Meghan Markle and Prince Harry were joined by Chris Martin, Katy Perry and other performers at a star-studded opening ceremony for the Invictus Games.
Harry, 40, is hosting the 2025 games for wounded or sick servicemen and women in Vancouver and Whistler, Canada, until Sunday, February 16.
The opening ceremony was held at BC Place Stadium on Saturday, February 8 with performances from a stellar lineup including Martin, Perry, Noah Kahan, Nelly Furtado and Roxane Bruneau.
The Coldplay singer sang some of his biggest hits — including “Viva La Vida” and “Higher Power” — before making a joke at the Duke of Sussex’s expense.
“I would like to say thank you, of course, to Prince Harry. When he called me, he said, ‘I’ve called every other musician in the world. They’ve all said they’re not available, so I have to call you,’” Martin, 47, joked, according to People. “And I said, ‘Your Royal Holiness, I’m honored.’”
The camera then panned to Harry and Meghan, who shook their heads and laughed.
“But thank you, Harry, for being such an inspiring leader and kind and sweet man. I hope you have the most wonderful Games of all,” Martin said. “It’s a pleasure to be here.”
Later in the evening, Meghan posed for a backstage Instagram video with Furtado, 46, and the pair were hilariously photobombed by Harry.
“They’re beautiful, that’s for sure,” Furtado captioned the clip.
Speaking to People in November 2024, Robyn McVicker, Chief Operating Officer of the Invictus Games, said Harry had “input” in the headlining acts.
“We’ve been thrilled to be able to work with him on the approach to the [ceremonies]. We’ve kept him posted about shortlists and what we’re talking about. He’s had input,” McVicker said.
Meghan and Harry were also photographed sitting in the crowd as they watched the performers and showed a rare display of PDA. Meghan could be seen resting her head on Harry’s shoulder and they were also snapped kissing.
The couple also gave speeches ahead of the performances.
“Your leadership did not end when you stepped off the battlefield or took off the uniform,” Harry told veterans in the crowd. “It endures. The example you set is a compass for the world. We need you and we’ll always need you.”
