Prince Harry gave an emotional speech at the first Invictus Spirit Awards, marking his first official engagement since returning to the UK.
The Duke of Sussex appeared on stage wearing a formal suit and his military medals. During his speech, he honored wounded and injured veterans and reflected on the experience that inspired the Invictus Games.
“Many of you know the story of how Invictus began,” Harry said.
He recalled flying home from Afghanistan in 2008 alongside three seriously injured British servicemen and the coffin of a Danish soldier.
Harry said the flight stayed with him and helped him understand two important things about military life.
“It gives you purpose, identity, belonging and a team,” he said. “And in a matter of seconds, injury or illness can take it all away.”
The Duke then explained what the Invictus spirit means to him, describing it as “courage without bravado, strength without ego and service without expectation.”
Harry also said that a veteran’s victories do not always happen on the battlefield or in sporting competitions.
Sometimes, he explained, victory means getting out of bed, spending time with family or finding the courage to ask for help.
Harry ended his speech by telling the veterans that the evening belonged to them.
“Welcome to the Invictus Spirit Awards,” he said before inviting Nancy from ATCO to the stage.
