The Invictus Games opened with a triumphant ceremony at the former Olympic Park this evening.
A visibly moved Prince Harry was joined by officials and dignitaries including Prince William, Prince Charles, the Duchess of Cornwall and Prime Minister David Cameron throughout the hour-long ceremony.
Absent from the royal roster was the Duchess of Cambridge who had to pull out due to morning sickness brought on by her recently announced pregnancy.
The opening ceremony marks the official start of the four-day tournament for wounded, sick or injured serving and former military personnel with competition set to start tomorrow.
Prince Harry met with rapturous applause as he stood to address the athletes and thousands of spectators in the make-shift arena at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
“You can be sure that everyone who takes part on the track, pool or field of play will be giving their all and I have no doubt that lives will be changed this weekend,” he said.
“I can only begin to imagine how challenging the journey of recovery has is, but the admiration I have for these men and women to move beyond their injuries is limitless.”
Performances on the night came from filmstar Idris Elba, classical singer Laura Wright and the Kings Troop Royal Artillery with flyovers by the Red Arrows and Apache and Merlin helicopters.
It was also the first live performance of the Invictus Games anthem, adapted by Coldplay’s Chris Martin from the poem Invictus by William E Henley that has become an integral part of the Games’ philosophy and branding.
The parade of teams, led by Afghanistan, received a standing ovation with the loudest cheers saved for the home team.
Team Great Britain is the largest British Military sports team of its kind ever assembled, it was revealed.
In a speech, Keith Mills, chairman of the Invictus Games, said: “Over the next few days we will experience some fantastic sport and some extraordinary competitions that will give is a show we have never seen before.
“Preparing for any major sports competition is very tough but the journey that these guys have travelled in the months and years to simply be here tonight is amazing.”
Athletics is the first major event in the tournament and will get underway tomorrow from 2pm at Lee Valley Athletics Centre.
Check our website for regular updates on the Invictus Games and Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here