince Harry attended the closing ceremony of the Invictus Games in Vancouver where he was given a standing ovation following a speech by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
An embarrassed Prince Harry told the audience to ‘sit down’ during an emotional moment that moved him to tears as the Invictus Games came to an end.
Around 12,000 people packed into Vancouver’s Rogers Arena as the 2025 edition of the games came to an end after nine days of competition. Harry arrived at the ceremony alone after wife Meghan Markle flew back to California several days ago. The emotionally charged two-hour show featured young members of the indigenous four host nations, whose land has provided the venues for the Games, ahead of a Parade of Nation flags, which saw Canadian cadets carry the flags of all 23 teams.
Harry was visibly moved as he listened to the speeches (
Image:
Humphrey Nemar)
Looking embarrassed by the reception, Harry humbly put his finger to his lips and could be seen telling them: “Sit down!”. Mr Trudeau also congratulated the competitors and their families. Speaking in both English and French, he said: “Each and every one of you is an inspiration. You all embody what it means to be unconquered.”
Paying tribute to the Ukrainian team, he said: “To the Ukrainian competitors, who have fought for and are fighting to protect your homeland each and every day, as you fight for your homeland, you are fighting for democracy. We will be with you every step of the way until victory!”.
Harry and Justin Trudeau earlier in the day (
Image:
Humphrey Nemar)
Mr Trudeau also addressed the US team, describing them as “our neighbours, our allies, our friends. We all stand proudly together. Americans are our friends always.” Mr Trudeau added: “To the Canadian competitors, I think I speak for our entire 41-million-strong family when I say how grateful we are for every single one of you. You are an inspiration to all Canadians, from coast to coast to coast.”
The outgoing Prime Minister’s kind words for Harry came just hours after the pair shook hands and embraced in a man hug. The royal, 40, looked delighted to see Trudeau before sitting down with him to watch the indoor rowing event at Vancouver Conference Centre before the opening ceremony. The pair, who were excitedly supporting the athletes from their seats, continued their bromance after meeting several times before.
After watching the action, the pair posed for pictures with wellwishers on their way out. Among those who were lucky enough to get a snap with the Duke of Sussex was Frodo, a corgi who has his own Instagram account. The breed of dog was a favourite of Harry’s late grandmother Queen Elizabeth II.
Frodo is a three-year-old Pembroke Welsh Corgi. He has met the Duke three times at the Games – once on Friday and again on Sunday. He also met Harry with Meghan earlier this week. Speaking about Friday’s meeting, owner Grace Campbell said: “He mostly just talked to Frodo. He gave him treats and got him to shake a paw. He said he loved dogs.”
