Britain’s Prince Harry opened the Invictus Games in London last night (10.09.14).
The 29-year-old hunk attended the opening ceremony alongside his brother Prince William, father Prince Charles and step-mother Duchess Camilla as the games, which will see injured service men and women from 13 countries compete against one another over four days, officially kicked off yesterday in the capital.
He told the crowd: "Over the next four days we will see some truly remarkable achievements.
"For some of those taking part this will be a stepping stone to elite sport. But for others, it will mark the end of a chapter in their recovery and the beginning of a new one. Either way, you can be sure that everyone who takes part on the track, pool or field of play will be giving it their all. And I have no doubt that lives will be changed this weekend."
In a recorded message, the US’ First Lady Michelle Obama, said: "Some of the most inspiring moments I have had as First Lady have been when I have met with wounded warriors like so many of you.
"You tell me how you are not just going to recover, but you are going to thrive. While I can’t hide that I hope Team USA brings home a few golds, I want you all to know how proud my husband and I are of you and how humbled we are by your example".
The ceremony started with a shortened version of ‘God Save the Queen’, which was followed by a flypast by the Red Arrows, before Idris Elba read out the poem ‘Invictus’ by Ernest Henley.
There was also a performance by three singers from the Armed Forces, who sang the ‘Invictus Anthem’, which was written by Coldplay’s Chris Martin.
Meanwhile, more than 400 competitors from Afghanistan, Australia, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, France, Italy, Georgia, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the US and the UK, will compete in nine adaptive sports at the Olympic Park and Lee Valley Athletics Centre in London until Sunday 14.
Prince Harry opens Invictus Games
