For Prince Harry, there is no reason closer to his heart than this – says royal author Chris Ship Harry and Megan paid tribute to the bravery of the Ukrainian team at the opening ceremony of the Invictus Games, with Megan exclaiming: “Slav Ukraine! (Glory to Ukraine!) “ The Duke of Sussex said he hoped the games, which are being held in The Hague, the Netherlands, would give the world a chance to “perform better” for the country of Ukraine. He appeared excited after being introduced to the stage by Megan’s wife, the Duchess of Sussex, with the couple kissing before giving a heartfelt speech. Harry founded the Invictus Games to help heal injured or sick military personnel and veterans from around the world, challenging them to compete in Paralympic-like sporting events. The Duke of Sussex speaking on stage Contributor: Aaron Chown / PA The Ukrainian team received standing ovations and applause when they arrived for the ceremony at The Zuiderpark in The Hague on Saturday night. Megan, who was invited on stage to speak, said that everyone “stands by” the Ukrainian team. He said: “Good evening to all. We are so grateful to the Netherlands for welcoming us to the Invictus Games. “For each team, my husband and I recognize that it took us a long time to get here, both physically and emotionally. “Equally important for the Ukrainian team, with which we are all together.” In a huge applause, he added: “Slave Ukraine!” The Duchess of Sussex speaking on stage Host: Aaron Chown / PA Harry echoed his wife’s feelings, saying: “The bravery you choose to come and be here tonight can not be overstated. “You told me yesterday, when you decided to participate despite all the possibilities, you said that you came to this world stage, not just to show your strength, but to tell your truth, the truth, about what is happening in the country. your. “You know we are by your side. The world is united with you and you deserve even more. “And I hope that these events, this event, create the opportunity for how we as a global community can perform better for you.” The Duke and Duchess of Sussex Credits: Aaron Chown / PA Harry paid tribute to the “unlimited humility, compassion and friendship” of the Invictus Games. He said: “I want to personally thank the people of the Netherlands for welcoming us with such warm Dutch hospitality. “And I thank the Dutch government, the Ministry of Defense and the Dutch royal family for their support so that all this can happen after a two-year wait.” In her statements, Meghan said: “One thing I know for sure is that every moment it took me to get here would be worth it, because it’s here at the Invictus Games that we honor your years of activity on the pitch and your continued service. in your country, in your family and in your off-field community. “Thank you very much for your service and thank you to all the family and friends who are here, who supported you along the way. “Because this is service, this is devotion and this is the Invictus family.” The opening ceremony included live performances by the Kaiser Chiefs, the royal band Johan Willem Friso, the singer and songwriter Anneke van Giersbergen and the rock band DI-RECT. Princess Margriet of the Netherlands and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte were among those in the audience, with Mr Rutte also addressing the crowd. Mr Rutte also said he wanted to welcome the Ukrainian team in particular. “There is no doubt that you are here with mixed feelings and serious concerns about what is going on at home and some members of your team may not be here because they are fighting on the front lines. “And like you, we think of them. And we also think of those Ukrainians in the Invictus community who paid the highest price while fighting in the war. “They deserve our highest respect. “Know that we are all behind you, that we support Ukraine,” he said. The opening ceremony took place after Harry and Megan boarded a miniature open Land Rover driven by two little girls earlier in the day. The Duke of Sussex Credit: Aaron Chown / PA The duke also took part in the Jaguar Land Rover driving challenge, sitting in the front passenger seat and assisting in navigating a course with bridges, ramps and rocks. Jaguar Land Rover provides financial support for the races. The couple arrived at the Zuiderpark around lunchtime and looked relaxed and at ease as they chatted with people. Both sunglasses on a sunny Saturday, the couple met children on a small track next to the main track and each sat in the passenger compartment next to their young drivers. Meghan is led by Mya Poirot, five Credits: Aaron Chown / PA Meghan was led by five-year-old Frenchwoman Mya Poirot, while Harry was led by four-year-old Dutch Scarlet Vroegop. At one point Meghan appeared to praise Mya for driving as she seemed to applaud. The couple made their first public appearance together in Europe since resigning as senior members of the royal family more than two years ago when they attended a racing reception on Friday. A crew teamed up with Harry and Megan in the competition as part of the filming of a Netflix documentary called Heart Of Invictus – a series by Archewell Productions that tracks contestants. Listen to the podcast ITV News Royal Rota