“Strength, honour and optimism”: Prince Harry kicks off Invictus Games

Prince Harry paid tribute to the brave Invictus Games competitors on Saturday night in a touching speech during the opening ceremony.

Addressing a crowd of thousands, the Duke of Sussex spoke proudly of the event which he created four years ago and the deeper meaning behind it.

“Our Invictus family has turned these games into a symbol of strength, honour and optimism for a new generation,” he said.

Watch The Duke of Sussex's @InvictusSydney speech in full:https://t.co/DZZQPb1y8N …#IG2018 #GameOnDownUnder

— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) October 20, 2018

“The Invictus generation is also about showing that being tough means being honest about how you feel inside and out.”

Although the event was postponed an hour due to bad weather, that didn’t dampen the sprits of competitors who were cheered on by thousands as they marched through the forecourt.

The talented sports people from 18 countries, including 72 Australians, happily waved to spectators who let off roaring cheers.

Harry and wife Meghan also enjoyed the entertainment of the night, as they sat front and centre to the stage.

James Corden, Hamish Blake and Magda Szubanski – in character as “Sharon” from Kath and Kim – were some of the favourites of the evening. While other entertainment included
performances by traditional Aboriginal dancers, Kate Ceberano, Lee Kernaghan and Birds of Tokyo.

The games, which are this year held in Sydney, will see over 500, wounded, injured or sick armed force personnel from across the world join together to compete in a range of sports including wheelchair basketball, sitting volleyball and indoor rowing.

Over the course of eight days the talented sports people will take part in 11 medal sports and two feature events.

Earlier on Saturday the Duke and Duchess of Sussex attended the opening of the newly renovated Anzac Memorial in Sydney.

Read more: Prince Harry and Meghan delight at Anzac memorial in Sydney

Prince Harry sported his full Blues and Royals tropical military dress uniform for the occasion, looking every bit the proud soldier as he met NSW Governor David Hurley and his wife Linda outside the Hyde Park facility.

Meghan pulled out yet another show-stopping look for the occasion and dazzled onlookers in her black frock by New Zealand designer Emilia Wickstead. The smart button-up dress fell loosely over the Duchess’s growing baby bump.

Harry and Meghan were joined at the event by Prime Minister Scott Morrison, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian, and Veterans Affairs Minister David Elliott.

Did you watch the Invictus Games opening ceremony? Will you be going to watch any of the events?