Prince Harry Congratulates Invictus Games Athlete with Kiss on Cheek
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Prince Harry made a heartwarming gesture at the Invictus Games by congratulating an athlete with a sweet kiss on the cheek. The Duke of Sussex, 40, attended the wheelchair rugby finals of the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 on Feb. 13. Following the gold medal game between France and the U.K., Prince Harry was captured in courtside footage embracing Amanda Pye of Team U.K. and a competitor from the French team. As they shared a laugh and conversation, Prince Harry spontaneously kissed Pye on the cheek, showcasing his support and camaraderie.
A former captain in the British Army and the founding patron of the Invictus Games, Prince Harry engaged enthusiastically during the wheelchair rugby final. Team France emerged victorious with a 19-14 score, securing the gold medal while Team U.K. claimed the silver. In the stands, Prince Harry was visibly animated, cheering on the participants, exchanging greetings, and demonstrating his passion for the games.
During the wheelchair basketball bronze medal final between the U.S. and Australia, Prince Harry was spotted sharing a beer with Richie McCaw, a retired All Blacks Rugby player from New Zealand renowned for his exceptional rugby skills. McCaw hosted a “Power of Sport Conversation” earlier at the Invictus Games, highlighting the profound impact of sports in healing, a theme close to Prince Harry’s heart.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the event, Prince Harry reflected on the significance of the Invictus Games and the spirit of competition it fosters. The current edition of the Invictus Games, held in Vancouver-Whistler from Feb. 8 to 16, welcomed over 500 athletes representing 23 nations competing across various winter sports disciplines. Notably, this iteration introduced new sports such as alpine skiing, snowboarding, Nordic skiing, biathlon, skeleton, and wheelchair curling alongside the traditional Invictus sports.
Returning to Canada, Prince Harry upheld his commitment to supporting veterans through adaptive sports, a cause he has championed since founding the Invictus Games in 2014. Embracing the inclusive and empowering nature of the games, Prince Harry expressed gratitude for the overwhelming reception and interest, hinting at the possibility of a continuous cycle of Winter Games in the future, depending on the response and participation.
The Invictus Games Vancouver-Whistler marked a significant moment as they returned to a former host country for the first time since the 2017 Toronto Games, where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made their first public appearance as a couple. The presence of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, by Prince Harry’s side at the Vancouver Whistler Games underscored the couple’s shared commitment to charitable causes and supporting the veteran community.
In conclusion, Prince Harry’s heartfelt gesture at the Invictus Games symbolises the spirit of unity, resilience, and sportsmanship that define the event. His active engagement and unwavering support for the competitors underscore the importance of inclusivity and camaraderie in adaptive sports. The Invictus Games continue to serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for veterans worldwide, thanks to initiatives spearheaded by Prince Harry and his dedication to promoting the healing power of sports.