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The Duke said: “While so much progress has been made since those first games, the world outside seems to be in an even more precarious state.
“We live in an age marked by polarisation and division. Conflicts rage around the globe. Anger and resentment towards those who are different, seem to pervade societies everywhere.
“Our community challenges that. Our community proves that unity is not just possible, but formidable.
“The beauty of the Invictus Games lies in how it brings people together, no matter one’s nationality, background, or personal struggles.
“It is a collective, built from courage and mutual respect, where athletes discover time and time again, the common denominator of their humanity.
“Having survived the crucible of armed combat, and forged through the challenge to rebuild bodies and minds impacted by conflict, they form a family.
“They exemplify the very best in all of us.”
The Duke travelled to the UK in May for a special event at St Paul’s Cathedral to mark 10 years of the Invictus Games.
He served on two frontline tours in Afghanistan and spent 10 years in the British armed forces.
But he was stripped of his military patronages by his grandmother the late Queen in 2021, a year after stepping down as a senior working royal.
The Duke said “I stand here not as Prince Harry”, but as a “voice on behalf of the Invictus Games Foundation”.
“This award belongs to them, not to me. That said, it is of great importance to me to highlight these allies, athletes and their amazing families, for their achievements, their spirit, and their courage at every opportunity, especially on nights like this, in front of people like you,” he said.
He concluded his speech making a promise on behalf of the foundation.
“No matter the road ahead, we are here for you, we will leave no one behind,” he added.
Past recipients of the award include Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford, who waged a high-profile campaign to persuade the Government to provide free meals to vulnerable youngsters in England through the school holidays during the Covid pandemic.
