Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have praised the competitors of the Invictus Games and thanked the cities of Vancouver and Whistler in a new statement released just hours after the duke’s powerful speech at the closing ceremony and the duchess’s gushing tribute to her husband.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex said that during the final moments of the seventh edition of the tournament, “emotions ran high” as they praised all the competitors for their “extraordinary spirit, the strength of their journeys, and the power of unity.”
During Sunday’s closing ceremony, Harry looked visibly moved as he paid tribute to Canada’s First Nations people, Invictus athletes, and their families.
The Sussex couple said the closing ceremony “marked a bittersweet end to this remarkable chapter” and said that the Invictus athletes “They showed us that victory isn’t just measured in time or score but in the personal triumphs, shared experiences, and deep bonds forged on and off the field”.
They added: “The Invictus Games have once again proven that no matter the challenge, the strength of the human spirit knows no bounds.”
Harry and Meghan then thanked Vancouver and Whistler “whose warm welcome and commitment to excellence made this event unforgettable” as well as all the volunteers who they described as the “backbone” of the event who “gave their time, energy and hearts”.
The Sussex couple concluded in English and French – Canada’s official languages: “The Games may be over, but the mission of the Invictus Games Foundation continues: to support and empower those who serve and have served. Canada, you did it again. Thank you. Merci Beaucoup!”
On Sunday, more than 12,000 people filled the Rogers Arena in Vancouver to farewell the 2025 event.
The closing ceremony also marked the official handover to the Invictus Games’ 2027 host Birmingham.
Harry, who has been involved with the Invictus Games – a sporting event for injured, sick and wounded service personnel – since it was launched in 2014, said in his speech:
“And so long as the challenges around us demand it and require it… the Games will go on. Bring on Invictus Games Birmingham 2027. You have permission to party.”
The duke also received a special thank you from Mr Trudeau during the closing ceremony, who said that without him, “these Invictus Games would never have happened”.
More than 60 UK veterans attended the first-ever winter games in Whistler and Vancouver.
The statement comes hours after Meghan made a gushing tribute on her social media to Prince Harry. The Duchess posted a video on her Instagram stories showing the clapping that erupted as the Games announced that they had come to a successful end.
Meghan wrote: “So proud of you! [clapping-hands emoji]”.
