Invictus Games speeches in full

Her husband also spoke, opening up about the importance of seeking help for mental health issues.

MEGHAN’S SPEECH

The 37-year-old mum-to-be spoke passionately about the “camaraderie and close-knit sense of community” of the Games, before opening up to the crowd.

“On a very personal note I want to thank you all for welcoming me into the Invictus family,” she said.

“I’m not sure if many of you know this but a few years ago, before I met my husband, I had the incredible honour of meeting troops deployed all over the world from the UK, Afghanistan and several other countries.

“In travelling to these military bases, I was given a very special glimpse into the lives of those who serve our countries. I was able to see the unshakeable bond between servicemen and women on the ground together, but at the same time to feel the palpable longing for family and friends while deployed. Once home, the need for that anchor of support from loved ones, especially given how much it accelerates recovery and rebilltation is immeasurable. I’ve been reminded of those memories here.”

Turning her attention to her Sydney Invictus Games experience, Meghan said that she had “witnessed the most amazing support networks that surround competitors, and I’ve had the privilege of meeting several of these family and friends,” she said.

“The Novak family from Chicago is a prime example of this very thing. When their son, Ryan, suffered a severe injury leaving him paralysed from the waist down, doctors said he would never be able to walk again, but after speaking to his mum, Kerry, it was clear that it was through Ryan’s strength of spirit and with the unwavering support of his parents that he was able to prove all of those doctors wrong.

“Not only has Ryan competed in sailing, swimming and athletics this week, but when Harry and I saw him at the finish line of the sailing competition, he literally jumped into our boat, with dexterity and ease by the way to give both of us a hug.

“Seeing Ryan’s mum on the water that day, waving a flag to cheer him on was a moment I will never forget. The support system on the ground here in Invictus is something unlike any other because it’s not just cheering on your own, but realising that by the end of this week, your own becomes everyone in the Invictus Family.”

HARRY’S SPEECH

Moments later, Prince Harry took to the stage alone to address the crowd with a slightly less polished speech.

“Hi guys,” he said, with his hand on his hip.

He thanked “the people of Australia who filled the stands and cheered on the sidelines”.

“Your energy powered our competitors all week and you made these Games your own, by creating a typically Aussie atmosphere,” he said.

“To the friends and families who got our competitors to the start line and applauded them all the way to the finish line, thank you. You are all part of one big Invictus Family, and none of us would be here without you. And to the competitors goes the biggest thanks of all. You have once again left us humbled and inspired by your example, by your determination, by your service and by your sense of humour.”

“Your choice to serve your nations places you alongside those storied generations that have come before you, that have fought two world wars and then secured a world order built on freedom, democracy and tolerance. And, of course, this choice to serve, this choice to put yourselves at risk for the benefit of others, is at the very heart of what I founded these Invictus Games to celebrate,” he said.

“I wanted your service to be recognised. But what we saw again this week is that Invictus is so much more. Your example goes beyond the military community. It is about more than just your inspiring stories of recovery from injury and illness. It is about your example of determination, of optimism, of strength, honour and friendship, or, as the Aussies call it, mateship.”

Harry momentarily raised eyebrows when he declared that Invictus athletes are “not superheroes.”

“Because, as you have witnessed this past week, what they are achieving isn’t impossible nor is it magical. You have seen it happen before your very eyes because these competitors have made it happen. They are men and women who have confronted a challenge and overcome it. They are ordinary people doing extraordinary things.

“. And with the help of their friends and families, they have exceeded every expectation. That is something we can all aspire to. You do not have to be a veteran who has fought back from injury to be inspired by the Invictus example. You could be a teacher or a doctor, a mum or a dad, a child or grandparent, a farmer, a plumber, a lawyer or a CEO of anything at all. You can identify something in your own life that you want to change for the better. And you can let the men and women of the Invictus Games remind you that no challenge is too difficult to overcome.”

“Asking for help is courageous,” he continued.

“It will improve your life and lives of those around you immeasurably. In the moment you admit you are struggling, you take that first step towards a better future, for you, and your friends, and your family. You allow those around you to show you the love and concern that is central to the cure. I’ve been there. You’ve been there. And we now need to reach out to those who can never imagine themselves in that place.”