Prince Harry has spoken of the Invictus Games’ power to change lives, as royal fans waited hopefully for another appearance by his actress girlfriend Meghan Markle.
Harry told delegates at a health research conference in Toronto that competitors and their families and friends had said to him the Games were “not only changing lives, but saving lives”.
The prince, founder of the Games, a Paralympics-style event for wounded and injured servicemen and women and veterans, also said he believed those who wore the uniform “are role models for society”.
Ms Markle made her long-awaited first appearance at an official event attended by Harry when she took her seat for the Invictus Games opening ceremony at the weekend, but was seated a few rows down and more than a dozen seats away from her partner.
Kensington Palace has not commented on the actress’s appearance at the ceremony, which will be viewed by royal watchers as a milestone in their relationship.
The actress, 36, revealed her love for the prince, 33, in a recent interview with Vanity Fair magazine, prompting speculation the announcement of a royal engagement was merely a formality.
Speaking at the Canadian Institute for Military and Veteran Health Research forum, Harry told the delegates about his inspiration for the Games.
He added: “For the competitors, we know that the journey to the Invictus Games is often not an easy one.
“We are dangling a carrot of sporting glory to help reignite qualities which have been worn down by months and often years of fighting – fighting to find purpose, fighting to reconnect with family, fighting to get fit again, fighting to leave the house and in some cases fighting to stay alive.
“Sport of course is not the only answer, but it is a hugely powerful tool.”
Harry went on to say: “Competitors, friends and their families told us that the Games were not only changing lives, but saving lives.”