Prince Harry makes major promise as he reduces to tears in emotional speech

Royal Family
Pete Hutton
February 17, 2025
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10 minutes read

IMAGO / Sven Simon

Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, delivered a moving and heartfelt speech as he wrapped up the 2025 Invictus Games in Vancouver Whistler, vowing that the competition will continue for years to come.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Harry expressed deep gratitude to the organizers, officials, and the people of Canada for their unwavering support in hosting the event. He also took a moment to make a major promise to the veterans and competitors who had gathered for the inspirational competition.

Singing the opening bars of O Canada, Harry energized the crowd before addressing them directly. “You’ve only gone and done it again. Did we all have fun?” he asked, receiving a resounding cheer from the audience.

Recognizing the families and loved ones who have stood by the competitors, he continued, “To our Invictus wives, husbands, girlfriends, boyfriends, kids, grandparents, and friends, if you can, please stand and be recognized — we salute you.” He then paid tribute to those who could not be there, honoring fallen soldiers and those lost to suicide.

“To our comrades, friends, or loved ones who we lost to battle or to suicide, tonight we honor you too,” he said solemnly. The Duke of Sussex, who founded the Invictus Games in 2014 as a platform for wounded service members and veterans to find healing through sports, spoke directly to those whose journey to the Games had been uncertain or difficult.

harry and meghan — Prince Harry and Meghan attend the Ms. Foundation Women of Vision Awards. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images Ms. Foundation for Women)

“To those of you whose journey to these Games has been difficult and uncertain, who questioned whether you would even make it here today, thank you for showing us what is possible.” He emphasized that their resilience extends beyond personal victories. “In the pursuit of saving yourselves, you have also saved all of us. Those who love you and those who don’t even know you,” Harry declared.

Acknowledging the power of the Invictus Games, he stressed that while they may not be seen as “necessary,” their impact is undeniable. “It’s because of the strength you give to the world. The power of your example. Your duty to one another. You may swear allegiance to different flags, but you stand united in your decency, your compassion, and your spirit of service.”

Harry reassured the competitors that, despite any challenges ahead, they are stronger now than ever before. “You’ve reclaimed what was lost. Restored what was broken. Achieved the impossible,” he told them. Closing his speech, Harry made a resounding promise.

“So long as our brothers and sisters are striving to heal and grow, the Games will go on.” “So long as there are those around the world who view you with sympathy, rather than admiration and respect, the Games will go on.” “And so long as the challenges around us demand it and require it… the Games will go on.”

With excitement for the future, he ended on a celebratory note: “Bring on Invictus Games Birmingham 2027. You have permission to party.” The powerful speech reaffirmed Harry’s unwavering commitment to the Games and their mission, ensuring that the legacy of resilience, service, and triumph will continue.