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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made a grand entrance at the Invictus Games 2025 opening ceremony in Vancouver, where they were greeted with overwhelming applause from the crowd. The couple, known for their public displays of affection, arrived hand in hand, exchanging warm glances throughout the evening. Meghan was particularly animated, seen dancing along to the musical performances and capturing key moments on her phone, fully immersed in the atmosphere of the event.
The star-studded ceremony at BC Place featured performances from Coldplay’s Chris Martin, Katy Perry, and Canadian icon Nelly Furtado, who was joined on stage by blind artist Mattmac and a troupe of disabled dancers in a performance that emphasized the spirit of inclusivity and resilience at the heart of the Games. The audience was also treated to a traditional drumming performance by the Lil’wat Nation Youth Q’awam’Redmond Andrews, honoring the First Nations of British Columbia, on whose land the event is being held.
Throughout the event, Harry and Meghan were deeply engaged, seen applauding the athletes during the parade of nations, chatting with competitors, and showing support for the Games that Harry founded in 2014. The Invictus Games were inspired by the Warrior Games in the United States and have since become a global platform for wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women—both active and veteran—to compete, heal, and reclaim their sense of purpose through sport.
One of the most powerful moments of the night was Prince Harry’s heartfelt speech, which visibly moved many of the competitors. Addressing the crowd with a mix of warmth and determination, he opened by honoring the Lílwat, Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations and acknowledging their role in hosting the Games. He then challenged the 23 participating nations to embrace the spirit of unity and perseverance, reminding them that despite different backgrounds, languages, and faiths, they were all bound by mutual respect and support.
In a particularly poignant moment, Harry dismissed the notion that the Invictus Games “saved” its participants, insisting instead that they had saved themselves through their own resilience, courage, and determination. He emphasized that healing comes not only from medical care but also from finding a sense of purpose, belonging, and community—something that the Games provide for many of its competitors.
He closed with a powerful challenge, quoting Nobel Laureate Toni Morrison, urging participants to show the world how they behave under impossible circumstances, to be fearless, and to embrace the grandeur of their attempts at victory. His speech was met with thunderous applause, with many visibly emotional as they reflected on their own journeys of survival and triumph.
As the night came to a close, Katy Perry delivered a high-energy performance, singing hits like “Roar,” “Dark Horse,” and “Firework,” leaving the crowd energized for the week ahead. The Sussexes are expected to attend multiple events throughout the week-long tournament, which will feature the debut of winter sports like Nordic skiing, wheelchair curling, snowboarding, and alpine skiing—expanding the Games into a new chapter of inclusivity and athletic competition.
The opening ceremony set the tone for an inspiring and emotional week, reinforcing the Invictus spirit and the power of sports to transform lives.
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