Official opening of Invictus Games
Prince Harry's inaugural Invictus Games will officially open tonight with a military-themed ceremony at the home of the London 2012 Olympics.
The opening ceremony for the games for injured servicemen and women will feature an exclusive performance of the official anthem penned by Coldplay's Chris Martin as well as a flypast from the Red Arrows over the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London.
The 5,000-strong audience will include Prince Harry, his brother the Duke of Cambridge, their father the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall.
Prince Harry will be among those attending the official opening of the Invictus Games
It is not known whether the Duchess of Cambridge will attend after earlier this week announcing she is suffering from acute morning sickness with the pregnancy of her second child.
The Invictus Games have been championed by Harry and backed by William and Kate as well as the Ministry of Defence.
Over four days from tomorrow, more than 400 competitors - both serving military personnel and veterans - from 13 nations will go head to head in nine adaptive sports in London.
Teams have travelled from the USA, Denmark, Estonia, France and Italy, Canada, Holland, Australia, Afghanistan, Georgia, New Zealand and Germany for the games, which were inspired by the United States' Warrior Games.
Tonight an audience will gather on the South Lawn of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park for the prelude to the start of the competition, which has been put together by Kim Gavin, creative director of the 2012 Olympics closing ceremony.
The spectacle, which will be broadcast live on the BBC, will feature a competitors' parade, as well as displays by the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery and the Queen's Colour Squadron, and bands from the Royal Marines, Army and RAF.
Yesterday Harry presented the first medals of the games in a driving challenge billed as the "curtain raiser" to the event.
As the royal awarded a gold medal to the Australian team that won the contest at Jaguar Land Rover in Gaydon, Warwickshire, he said the games would be a major part of his 30th birthday celebrations.
Harry confessed to a few "sleepless nights" in the run-up to the games, but said he had been humbled by the experience.
He said: "I think everyone should be humbled. The reaction I have seen today for all the organising committee has reminded us exactly why we have done this.
"The difference it's going to make for these guys to be part of these games is huge.
"Seeing all the faces and reactions from these individuals, I'm absolutely over the moon."
Harry has been on-hand throughout the run-up to the start of the games, greeting teams on Monday and attending a final training session, as well as handing out medals yesterday.
Last night at a reception at the US ambassador's official residence, Winfield House in Regent's Park, Harry thanked the athletes for embracing the concept.
The reception included a video message of support from American president Barack Obama.
Speaking ahead of the games, British armed forces team captain Dave Henson said he was hopeful for some gold medals for the team.
Paying tribute to his team-mates, he said: "The guys here will underplay their injuries but there's not a small proportion of the team who have come back from the brink of death.
"So to come back from that to be at this level of competing is brilliant."
Sir Keith Mills, chairman of the Invictus Games, said: "It's been a challenge to get something on this scale together in six months - but to see the competitors here, to see the smiles on their faces, to see them competing - and these guys all compete very seriously - is terrific."
Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said: "This is a momentous day for the British team who demonstrate the remarkable spirit and determination that defines our Armed Forces.
"They are testament to the excellent care and support that is available through our world-renowned Defence Rehabilitation process."
"Our Armed Forces have played a major role in making the Games happen - not just our inspiring competitors but also the 500 service personnel in a wide range of roles who will be supporting their comrades."
