The Invictus Games in The Hague kick off on Saturday. On Friday, Britain’s Prince Harry, the originator of the sporting event, and his wife Meghan arrived on site at Zuiderpark in The Hague. The event will run through Friday, April 22.

The Invictus Games are an international sporting event for military personnel and veterans who have been psychologically or physically injured during their military service. Harry’s creator and patron started the Olympics in 2014 to promote recovery through sport, support rehabilitation, and build greater understanding and respect for injured servicemen and veterans.

About 500 participants from eighteen countries are active in ten sports: athletics, weightlifting, archery, indoor rowing, Land Rover Driving Challenge, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby, cycling, seated volleyball and swimming. Most sports take place at locations in and around Zuiderpark. Delegates from Jordan and New Zealand are missing due to coronavirus infection.

It is the first time since the funeral of Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth’s husband Harry, has been in England. The prince did not want to go to his grandfather’s funeral earlier this year because he felt his family was in danger in Britain. Prince attended several competitions. King Willem-Alexander, Princess Margriet, Prince Pieter-Christiaan and Prime Minister Mark Rutte were also present on some of the days. The band DI-RECT from The Hague provides music as ambassadors.

In 2020, Harry and Meghan relinquished all their royal duties and titles. The couple moved to California, where the two still live with their children Archie and Lilibet. Harry and Meghan’s departure has drawn criticism. Relations with the family will be difficult from then on.