Saturday 9 September 2023

Prince Harry Hails "Courage and Resilience" as Invictus 2023 Gets Off to a Roaring Start

I remember the very first Invictus Games in London in 2014. As veterans from thirteen nations from all over the world came together to laugh, cry, celebrate and share, I remember thinking this will be Prince Harry's legacy. Almost a decade later, and despite a plethora of changes in Harry's life, that prediction has proved to be true. For no one could watch the games and feel anything but incredibly moved by these heroes who are so proud to represent their countries. Dusseldorf has quite literally pulled out all the stops and deserves full credit for a wonderful job. It's been quite the opening day. Let's take a look...

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Harry was was welcomed by the mayor and German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius for a reception earlier today.

Mayor Dr Stephan Keller said: "The esteemed Duke of Sussex. Sir, Dear Duke, your impact on the soldiers and their communities cannot be overestimated. We owe you a great debt of gratitude."

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It was quite the welcome for the Prince, with chants of "We love you Harry".

Harry had the opportunity to catch up with teams from all over the world today.

The Prince with an international group of volunteers.

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Harry caught up with Team UK during a reception.

The word 'Invictus' is Latin for ‘unconquered’ and embodies the fighting spirit of wounded, injured and ill servicemen and women.

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson leading the US delegation shared this tweet.

During a trip to the Warrior Games in the United States in 2013, the Duke of Sussex saw the positive impact sport could have on the recovery and rehabilitation of wounded, injured and ill servicemen and women. He vowed to take the idea and launch a similar event in the UK.

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The Invictus Games Foundation was established, and since then the games have been an astounding success. Harry's determination and dedication has been nothing short of inspirational. They are a testament to his belief in those who served. As Harry said, "Once served, always serving."

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Competitors have shown that by embracing one another and the support of family and friends, they can reclaim their future. They are Invictus. Most of us will never know the horrors of combat -- horrors so great that many servicemen and women suffer life-changing injuries, both visible and invisible, while serving their countries. While serving us.

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A look inside the stadium as the opening ceremony got underway.

Over 20,000 people filled the Merkur-Spiel arena.

A standing ovation as Harry took to the stage.

Harry delivered a moving and rousing speech, his excitement for the week ahead palpable. "There are endless opportunities to have your hearts touched and lives opened. The energy alone is palpable and contagious," he said as he praised "the magic of the human spirit".

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Harry continued: "This year's games is a home for respect; think about what that word means. Some people may act as if respect is something veterans are asking for. That people with injuries, whether visible or invisible, have to demonstrate that they are worthy of it. These games are not solely about medals, personal bests or finishing lines. They are about overcoming all and any perceptions that have held you back."

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Teasing some friendly competition with Meghan, who lands in Germany early next week, he said: "Now, I'm not saying we play favourites in our home, but since my wife has discovered that she is of Nigerian descent, it's likely to get a little more competitive this year."

"Don't let fear control you."

The full speech.

If you watched Heart of Invictus on Netflix, you will have been touched, moved to tears and struck by the resilience and scope of courage on display. The story of Ukrainian Taira, who allowed the team to follow her as she worked as volunteer on the front lines in Mariupol, was utterly heartbreaking. Taira was ultimately captured by Russian soldiers, and her daughter stood in for her at Invictus last year. Following a horrifying period of imprisonment, she returned home to her family. This week, finally, she represents Ukraine at the Invictus Games. Harry singled out Taira tonight during his speech: "I don't think I've ever met someone as courageous and resilient as you. I think I can speak for everyone when I say you embody the true spirit of Ukraine and Invictus. It's good to see you and feel your energy in person, because man did we miss you last year."

It's going to be an unforgettable week!

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Click here to catch up on the opening ceremony livestream.

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Then it was time for everyone to get on their feet and enjoy musical performances.

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28 comments:

  1. Libby9 September 2023 at 21:04

    Thank you Charlotte. Always enjoy the Invictus spirit. So important for servicemen and women everywhere. I think the timing of the games this time is unfortunate clashing with the Rugby World Cup which will dominate sport headlines. A pity.

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  2. Anonymous9 September 2023 at 21:32

    So proud of Harry. So ashamed of the British Royal family who refuse to support the British and Commonwealth veterans. Really hope to see Meghan later in the week. :LRB

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  3. bluhare9 September 2023 at 21:50

    Harry was made for this. He's become a really good public speaker, but what made this good was his obvious passion for helping them be their best.

    I felt like a mom watching her child do really well in the school concert!

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    1. Allison in US12 September 2023 at 02:25

      Bluhare, as much as I completely love Meghan, it is so wonderful seeing Harry alone in his element. Every year, my admiration for him just increases further.

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    2. bluhare14 September 2023 at 01:59

      Same, Allison. He just gets better and better.

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  4. Allison in US9 September 2023 at 22:03

    Thank you so much for this post! I was looking around and was tearing up at what I saw. I'm so happy to see what Harry's idea had produced. I think Jill Biden was going to have a sendoff for the US team but she just tested positive for COVID. I look forward to her being able to attend again.

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  5. Anonymous9 September 2023 at 23:20

    This is such an inspirational event, and Harry deserves the rousing reception. The man exudes goodness. It's a shame that the press is billing the week as a competition between the Invictus Games and the Rugby World Cup. But if so it's worth pointing out that rugby may be popular in some places but barely makes the list of top 10 most popular sports internationally. In some countries it isn't on anyone's radar.
    Janet

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    1. Allison in US10 September 2023 at 14:18

      The press continues its ugliness. I never understood why two royal engagements could not occur on the same day. I know I am capable of reading about more than one event per day! :) Rugby is certainly not on my radar but I can put it there for a few minutes. And I don't think the rugby events were planned to diminish Invictus.

      The Invictus Games will continue for a week so both can be well covered.

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    2. bluhare11 September 2023 at 05:06

      If you're a Kate fan, I apologize in advance, but Kate totally copied meghan last years invictus white pantsuit right down to the necklace. So I do think there's some kind of competition even if it's unconscious.

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    3. Anonymous11 September 2023 at 20:58

      Absolute rubbish. England rugby team plays in white so obvious who Catherine is supporting. C

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  6. Anonymous9 September 2023 at 23:29

    Another brilliant display of Prince Harry using his platform to focus on and support other people. Yes Charlotte, you called it. Invictus is Harry’s enduring legacy.
    Renee

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  7. Anonymous9 September 2023 at 23:44

    Thank you for covering this incredible international veterans' event! Prince Harry is THE MAN. The world rejects the pettiness of the Royal Family and the vileness of the British media, and sees Prince Harry for the heroic, charismatic, compassionate, loving visionary that he is -- head and shoulders above the others.

    R

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  8. Donna10 September 2023 at 03:06

    I haven’t seen the media articles about Invictus vs Rugby World Cup but if so, it’s just more proof that the media is the one that “pits” people or events against each other just for sensationalism and that’s awful. Both events are wonderful, inspiring and will attract some similar and different audiences and that’s ok. Harry’s passion about this is obvious and he should be so proud of what it continues to become.

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  9. Anonymous10 September 2023 at 05:09

    Hi Charlotte- Thank you for explaining the Tiara's story. I watched the video on YouTube as soon as it was posted and saw Tiara's reaction to Harry's call for her to be identified. She looks like a sincere person. I was not sure if she was Ukrainian or another nationality.

    One of the reasons I started having an interest in Harry was after the 2014 Invictus Games in London. Several hours ago I watched and listened to his Invictus speeches starting in 2014 and through the years. One constant is his heart and passion seemed sincerely in the Invictus spirit. What has evolved is the depth and quality of speech especially this year. Anon 15

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  10. Ghilou10 September 2023 at 22:49

    After a super busy week for the start of the school year, I'm going to treat myself tomorrow by taking a deeper look at everything about the beginnings of Invictus and what's next of course.

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  11. Anonymous11 September 2023 at 08:17

    Against all odds, still flourishing and ever committed to his charity work....... Kudos to this man

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  12. Anonymous11 September 2023 at 08:23

    I find it odd , that the royal family with their numerous number of honorary military titles, didn't wish the real battle veterans good luck regardless of disagreement with harry. Denmark crown prince was picture with their Invictus veterans.

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  13. Anonymous11 September 2023 at 08:25

    Recognizing the challenges these veterans face after service is the best thing in the world

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  14. Anonymous11 September 2023 at 08:27

    Regardless of what the haters says....... Harry is an embodiment of goodness

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  15. Anonymous11 September 2023 at 14:41

    Finally watched some of if Invictus on Netflix. Very inspiring content, Harry should be proud. Thanks for your coverage, Charlotte. -op

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  16. Anonymous11 September 2023 at 18:36

    Respect. That was quite an opening speech. The crowds at IG are enthusiastic and emotional because of the reasons behind Invictus. It’s about the participants and all those veterans like them. I love that they are so super competitive, yet also supportive of one another, clapping and cheering their competitors on. It’s a real coming together. I think is important for the health of human psyche to have these challenging and uplifting moments to counter the bad times, because it’s a process in figuring out how to cope, how to counter and deal with negativities by finding supportive people and ways to heal. We can all use that lesson. Anyway, one thing is clear; Harry knows how to speak and give a rousing speech.

    As for the royal press trying to make this a weird competition between (the royals) Rugby WC and IG, it’s sad. I wish the patrons of these sporting bodies focus on the players and the sports. I wish there was more in your face royal PUBLIC support for the women’s football (soccer) team after the WC for example . The PR comparisons unintentionally undermine the purpose of the monarchy. The royal press turns the monarchy into an expensive, taxpayers funded family feud.

    I’m enjoying Invictus and yes, am excited to see Meghan’s arrival 😬.

    -cheers from PNW

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    1. Anonymous11 September 2023 at 20:01

      How exactly are the patrons not focusing on rugby?
      I highly recommend you listen to the podcast and you'll see Kate discussing how important it is for girls to have female referents and how happy she is things are changing and girls now are playing sports teams.

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    2. Anonymous14 September 2023 at 02:50

      I listened. It was fun to hear them speak about themselves and each other.

      However, I was addressing need for more actions like inviting the female WC football team to one of the palaces for a mini celebration for making the WC championship. That was quite a feat and it had the whole nation cheering them on.

      Small actions like these give big meanings to the spoken words.
      -cheers from the PNW



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  17. Anonymous11 September 2023 at 21:04

    I think it is very sad that so many comments include reference to the Royal Family so dragging out the I'll feeling that was established three years ago. It would be lovely if people moved on like the couple themselves are trying to do. ST

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  18. Sheryl BC Canada12 September 2023 at 02:27

    Absolutely thrilling to watch the ceremonies and am looking forward to the next week of competitions.. Prince Harry created an amazing vehicle to support all of our veterans in their recovery. What a wonderful legacy .

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  19. Melissa Hafting12 September 2023 at 06:14

    The invictus games was the best thing Prince Harry ever did. These service men and women are heroes and an inspiration to us all.

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  20. Anonymous12 September 2023 at 10:54

    So many emotions! I shed tears as usual with Harry❣ Making lively speeches became like pedaling the bike for Harry, big congratulations, courage and success at this great event.
    Ghilou

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  21. Ghilou12 September 2023 at 10:56

    So many emotions! I shed tears as usual with Harry❣ Making lively speeches became like pedaling the bike for Harry, big congratulations, courage and success at this great event.

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