Invictus Games Kick Off in Vancouver with Spirit of Unity

The Invictus Games launched in Vancouver with Prince Harry delivering a heartfelt message of respect and resilience to competitors while grateful for Meghan's support.

The 2023 Invictus Games got underway in Vancouver, with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Harry and Meghan, attending the opening ceremony to cheer on competitors from the stands. Harry, who founded the event in London in 2014, opened with a call for athletes to triumph over adversity during a time of global division. He addressed the audience of 40,000, leading with a statement: "We gather here in Vancouver in a spirit of unity."

The event marks the seventh iteration of the Invictus Games, dedicated to wounded military veterans, featuring over 500 athletes competing across 11 events, including winter sports, a first for the Games. Harry emphasized the importance of mutual respect and collaboration among competitors, sharing his own experiences from serving in Afghanistan.

Notable performances were delivered by musical stars such as Katy Perry, Chris Martin from Coldplay, and Canadian singer Nelly Furtado, who contributed to the celebratory atmosphere of the night. Martin notably performed the Invictus Anthem, a tune he composed back in 2014 for the inaugural Games.

While the celebration unfolded, US President Donald Trump made headlines for his comments on Prince Harry and Meghan during a separate interview. Mentioning Harry’s legal status in the US amidst scrutiny over his past drug use disclosures, Trump remarked he would refrain from pursuing deportation proceedings, humorously noting that "he's got enough problems with his wife."

Meghan has been openly critical of Trump in previous comments, referring to him as a "misogynist" and "divisive." However, the couple did not publicly address Trump's latest remarks during the event.

Harry's passion for the Games grew from witnessing the Warrior Games in the US, and since then, the Invictus Games have taken place in various countries, reinforcing resilience and camaraderie among veterans. Among previous occasions, the 2017 Toronto games marked a significant moment as Meghan made her debut alongside Harry. For the couple, attending the Invictus Games has become a cherished tradition promoting honor, unity, and the tenacity of the human spirit.