The 2025 Invictus Games kicked off in Vancouver with a star-studded ceremony featuring performances by Katy Perry, Coldplay's Chris Martin, and more. Prince Harry, in his opening speech, emphasized the courage and resilience of the wounded military veterans participating in the Games.
Entertainers and dignitaries led by Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, officially kicked off the 2025 Invictus Games in British Columbia on Saturday in a star-studded opening ceremony.
Four host nation chiefs entered the stadium to the beat of drums Saturday afternoon, holding raised paddles — a traditional sign of welcome for strangers arriving on the shores of Coast Salish Indigenous communities. "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."
Event producer Patrick Roberge said that the four First Nations co-hosting the Games represent the “shared healing journey of Indigenous Peoples in Canada.” “Noah Kahan is my favourite artist and tickets for his concerts are really expensive, so this was a chance to see him, even if it’s just for one song,” Behnke said outside the stadium.Addressing the athletes, Kahan called them inspiring.
Chris Martin of Coldplay performed the Invictus Anthem live for the first time. The song, which he penned for the first Games in London in 2014, has formed the basis of medal ceremonies for all Invictus Games. He completed his set by playing Coldplay hits “Higher Power” and “Viva La Vida.”As the final chorus of “Viva La Vida” rang out, the video panned to the singing crowd, pausing briefly on Prince Harry and his wife Meghan, who could be seen taking part.
INVICTUS GAMES PRINCE HARRY MILITARY VETERANS VANCOUVER CANADA
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