Prince Harry gives rousing speech to Invictus Games closing ceremony

Prince Harry has told Invictus Games athletes the lessons they had taught him as they battled to survive through “dark times”.

The Duke of Sussex paid an emotional tribute to the wounded Invictus Games soldiers who showed the world they didn’t “give up” despite having been “to the darkest places imaginable”.

After five days of very public displays of affection where he and wife Meghan Markle kissed and tenderly embraced at the Dusseldorf games, Prince Harry took the stage of the closing ceremony alone as Ms Markle cheered him on.

In a rousing speech, he focused solely on the athletes telling them: “As you have seen and experienced, this week is so much more than a sporting event, it’s a platform for positive change.

“I’m sure you are all physically exhausted but I also hope you are mentally stronger than when you arrived,” he said.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attend the closing ceremony of the Invictus Games. Picture: Getty

“We may have provided the platform but you provided the magic - and don’t you ever forget that.

“We’ve all witnessed the true impact sport has had on your recovery and on your post traumatic growth. But you will never truly know the impact that your actions this week have had on millions of people around the world,” he said.

Ms Markle, looking resplendent in a figure hugging dress, looked on tearfully, as Prince Harry, 39, told the former Invictus Games crowd: “You have opened people’s hearts through your vulnerability, through your resilience and through your sheer abilities.

Prince Harry took to the stage for his speech without Ms Markle. Picture: AFP

“You have shown us that joy can emerge from struggle and for that we are eternally grateful.”

The Sussexes had cheered on the 500 competitors from 21 nations as they walked along the stage of the Merkur Spiel Arena, before he commended their achievements and resilience.

Singling out Master Corporal James Gendron, a member of the Canadian team, Prince Harry said he had not played the bagpipes in four years but played them to him at the seven day event.

“He picked them up and offered to play yet I had no idea what they meant to him.

Prince Harry paid tribute to the Invictus Games competitors. Picture: AFP

“In Afghanistan, he played 63 ceremonies for 63 caskets for 63 souls for 63 families.

“Four years after that last ceremony, he couldn’t touch them.

“This week he wasn’t even sure whether he could bring himself to play them. But he did.

“What once haunted him may now be what helps heal him.

“So many of you and your loved ones have been to the darkest places imaginable. But your mission to heal and grow has been a shining example to us all.

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier alongside Prince Harry and Ms Markle at the closing ceremony.

“Know that you are all leading the way for defining human potential and human decency.”

The international multi-sport event for wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women, both serving and veterans, was founded by the Prince, an ex veteran with the British army who had served in Afghanistan, in 2014.

Next year is the Games’ tenth anniversary and 2025 will be held in Whistler, Vancouver.

German president Frank-Walter Steinmeier, told the audience Germany supported Ukraine in its heroic strength against Russia and in turn praised the competitors.

“You are here because every single one of you refuses to give up, you not only do your duty but risk life and limb in the process,” he said.

Prince Harry thanked the competitors for showing the world their courage. Picture: AFP

“There is an amazing strong sense of community and solidarity here, this is a community which has not let itself be beaten by severe emotional scars, pain and grief or by memories of horrible losses, your strength to keep going every single day has brought you here.”

Earlier in the week, the Duke celebrated his birthday German style with “six small beers” at a brewery bar - Meghan had one- and with a small group of Invictus staff.

They tucked into bratwurst and Schnitzel before Harry left a handsome tip for staff.

The Duke was serenaded with a rendition of Happy Birthday by Invictus Games crowds as he received a cake from the mayor of Dusseldorf on Friday.

The Royal Family’s official social media accounts did not acknowledge his birthday and, with family relations at a low, neither did Buckingham Palace nor Kensington Palace.

The last time was in 2021, when they wished him “a very happy birthday”, posting several pictures of him alongside a balloon emoji.

Palace sources have said that they only publicly mark the birthdays of working members.

At the arena when Poland took on Germany in the seated volleyball quarter-finals, an announcer had asked: “Is there anybody here celebrating their own special occasion today? Anyone’s birthday? “Oh, I think it is someone’s birthday. A certain Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, 39 today. Happy birthday! Let’s sing along.”

As the crowd joined in, Harry mouthed “thank you”.

Ms Markle earlier threw her husband a 39th birthday dinner among staff and strangers at a German beer hall.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry flanked by Archewell and restaurant staff for the Duke’s 39th birthday. Picture: Instagram

After a day at the Invictus Games, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex dined on Wiener schnitzel, pork knuckle, sausage, roast and mashed potatoes, at Im Goldenen Kessel restaurant and bar, where Prince Harry was serenaded with “Happy Birthday” and chocolate cake.

The pair posed for pictures with restaurant owner Thea Ungermann and head waiter Frank Wackers, who said “lovely” Prince Harry washed down the meal with six half-pints, while Ms Markle had one, before the Duke picked up the bill with a “big tip”.

The birthday dinner of Prince Harry, who body language expert Judi James said looked “bashful” and “low key”, came after the milestone came and went without any public acknowledgment from King Charles, Prince William, or the Firm.

The restaurant at Schumacher Brewery, known for its “really good” Schumacher Alt served at the Invictus Games, was abuzz at the appearance, but guests were told not to take photos.

“So proud! Impressed by very friendly people who enjoyed our Schumi Alt, Haxe Wiener schnitzel, blood sausage and German sausages,” the restaurant posted on Instagram.

Prince Harry in his element at the Invictus Games. Picture: Getty Images

Prince Harry greets Kasper Holm Henriksen with a toothy smile at the Invictus Games before his birthday dinner. Picture: Getty Images

“Harry and Meghan sat next to each other during the meal. I had goosebumps when they walked in,” Ms Ungermann added to the UK’s Telegraph. “I had watched his speech on the stage at the Invictus Games and couldn’t believe he was in my restaurant. Prince Harry was so lovely and gave me a hug.”

Mr Wackers revealed the table’s “family style” dinner menu and drinks to The Daily Mail, adding that Prince Harry and Ms Markle were “very happy”.

“He is a lovely man, and they were so nice,” he said, adding a joke about their bodyguard’s interest in the local beer.

“He said that he would kill me if the beer was bad, but I know he was joking.”

While restaurant staff gave their famous guests a glowing review, body expert Judi James explained to the Mirror how Harry seemed happy but “bashful” at the restaurant.

“After a day spent canoodling his wife, Harry’s birthday boy pose here makes him look a little more bashful as he lines up for a group shot in the restaurant,” James noted about the photos.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attend the cycling medal ceremony at the Invictus Games. Picture: Getty Images

Prince Harry was serenaded with “Happy Birthday” at the Invictus Games. Picture: Supplied

“There are two clear sides to Harry here: there’s the rather macho, raised hand, clamping shake that he’s performing with a man who presumably owns the restaurant, and then the loving arm that he has placed around his wife’s back,” she added.

“His smile is more low-key than his smiles in the stadium, with no display of teeth, suggesting he was a ‘no fuss please’ birthday boy.”

Originally published as Prince Harry gives rousing speech to Invictus Games closing ceremony