The Invictus 2025 Games have come to an end, and what a way to close them.
On Sunday, February 16, 2025, another edition of The Invictus Games, which pays tribute to veterans and those who have been wounded in combat, came to a close.
As on the opening day, those in charge of adding rhythm to the evening were Jelly Roll with their songs “I’m Not Okay” and “Liar”; Michael Trotter Jr, an American veteran, and his wife Tanya together with the Canadian Military Wives Choir with the single “Skyscraper”; the Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy with the 15th Field Regiment Band; vocalist Marie-Mai; and the Barenaked Ladies.
It was a closing ceremony filled with unforgettable moments, where we even saw Prince Harry, the creator and driving force behind the project, on the verge of tears.
Invictus Games Closing Ceremony
At one point during the closing ceremony, the Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, dedicated some very moving words to the Duke of Sussex, thanking him for his humanitarian work in this noble initiative.
His speech touched the heart of the youngest son of King Charles III, bringing him to the verge of tears.
Trudeau said: “To the Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry, without whom these Invictus Games would never have happened. You are the one who turned this incredible idea into a reality and, as someone that you roped in early on in my time as Prime Minister, I can testify to the energy, dedication, and commitment this man has to you and to this ideal.”
He continued, “You have changed the lives of so many people for the better, and for that, we all owe you the deepest debt of gratitude. Thank you.”
The Duke of Sussex received this tribute with emotion as the audience stood and applauded, struggling to hold back tears and flashing a thumbs-up in thanks.
The Prime Minister and Harry spent time together during the day, enjoying an indoor rowing lesson at this seventh edition of the Invictus Games.
Prince Harry, who was in charge of presenting medals to the captains of the participating countries, also addressed the audience, recalling how the dream of the Invictus Games continues to reap success a decade after its debut.
He began his speech on a musical note: “O Canada,” singing the first notes of the Canadian national anthem. “You’ve only gone and done it again. Did we all have fun?”
He then thanked the organizers, officials, authorities, “all Canadians,” the host First Nations, and the athletes’ loved ones.
Harry made an emotional acknowledgment to the families of the competitors: “To our Invictus wives, husbands, girlfriends, boyfriends, kids, grandparents, and friends, if you can, please stand and be recognized—we salute you.”
He also remembered those who have been lost to battle or to suicide, saying, “To our comrades, friends, or loved ones whom we lost to battle or to suicide, tonight we honor you too.”
Prince Harry shared his experience of spending 11 days with families from all over the world, “from different beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities,” and how he was able to see “how you’ve changed them.”
In his speech, he stressed that “Being a hero, being a role model, it’s not just about resilience, skill, or power. It’s about integrity, compassion, and courage.”
He added: “You give us hope through your healing, honesty, and humanity, and of course through your humor! You know exactly what I’m talking about. It’s an in-house joke,” which drew laughter from the audience. “Our entire Invictus community, whether here tonight or watching from home, is making the world a better place, and you’re doing it by being your awesome selves,” concluded Harry.
Thus, the Invictus 2025 Games bid farewell, leaving an indelible mark on everyone present and reminding us of the importance of resilience, community, and mutual support.
The next edition of the Invictus Games will take place in Birmingham, UK, in 2027.