Prince Harry choked back tears as he saluted the "heroes" of the Invictus Games at the end of the 2025 event.

The Duke of Sussex - who co-founded the tournament for veterans - attended the games in Canada alongside his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and he took to the stage to address the competitors and their families during the closing ceremony at the Rogers Arena in Vancouver on Sunday night (16.02.25)

Harry gave a powerful speech thanking the host nation as well as those who took part in. He started by singing a few bars of the country's national anthem before saying: "You've only gone and done it again. Did we all have fun?

"First, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Invictus Games 2025 organizing committee for their sheer passion and hard work in making these extraordinary Games possible ...

"Team Canada. You've made your country proud. Thank you for bringing your heart to the forefront of these Games and for showing us all how it's done."

Harry went on to say: "I've spent the past 11 days meeting children to grandparents from all over the world - from different beliefs, backgrounds and abilities.

"I've seen how you've changed them. Being a hero, being a role model - It's not just about resilience, skill or power. It's about integrity. Compassion. Courage.

"You give us hope through your healing, honesty and humanity, and of course through your humor!"

Harry also insisted the games will continue into the future for as long as they're needed. He added: "In a world still full of strife and trauma.

"And as much as we wish these Games weren't necessary, I understand why they are still needed, perhaps more than ever.

"It's because of the strength you give to the world. The power of your example. Your duty to one another ...

"And while I never expected that we would still be here in 2025, from one soldier to another, I also promise you this: 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."

Harry finished his speech by looking ahead to the next Invictus Games in Birmingham, England in 2027 and adding in French: "Merci Beaucoup, Canada! Je'taime!"

The royal attended the closing ceremony - which featured a performance by Jelly Roll and Barenaked Ladies - solo as his wife Meghan had previously flown back to their home in California.

The couple had previously attended several of the events during the games, met with veterans and enjoyed some downtime with a day of snow tubing.