Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, made headlines over the weekend as he opened the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 and performed the ceremonial puck drop for the Vancouver Canucks game at Rogers Arena. On February 8, 2025, the royal attended the opening ceremony at BC Place, where he emphasized the Games' mission of showcasing the courage and resilience of wounded military veterans.
Before the puck drop, Prince Harry joined Canucks owner Francesco Aquilini and two Invictus Games athletes on the ice. Centering the ceremonial moment, the prince dropped the puck between Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews and Canucks defenseman Tyler Myers.
During his address at BC Place, Prince Harry captured the audience with moving words: "Your leadership did not end when you stepped off the battlefield or took off the uniform." His speech was meant to underline the spirit of the athletes who embody incredible strength, resilience, and courage.
This year, the Invictus Games are particularly special, featuring approximately 550 athletes from 23 nations competing across 11 adaptive sports, including some newly introduced winter sports like skiing and wheelchair curling. Not only is it the seventh installment of these Games, but it is also the second time Canada has acted as host, following its successful run in Toronto back in 2017.
The artistic components added flavor to the opening ceremony, highlighted by performances from stars like Katy Perry, Chris Martin of Coldplay, and Canadian pop icons Nelly Furtado and Noah Kahan. Chris Martin, who penned the Invictus Anthem for the very first Games, performed it live for the first time, showcasing the song's significance to the occasion.
Accompanying Prince Harry was his wife, Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, who was seen clapping along and enjoying the performances. The celebratory atmosphere was described by many attendees as vibrant and emotionally charged, simulating what Gabrille Hack referred to as "a unique atmosphere," compounded by the presence of so many military personnel.
The ceremony also incorporated elements of acknowledging Indigenous culture, with chiefs entering the stadium holding raised paddles, signifying traditional welcome. The participation of dignitaries such as Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, and B.C. Premier David Eby lent additional weight to the occasion. Premier Eby made sure to recognize the longstanding ties between Canadian and American soldiers, emphasizing the deep-rooted partnership the two nations share.
With the atmosphere energized, attendees like Grace Pachmann reflected on the emotional impact of the event as they watched the diverse array of stories and journeys manifesting before them. Attendees expressed their admiration, with quotes such as Noah Kahan's sentiment: "It’s one of those things we’ll alwaysremember forever. The bravery in this room inspires us all."
The Invictus Games will continue until February 16, 2025, concluding with another anticipated closing ceremony at Rogers Arena. Attendees can expect performances from more talented artists, including country singer Jelly Roll and Canadian rock band Barenaked Ladies.
With much excitement around these Games and the royal involvement, the spotlight remains firmly on the athletes and the spirit of resilience they represent, continuing to inspire numerous individuals around the world.