Prince Harry used the opening of the fourth Invictus Games to thank Australia saying he and pregnant wife Meghan were pleased to be able to share their ‘personal joy’ with them.
Thunderstorms delayed the opening ceremony for an hour but the wet weather failed to put a dampener on the roaring crowd’s spirits.
The Games are the brainchild of the Duke of Sussex and it was this time last year that the world finally knew that Meghan Markle was his girlfriend.
Addressing the crowds in Sydney, he said: ‘I have been so proud to be able to introduce my wife to you and we have been so happy to be able to celebrate the personal joy of our newest addition with you all.’
He added the new generation of service personnel were ‘defining what it means to serve.’
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‘The Invictus generation has chosen to serve their countries in conflicts that are complex and dangerous and far too often this dedication goes unrecognised.
‘They have reminded us all what selfless duty really looks like.
‘With the help of medical science, the Invictus generation has not only survived injuries that in past conflicts would have been fatal, but has also chosen to fight back from the darkest of places to be here tonight. They have shown us the true meaning of resilience.
‘When they have been open about their hidden emotional and mental wounds, the Invictus generation has shown us that in today’s world being tough means being honest about how we feel – both inside and out.’
He laid down the gauntlet to the supporters in Australia, adding: ‘Be inspired. Get excited. Allow the example of service and determination you will see, to change something big or small in your own lives.
‘Show the world what Game On, Down Under really means.’
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They were named after Invictus, Latin for ‘unconquered’ or ‘undefeated’, and see wounded, injured or sick armed service personnel and veterans come together for a sporting event.
Speaking ahead of today’s opening ceremony a royal aide said: ‘The Duke and Duchess are incredibly excited for the Invictus Games to begin.
‘The energy and stories behind the Games are always inspiring and it has been the Duke’s favourite time of year ever since the Games began in 2014.’
The competition started in London and moved to Florida, USA, in 2016.
The Games are also a particularly poignant event for the newly-weds as they made their first public appearance together at last year’s event in Toronto, Canada.
Today’s opening ceremony comes on day five of Harry and Meghan’s extended tour of Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga.
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Prince Harry was seen eagerly practicing his speech in front of his pregnant wife Meghan hours before the event.
They then got spruced up for a reception, where Meghan wore a Stella McCartney dress and a coat by Gillian Anderson for Winser.
Earlier in the day, the royal pair paid their respects to the war dead by opening a refurbished Anzac memorial.
The former British army captain and his wife laid a wreath of Australian native flowers at the steps of the memorial, as Prime Minister Scott Morrison, other dignitaries, and service men and women looked on.
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Harry and Meghan were then taken on a tour of the newly remodelled shrine, which was first opened in 1934 by Harry’s great-great uncle, Prince Henry, the Duke of Gloucester.
However it was left incomplete due to a shortage of funds during the Great Depression. A project worth 40,000,000 Australian dollars (£22,000,000) has finally realized the memorial’s original design.
In a handwritten signed note pinned to the wreath, Harry wrote, ‘In memory of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice and in recognition of the men and women for whom the scars endure.’
Wearing the tropical dress of his regiment, the Blues and Royals, Harry unveiled a plaque that noted the extension was ‘opened by a grandson of the Queen.’
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The wording was a nod to the original plaque Prince Henry unveiled 84 years ago, which noted that the memorial was ‘opened by the son of a King.’
It marked a rare solemn moment on the tour that has been well-received by residents Down Under despite growing republican sentiments in the country.
Invictus fever has been growing all week and on Friday Prince Harry scaled the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge alongside three competitors.
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The first event actually took place before the opening ceremony, the Land Rover Driving Challenge.
Dressed in matching black shirts, the royal pair headed to Sydney Harbour’s Cockatoo Island for the event.
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