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Captain’s pride as Harry launches team for Invictus Games in Canada

The Prince met the 90-strong group heading into competition in Toronto, Canada, this September.

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Prince Harry has launched his Invictus Games 2017 team as the new captain of the squad spoke of his “pride” at being selected for the role.

With the Tower of London as the backdrop, Harry met the 90-strong team who will take on the challenge of the Paralympic-style competition in Toronto, Canada, this September.

Former Grenadier Guards Major Bernie Broad, 50, who lost both legs below the knee following an explosion in Afghanistan’s Helmand Province in 2009, said: “When I got injured it’s amazing what I lost – confidence, ability, stature.

“I didn’t like being seen because of various injuries – but now to have tapped a button saying ‘I want to have a go at being captain’ and getting the job on my first Invictus Games was just brilliant.

“I just felt pride, everything went tight in my chest – I lost buttons off my shirt – and I became that late entry officer that I was prior to being blown up.

“It opened my eyes, my brain… it was absolutely outstanding, I couldn’t have asked for a better appointment to put Bernie Broad back on track.”

Harry has been the driving force behind the Invictus Games for injured, wounded and sick servicemen and women and veterans.

He staged the inaugural event in London to great acclaim in 2014 and had further success with the Orlando Games last year.

The Games use the power of sport to inspire recovery in the sick and injured from the military, support their rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding for those who serve their country.

When he arrived at Tuesday’s launch, Harry posed for a picture with the athletes, who were joined by some of the Tower’s Yeoman Warders – better known as Beefeaters – and shared a laugh with the competitors around him.

He spent a few moments chatting to groups of athletes and told some of them what to expect in Toronto.

Harry met this year's team, and their companions (Dominic Lipinski/PA)
Harry met this year’s team, and their companions (Dominic Lipinski/PA)

He said: “For some of you it will be really hard work, but at the end of it you will have a medal, or not, but you’re going to have an amazing experience.”

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