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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Catherine Wylie & Aine Fox & Tanveer Mann

Meghan exclaims 'Slava Ukraini' at Invictus opening ceremony in support of Ukraine

Meghan Markle has paid tribute to the Ukraine team at the opening ceremony of the Invictus Games, by exclaiming: "Slava Ukraini! (Glory to Ukraine!)".

The Ukraine team received a standing ovation and extended round of applause when they arrived for the ceremony at The Hague's Zuiderpark on Saturday night.

Meghan, who was invited on stage to speak, said everyone is "standing with" the Ukraine team.

She said: "Good evening everyone. We are so grateful to the Netherlands for welcoming us and for hosting the Invictus Games.

"For each team, my husband and I both recognise it's been a lot to get here, both physically and emotionally. Not least of which for the Ukraine team, who we are all standing with."

To huge applause, she added: "Slava Ukraini!"

Meghan paid tribute to the people of Ukraine (Samir Hussein/WireImage)
Harry said he hoped for the world to "better show up" for the country of Ukraine (PA)

Harry echoed her sentiments and said he hopes the games, which are taking place in The Hague in the Netherlands, will create the opportunity for the world to "better show up" for the country of Ukraine.

The duke appeared emotional after he was introduced to the stage by wife Meghan, with the pair kissing before he delivered a heartfelt speech.

Harry founded the Invictus Games to help the rehabilitation of injured or sick military personnel and veterans from across the globe, by giving them the challenge of competing in sporting events similar to the Paralympics.

Harry paid tribute to the "boundless humility, the compassion and the 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 thank you to the Dutch government, the Ministry of Defence and the Dutch royal family for their support in making this all happen after a two-year wait."

In her remarks, Meghan said: "One thing I know for sure is that every single moment it has taken to get here will be worth it, because it is here at the Invictus Games that we honour your years of active duty on the field and your continued service to your country, to your family and your community off the field.

Meghan and Harry received huge applause after their comments (Samir Hussein/WireImage)
Harry said he hoped for the world to "better show up" for the country of Ukraine (PA)

"Thank you so much for your service and thank you to all the family and the friends that are here, who've been supporting you along the way. Because this is service, this is dedication, and this is the Invictus family."

The opening ceremony featured live performances by the Kaiser Chiefs, the Johan Willem Friso royal military band, singer-songwriter Anneke van Giersbergen, and 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 extend a special welcome to the Ukrainian team.

"No doubt you are here with both mixed feelings and grave concerns about what's happening at home and some members of your team can't be here because they are fighting on the frontlines.

"And like you, we are thinking of them.

Prince Harry during his speech at the Invictus Games this evening (NOS.NL)

"And we are also thinking of those Ukrainians in the Invictus community who have paid the ultimate price while fighting in the war.

"They deserve our highest respect. Please know that we are all behind you, that we support Ukraine," he said.

The opening ceremony came after Harry and Meghan hopped into miniature open-topped Land Rover vehicles driven by two little girls earlier in the day.

The duke also took part in the Jaguar Land Rover driving challenge, sitting in the front passenger seat and helping to navigate a course of bridge structures, ramps and rocks.

The couple sat in the front row for the opening ceremony (PA)

Jaguar Land Rover provides financial backing for the games.

The couple arrived at the Zuiderpark around lunchtime and looked casual and relaxed as they chatted to people.

Both sporting sunglasses on a sunny Saturday, the pair met children at a small track next to the main driving course, and each sat in the passenger space next to their young drivers.

Meghan was driven around by five-year-old French girl Mya Poirot, while Harry was driven by four-year-old Dutch girl Scarlet Vroegop.

At one point Meghan appeared to praise Mya for her driving as she could be seen applauding.

The couple made their first public appearance together in Europe since quitting as senior working royals more than two years ago when they attended a reception at the games on Friday.

A crew has joined Harry and Meghan at the games as part of filming for a Netflix documentary called Heart Of Invictus - a series from Archewell Productions following people who are competing at the event.

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