Prince Harry is continuing an Invictus Games tradition.

As he’s done in the past, the Duke of Sussex took the stage at the opening ceremony of the 2025 Invictus Games, held in Vancouver and Whistler. Speaking at the BC Place in Vancouver, where Meghan Markle also took in the kick-off event, Prince Harry welcomed the service personnel and veterans to the adaptive sports competition.

“In this moment of difficulty and division in many parts of the world, we gather here in Vancouver in a spirit of unity. We represent 23 nations. Speak many different languages and reflect the full breadth of the world’s religions and faiths,” the Duke of Sussex said. “Beyond any differences, here at the Invictus Games, we are grounded in mutual respect, competing fiercely but believing in one another, supporting one another and rooting for one another.”

“Listen, the Games were born more than a decade ago from a promise that I made to myself — a promise to uphold my obligation, my sacred obligation after my own decade and privilege of military service — to do whatever I could to help my fellow brothers and sisters heal and to champion everything that we stand for,” he said.

Harry continued, “Over the past decade, I’ve lost count of the times that we’ve heard you tell us that the Invictus Games ‘saved you.’ Respectfully, I disagree. Invictus didn’t save you. You saved yourself.”

“It was you who pushed through the doubt and despair. You who summited your own mountain and brought us along with you. It was you who kept going even when you didn’t think you had any more to give. We didn’t do that. You did,” he added. “The Games simply reveal what is already within you. That scarcest — and most precious — of the world’s resources: character. A spirit of fortitude and perseverance that can never be defeated.”

“That is the magic of the Invictus Games.”

Many of the over 500 athletes from 23 countries were moved to tears while hearing Prince Harry speak.

Prince Harry wrapped his speech with a challenge to the athletes: “Show the world how you behave under completely impossible circumstances. Show the world your fearlessness. Show the world the grandeur in your attempt at victory. Show the world why you are Invictus.”

Prince Harry, a former captain in the British Army, created the adaptive sporting event in 2014 for wounded, injured and sick service members and veterans.

In addition to Prince Harry appearing on stage at the opening ceremony, the crowd was treated to performances by Chris Martin of Coldplay, Katy Perry, Nelly Furtado, Noah Kahan and Roxanne Bruneau.

Speaking to PEOPLE in November 2024, Chief Operating Officer of the Invictus Games Robyn McVicker said Prince Harry shared his “input” when it came to the musical performances at the event.

“We’ve been thrilled to be able to work with him on the approach to the [ceremonies]. We’ve kept him posted about shortlists and what we’re talking about. He’s had input,” McVicker revealed.

The closing ceremony will take place on Feb. 16 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver and also feature a star-studded lineup, with performances from Jelly Roll, Barenaked Ladies and The War and Treaty.

The Vancouver-Whistler Games follow previous iterations held in London (2014), Orlando (2016), Toronto (2017) and Sydney (2018), the Hague (when COVID-19 pushed the event back to 2022) and Düsseldorf (2023).

This year has an extra element of excitement, as winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding, curling and skeleton will be included for the first time.

Dominic Reid, the outgoing CEO of the Invictus Games Foundation, praised Prince Harry’s dedication to the event, recently telling PEOPLE that the Duke of Sussex has “created extraordinary opportunities” for veterans and service members, making them feel “seen, heard, and cared for.”