By Paul Thompson in Düsseldorf and Martin Robinson chief reporter and Stewart Carr 6:30 p.m. 09/09/2023, updated 8:21 p.m. 09/09/2023
Prince Harry officially opened the Invictus Games in Germany with a playful reference to his wife Meghan and the little-known discovery that she is of Nigerian descent.
After welcoming the Nigerian team to its first games for disabled and wounded military veterans, he told the crowd in a packed hall that things would be more competitive back home.
His reference to Meghan’s Nigerian heritage came at the end of a seven-minute speech welcoming participants to the week-long sporting event.
Harry said: “I’m not saying we have favorites in my house, but with my wife finding out she’s of Nigerian descent, it’s going to be a little more competitive this year.”
It was the only mention of his wife, who is expected to join her husband later in the week.
Prince Harry opened the 6th Invictus Games with a rousing speech for veterans and cheers from the audience. The Duke of Sussex said: “There are endless opportunities to touch hearts and open lives.” Prince Harry (right) and German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius laugh during the opening ceremony of the 2023 Invictus Games The German Defense Minister appeared to be in a discussion with the Duke of Sussex seemed engrossed as they watched the opening ceremony. The United Kingdom delegation arrives during the opening ceremony of the 2023 Invictus Games. Canadian fans during the Parade of Nations at the opening ceremony in the Merkur Spiel-Arena The colorful Parade of Nations is one of the highlights of the opening ceremony
Last year, Meghan took a starring role at the Hague Games, introducing her husband to the audience with an exuberant speech.
Meghan revealed details about her origins in one of her podcasts.
She said she discovered she was 43% Nigerian after her genealogy was researched a few years ago.
The 41-year-old told her audience that she would be diving deeper into her genealogy on the Upending The Angry Black Woman Myth podcast.
To great cheers from the audience, Harry walked onto the stage at the Merkur Arena in a gray suit and an open-necked shirt.
He gave an American-style salute to the U.S. team, who were sitting in the front row of the arena.
While the audience cheered, he introduced himself in German and shouted “I am a Düsseldorfer” to the cheers.
The phrase was used by President John F. Kennedy in 1963, shortly after the Berlin Wall was built and the Cold War with Russia began.
This year, Nigeria is among the nations participating in the Invictus Games for the first time. Colombia is also among the new participating nations in the annual Games for Veterans. The Dutch delegation arrives during the opening ceremony of the 2023 Invictus Games. The loudest cheers of the evening came for Ukraine, while Prinz paid special tribute to the nation in his speech. The Prince highlighted respect as the theme of this year’s Games and spoke eloquently about its importance. Thousands of representatives from countries around the world cheered on the prince as he delivered a speech at the Invictus Games
The speech and the sentence have gone down in history as one of the most famous that the assassinated president ever gave.
Harry began his speech by noting how quickly the past year had passed – he said that they had gone from waffles in Holland to schnitzels in Germany.
Harry told the wounded and disabled veterans that they had earned the respect of everyone who would take part in the games.
He urged them to realize their potential and enjoy teamwork again, just as they had during their military service.
You and your families will once again be part of a team surrounded by people who know what it’s like to serve. They see you and know you and respect you through a shared experience.’
Harry highlighted a member of the Ukrainian team named Tyra, who was missing from the Games last year after being captured by the Russians.
She starred in the Netflix documentary “Heart of Invictus” and was released after three months as a prisoner of war.
Harry told her that she embodied the spirit of the game, praising her courage and resilience and adding: “We missed you last year.”
The packed arena had previously observed a minute’s silence in memory of the deceased service members.
Three members of the German military took the stage holding a lit candle with the words “We Remember” written on the side.
Team New Zealand takes part in the opening ceremony of the Invictus Games. Former Team Italy soldiers performed at the Parade of Nations during the opening ceremony. The Italian delegation arrives during the opening ceremony of the 2023 Invictus Games. An enthusiastic flag bearer leads the Georgian delegation. At the Invictus Games, the Danish delegations make their way through the parade of nations during the opening ceremony
The 90-minute, emotionally charged opening ceremony began with each of the 21 teams entering the arena to loud cheers and clapping.
The audience was told that each of the teams had chosen their own song to enter the arena – with Australia taking to the stage to the song “I come from a land down under” by Men at Work
The British team chose Sam Ryder’s Mountain to perform at the closing ceremony in a week’s time, while hosts Germany were the last to enter the arena.
The biggest cheer of the evening came when the Ukrainian team appeared on stage.
They were one of the last teams to enter the arena before Prince Harry’s opening speech.
The prince said: “This year’s games are a mark of respect. Think about what this word means…”
“Some people may act as if respect is something that veterans demand, that people with visible or invisible injuries need to show that they are worthy.”
Harry then referenced a participant in the recent Netflix series “Heart of Invictus” who was quoted as saying, “I don’t think we overcome disabilities, we overcome society’s perception of ourselves.”
A man holds a sign in protest against Prince Harry, who described the killing of 25 Taliban in Afghanistan in his autobiography. The biggest cheers of the evening were heard during the performance of the Ukrainian delegation in the Pride of Nations team. New Zealand takes part in the opening ceremony of the Invictus Games. South Korean veterans wave their flags during the opening ceremony in Düsseldorf
Prince Harry’s speech in full
Well, this year went by quickly!
We went from stroop waffles to schnitzels in no time!
Do you remember the feeling of pride and honor when you wore your country’s flag on your uniform for the first time? Most of us might remember the last gig or the time when we finally gave up.
Am I right when I say that for some it was a cloak, perhaps a shield or an escape? For others an opportunity, recognition or a calling? No matter what it meant to you at the time or why you signed up, it was always about helping others and your friends.
You discovered things about yourself that you never knew. Skills and abilities you didn’t know you had. You have unlocked your potential and your performance. And you understood the power of teamwork.
Ultimately, you were part of a goal bigger than yourself, and that feeling felt good!
I suspect that many of you in this stadium tonight feel that this feeling has been missing for months, perhaps years. Well, not anymore.
Now look at your uniform. Go ahead, check it out.
It may no longer be camouflage but a selection of bright colors, but that flag is back on your shoulder or chest.
You and your families are once again part of a team, surrounded by people who know what it means to serve, who have a good idea of what it takes to get here, who see you and know you and respect you Experience.
This year’s games are a home for respect.
Think about that word for a moment. Respect. What does it mean to you? How does it look? How does it feel? Some people may act as if respect is something veterans demand; that people with injuries – whether visible or invisible – need to prove that they are worthy.
Some of you here may sometimes think of yourself this way; that you have something to prove.
But I was thinking about something one of the Heart of Invictus competitors shared. Mr. Na from South Korea said: “I don’t think we overcome disabilities, we overcome society’s perception of ourselves.”
These games are not just about medals,
PBs or Finish Lines – it’s about overcoming any perceptions that have been holding you back, especially the ones you’ve imposed on yourself. Because all of this, we are all here because of you.
This is not a gift. This is not a handout. This is yours. Take it. One of my favorite things about the games is reconnecting with familiar faces and meeting new ones.
I would like to take a moment to recognize Team Ukraine and in particular a very special person, Taira. I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone as brave and resilient as Taira. Where are you Taira?
I think I can speak for everyone when I say that you embody the true spirit of Ukraine and Invictus.
It’s so nice to see you and feel your energy in person. We really missed you last year!
We are also very happy that new nations are joining us.
Let’s hear it for Colombia, Israel and Nigeria!
I’m not saying we’re favorites in our house, but since my wife found out she’s of Nigerian descent, it’s probably going to be a little more competitive this year!
And to any tough competitor in this space, I have one final request for you: take every opportunity and enjoy it.
Because we all benefit from your joy, your happiness and your performance. It is a gift that we as humans can find joy in pursuing our goals.
and unknowingly pass them on to others along the way.
You may be the person someone looks to for inspiration because you don’t let fear control you.
Whether participants or spectators, you will all get so much from these games. There are countless ways to touch your life and open your heart. The energy alone is palpable and contagious. Lean in and hold it close. Let it inspire the limitless within you.
Remember, you are not just watching or participating
in sport, but experience the magic of the human spirit – learning firsthand from those who live not tied to their journey, but freed from it.
So, to our Invictus community – you have my respect.
Respect for your qualities as a human being. Respect for upholding our values and principles. Respect for your skills and your achievements. Are you ready? I said are you ready? Let us do this!!!
The prince added: “These Games aren’t just about medals, PBs or finish lines, they’re about overcoming all the notions that have held you back.”
Earlier, he sat next to German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and they appeared to be chatting animatedly as they watched the extravagant Parade of Nations in Düsseldorf.
Over 500 people stood behind the barriers in the blazing sun, hoping that the prince would take a tour and greet them. They called out his name as he walked by in a light blue suit, white shirt and silver tie.
Representatives of the 21 nations participating in the Invictus Games waited at the town hall for his arrival.
A small group of demonstrators shouted anti-military slogans, but as soon as Harry’s car pulled into the market square in front of the town hall, they were drowned out by the cheers of his fans.
Prince Harry’s bodyguard, former Secret Service agent Chris Sanchez, kept a close eye on Harry as he walked the short distance from his car to City Hall.
Among the crowd was 20-year-old superfan Madeleine Durant, who drove two hours from her home in Dortmund to see Harry.
She held up a yellow banner that read, “Harry, I came all this way to take a photo with you.” She said: “I’m a big fan of Harry and hope he sees the banner and comes over. “I really like him because he tells the truth.”
About six people demonstrating against the German military’s involvement in the games for the disabled and wounded demonstrated in a corner of the market square.
Police outnumbered half a dozen protesters who claimed the games were being used by the military to recruit new recruits.
One of the protesters held a banner that read “Bomber Harry” – a reference to his time in Afghanistan as an Apache helicopter gunner.
The estranged royal, who founded the sporting event for wounded and injured soldiers, also posed for a photo with volunteers and competitors just a day after attending a private memorial service for his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II.
Harry was wearing a black t-shirt and looked relaxed. He stood in the middle of the group. The visit to the Merkur Spiel-Arena in Düsseldorf was unannounced.
The Duke of Sussex, who embarked on the solo trip to the UK without his wife and children, was spotted leaving St George’s Chapel in Windsor at lunchtime yesterday.
The fifth in line to the throne was photographed by a tourist paying his last respects to the Queen during a shocking secret visit to the church where the late monarch was buried.
He then flew to Düsseldorf, Germany, last night for the opening ceremony of his Invictus Games.
The Duke will be given a £2,000 night suite with stunning views over the Rhine and will be joined by his wife Meghan at the luxurious residence next week.
The spacious suite on the 17th floor of the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Düsseldorf will be her base for the next eight days.
The Invictus Foundation posted a photo of the team group on its Twitter account. The group Harry posed with conducted assessments of the athletes and their recovery.
With temperatures expected to top 80 degrees, organizers are worried about those participating in outdoor events such as track and field and archery.
Many of the sports for disabled and wounded military veterans will take place in the indoor arena.
Tonight he will open the sporting event for wounded and disabled military veterans and attend the week-long event to cheer on participants in events such as archery, swimming and wheelchair rugby.
The games, sponsored by the US Boeing company, involve over 500 participants from 21 countries.
Organizers expect up to 100,000 people to attend the games, which will end with a speech by Prince Harry and a set of six songs by singer Rita Ora.
Teams from all over the world all arrived in Düsseldorf and were met at the airport by the games’ mascot, a brown bear named Buddy.
The British team, as well as friends and family, flew from Birmingham on an RAF transport aircraft. The 59 members include 15 who are still in military service while the others have retired from military service.
Great Britain team captain Lt Commander James Rogers said: “Whether veteran or still serving, we are a team approaching the Games and I am immensely proud of how much everyone has achieved in the process.” It brought a sense of camaraderie and excitement, as well as tangible physical and mental health benefits.”
Wearing a white shirt and smart trousers, Harry looked somber as he left a side door of St George’s Chapel yesterday as family, Britain and the world again mourned the Queen’s death. It is not known whether he went to Her Majesty’s Tomb in the King George VI Memorial Chapel, located within the church walls.
The public saw Harry leaving the church where his grandparents are buried around midday. A senior Range Rover was waiting for him and his bodyguard was waiting to answer the door.
Several members of the royal family are said to have visited the chapel yesterday. Harry remains close to his cousins Beatrice and Eugenie, but it’s not yet known if they and others paid their respects together. Web has reached out to Buckingham Palace and a spokesman for the Duke of Sussex for comment.
The feuding brothers are spending the first anniversary of their grandmother’s death in the same country – but still couldn’t be further apart and didn’t meet before Harry flew to Germany last night.
20-year-old Madeleine Durant (left) drove two hours from her home in Dortmund to see HarryHarry pictured entering the reception with Stephen Keller, the mayor of Düsseldorf. Prince Harry also met with British participants at the Invictus Games in Germany today. Prince Harry waves As he enters the reception in the city’s town hall, a Prince Harry fan eagerly awaits the Duke’s arrival. Grinning Prince Harry (center) poses with volunteers at the start of the Invictus Games in Germany. Prince Harry leaves St. George’s Chapel in Windsor yesterday afternoon to mark the first anniversary of the Queen’s death. Her Majesty is buried there along with her husband Prince Philip. Prince Harry arrived at the five-star Hyatt Regency hotel in Düsseldorf yesterday before opening the 2023 Invictus Games today. Prince Harry flew to Germany for the Invictus Games, where the Queen was laid to rest, after a shocking secret visit to Windsor Church. Harry is believed to have gone straight from the church where he married Meghan Markle in 2018 to Heathrow to catch a British Airways flight to Düsseldorf, where he is pictured. Yesterday Harry was driven to the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Düsseldorf on his short trip to the UK
READ MORE: William and Kate at St David’s Cathedral to commemorate the late Queen
The Duke of Sussex showed his friendly side in London on Thursday as he met the winners of the WellChild Awards – a charity of which he has been a patron for 15 years and of which he remained a member even after his acrimonious departure from the royal family.
Harry flew in for the engagement from his home in California and performed in the UK for the first time since June.
But despite the long flight, the Duke cut a relaxed figure as he sat with the youngsters and their families during a pre-ceremony reception at the Hurlingham Club in south-west London.
This time last year, as Harry was preparing for the awards ceremony, news broke that his grandmother had fallen seriously ill before passing away hours later. The Duke flew to Scotland but landed too late to see the Queen before her death.
“As you know, I was unable to attend the awards ceremony last year because my grandmother passed away,” he told the audience.
“As you probably also know, she would have been the first to insist that I come to you anyway instead of going to her.” And that’s exactly why I know she’s looking down on all of us tonight, exactly one year later and fortunate that together we continue to shine the spotlight on such an incredible community.”