Performers later transformed the floor of the stadium to resemble the waters of the Pacific coastline, while giant models of whales and dolphins flew over the audience, who waved blue pom-poms to create the illusion of water.The show also featured art and music by members of all four separate First Nations, including singers, drummers and even a DJ, who combined electronic music with traditional Indigenous rhythms.Men and women from the Canadian Armed Forces also starred throughout the ceremony, including during a rendition of the Canadian national anthem by band members.Soldiers and cadets formed an honour guard, under the direction of Lieutenant Ben Van Slyke, before Governor General of Canada The Honourable Mary Simon gave a speech welcoming the more than 500 competitors and their families from 23 different countries.The Invictus Games Flag entered the stadium escorted by Canadian Rangers before being passed to Chief of Defence Jennie Garignan and Chief Warrant Officer Bob McCann.
BREAKING Prince Harry & Meghan Markle launch Invictus Games with Coldplay's Chris Martin and Katy Perry Prince Harry's Invictus Games are now underway in Vancouver-Whistler, Canada, with a star-studded opening ceremony featuring the likes of Katy Perry, Nelly Furtado and Coldplay's Chris Martin.
The serviceman, who previously suffered psychological injuries in Afghanistan after playing at 63 separate funeral-style ceremonies for fallen soldiers, was then joined on stage by more pipers, as well as drummers, who helped him create a cacophony of sound inside the arena.
Harry and Meghan had earlier been treated to huge cheers from the 40,000 crowd inside Vancouver's BC Place stadium after they were shown together in the crowd on the arena's giant jumbotron.The two-hour show ended with a high-energy performance by US star Katy Perry, who is a pal and neighbour of Harry and Meghan in Montecito, California.
Harry, 40, was speaking on stage at the event's opening ceremony, which included performances by pop stars Katy Perry, Chris Martin and Nelly Furtado.The former soldier, who completed two tours of Afghanistan, said: "The Games were born more than a decade ago, from a promise I made to myself.
