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Prince Harry has praised competitors at the Invictus Games for their part in turning the issue of mental health from a sad story to an inspiring one.
He was speaking in Sydney at the closing ceremony of the games, founded to celebrate the sporting achievements of injured personal service.
"The secret to the success of these Games has been accepted as mental health is the real key to recovery."
Everyone could be inspired by the "Invictus example", the duke said.
About 500 competitors from 18 nations took part in the games, which involve 11 adapted sports.
The Duke of Sussex said the athletes took part in the fate of "some of the darkest experiences known to anyone".
"By simply being here and fighting back … you have become role models for everyone at home or in the stands who might be struggling with a mental illness."
"Most importantly, you are showing us all that it's OK to ask for help."
Prince Harry referenced his own struggles following the death of his mother, Princess Diana.
"I've been there, you've been there, and we can not imagine them in that place."
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific.
It's a year after the couple made their first appearance at the Invictus Games in Toronto, in 2017.
The royal couple applauded the athletes as they paraded into the stadium at Sydney Olympic Park to mark the end of the eight-day event.
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The Parade of Nations took place on Saturday night in Sydney
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The duke and duchess appeared to be enjoying themselves
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UK competitors embraced during the closing ceremony in Sydney
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The Kingdom Choir, which sang at Prince Harry and Meghan's wedding, performed at the closing ceremony
Whereas he praised the courage, determination and "mateship" of the competitors, the duke said that "the ordinary people doing extraordinary things".
"You do not have to be a veteran who has been inspired by the Invictus example," he said.
He added that mental wellbeing was more important than physical fitness because "without it, we can not survive, let alone thrive".
"When you accept a challenge is real, when you understand your vulnerability, you can start living, doing, feeling – not simply surviving.
"And when you share your story, you can change the world.
"I can not think of a better way to continue serving your country," he said.
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The Duchess. wearing a green Antonio Berardi dress, said she was grateful to be welcome to the Invictus family
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"When you share your story, you can change the world," the duke said
In an earlier speech, the duchess paid tribute to the "strength of spirit" of the athletes at the games, such as Ryan Novak – a US serviceman who had been paralyzed from the waist down and told he would never walk again.
With the "unwavering support" of his mother, Mr Novak, Sydney and Sydney
"When Harry and I saw him," he said, "with dexterity and ease, by the way – to give both of us a hug," she said.
Meghan called the games – founded by Prince Harry in 2014 – "an international platform of some of the best athletics and sportsmanship you could ever witness, coupled with a camaraderie and close-knit sense of community which can only be defined by the Invictus Spirit" .
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The duke, who served in the Army for 10 years, started the games in London four years ago, with the help of helping others and their physical and psychological rehabilitation.
He concluded his speech in Sydney on the subject of 2018 event.
"I am so proud to call you my friends and my family.
"Thank you to everyone for an amazing Sydney Games – we'll see you in the Netherlands in 2020."
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