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In the curling rink at the bottom of Hillcrest Community Centre, below the figure skaters practising their jumps and the little kids splashing in the pool, two of the world’s most famous faces are learning how to curl—in wheelchairs.

It’s the culmination of the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025’s “one year to go” celebrations, and the Duke of Sussex—yes, that’s Prince Harry—and good pal Michael Bublé have taken to the ice to try their hand at one of the sports that will be included in next year’s event.

Media are gathered to one side of the rink, as seven lanes of curlers—Invictus alumni, Canadian military veterans, military families, politicians, and partners—take turns learning from professional curlers.

Off to the side, Duchess of Sussex Meaghan Markle stands with Bublé’s wife, Luisana Lopilato, and other VIPs. The two women chat breezily as they watch their husbands jokingly compete to see who’s the better curler.

“Mike! Have you done this before?” one of the reporters yells to Bublé.

He deadpans, suggesting that last time did not go well: “Yes, unfortunately.”

The Duke looks up and jokingly mouths the words, “He had a helmet on!”

These two have an obvious chumship, and it’s fun to watch them play off of each other. At one point, when the Duke’s rock goes further than Bublé’s, he playfully makes it known.

Of course, they’re not just here not to rib each other. Today is all about Invictus.

The Duke, a veteran himself, founded the foundation that runs the games 10 years ago as a way to promote healing for wounded military personnel. Whether injured in battle or suffering from PTSD, veterans are welcomed into the community of the games and united under the healing power of sport. It’s truly amazing, after all, what the human body can do.

“The journey continues to unite us together—to bring us together—through true leadership, through true open hearts, through true open minds,” says Squamish Nation Elected Councilor Wilson Williams, who gives a few words of welcome alongside Musqueam Chief Wayne Sparrow. “We all belong here.”

The games’ team has worked tirelessly to ensure it has properly and respectfully involved this land’s host Nations, and it shows.

After a few more remarks from Invictus CEO Scott Moore; Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport Lana Popham; Parliamentary Secretary to Veterans Affairs Randeep Sarai; and Invictus Games alumnus Marcy Dumenceux, the Duke takes the mic. 

“The smiles on the faces that I have seen over the last few days: it proves why we do what we do,” he says. “And that was just the competitors. Imagine what it’s going to be like when friends and family get in a coach or a bus and head up to Whistler to spend hours—or the whole day—up in that beautiful mountain air. It is one of the most incredible things.”

Speaking directly to the veterans in attendance, he acknowledges the passion they have for serving their country, and asserts that the games are a way for them to continue doing so. “Every single one of you,” he says,“inspires me—and inspires us—every single day.”

Afterwards, as the crowd starts to dissipate, the Duke comes up to a few of the gathered reporters—including this one—and offers some words of personal thanks, ensuring he makes eye contact with each person. A true class act.

The Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025—the first in the organization’s history to incorporate winter adaptive sport—will take place this time next year. Those who are looking to join the excitement in the meantime can attend Unconquered Sports Day. Taking place on February 19 at the Seaforth Armoury on Burrard, the free, family-friendly will showcase adaptive sports like wheelchair basketball and sitting volleyball. Register here.