Prince Harry was joined by his father The Prince of Wales, his brother Prince William The Duke of Cambridge and The Duchess of Cornwall in a military themed Ceremony.

The event began with a shortened version of God Save the Queen, followed by the Invictus fanfare and a flypast by the Red Arrows.

There were performances from the Band of the Irish Guards, the Central Band of the Royal Air force, and the Band of Her Majesty's Royal Marines.

Singer Laura Wright took to the stage followed by actor Idris Elba who recited "Invictus", the famous 1875 poem by William Ernest Henley that proclaims strength in the face of adversity and is the inspiration behind the Games.

Competitors from the 13 nations taking part in the Invictus Games enter the arena at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park ©Getty Images



The "I AM" emblem of the Invictus Games was then formed by the Flagbearers of the 13 nations taking part.

The Athletes Parade saw 416 competitors enter the arena in alphabetical order with the 130-strong British team coming in last to huge cheers from the 6,500 spectators.

Following a video address from United States' President Barrack Obama at last night's welcome party at the residence of the US Ambassador to Britain in Regents Park, a special video message from US First Lady Michelle Obama was played out on the big screen tonight.

A special video message from US First Lady Michelle Obama was played out at the Opening Ceremony ©Getty Images



Mrs Obama told competitors: "Some of the most inspiring moments I have had as First Lady have been when I have met with wounded warriors like so many of you.

"You tell me how you are not just going to recover, but you are going to thrive.

"While I can't hide that I hope Team USA brings home a few golds, I want you all to know how proud my husband and I are of you and how humbled we are by your example".

Mrs Obama then introduced Prince Harry who first muted the idea of the Invictus Games after attending the Warrior Games in the US.

"Over the next four days we will see some truly remarkable achievements," Prince Harry said.

"For some of those taking part this will be a stepping stone to elite sport.

"But for others, it will mark the end of a chapter in their recovery and the beginning of a new one.

"Either way, you can be sure that everyone who takes part on the track, pool or field of play will be giving it their all.

"And I have no doubt that lives will be changed this weekend."

Prince Harry told competitors that they proved anything is possible as he officially opened the Invictus Games ©Getty Images



Following Prince Harry's speech the Invictus Anthem, written by Coldplay's Chris Martin, was performed by singers from the Armed Forces, who were joined by the Urban Voices Collective.

Along with hosts Britain, teams from Afghanistan, Australia, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Georgia, Italy, The Netherlands, New Zealand and the US will be taking part when the four days of sporting action gets underway tomorrow.

They will be competing in athletics, archery, wheelchair basketball, road cycling, powerlifting, indoor rowing, wheelchair rugby, swimming and sitting volleyball.

Tickets for the Invictus Games cost £12.85 ($22/€16) and can be purchased here.

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