Welcome to Whistler

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex began the third day of the Invictus Games 2025 with a visit to Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation). There, they immersed themselves in the community’s rich history, vibrant culture, and the deep connections that make it so unique. Their visit included two key locations: the Language Nest and the Chief Joe Mathis Centre.

At the Language Nest, the couple was introduced to the important efforts being made to revitalize and promote the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh sníchim (Squamish language). This initiative plays a vital role in ensuring the future of the language and fostering a renewed sense of cultural pride within the community. The couple then visited the Chief Joe Mathis Centre, where they experienced the transformative power of traditional artmaking, which serves as both a form of healing and a profound expression of cultural identity. The visit offered a meaningful opportunity for the Duke and Duchess to deepen their understanding of Indigenous traditions and the Squamish people.

Following this meaningful engagement, the couple headed to Whistler, where Prince Harry attended the IGF Patron’s Lunch, an intimate gathering hosted by Lord Charles Allen CBE to honor the Foundation’s most valued partners and supporters. The Duke delivered a heartfelt speech, expressing deep appreciation for the significant contributions of these supporters, and underscoring the lasting impact their generosity continues to have on the Games and its athletes.

As part of the Family & Friends program in Whistler, the Squamish-Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC) offered a special two-hour guided tour and Indigenous craft-making experience, free of charge to all members of the Participating Nations. Led by Youth Cultural Ambassadors from the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations, these interactive sessions gave guests the chance to create their own paddle rattles while learning about Indigenous cultures. The Duke and Duchess toured the SLCC space and delighted Friends and Family by joining in on the craftmaking activity. These traditional instruments have been used by Pacific Northwest Coast First Nations in ceremonies, community songs, and as gifts to newborns to protect them from harmful spirits.

Later that day, the couple marked the official opening of the first-ever winter adaptive sports competitions at the Invictus Games during the Welcome to Whistler celebration. This public event, which celebrated the Games’ exciting expansion into winter sports, highlighted the athletes’ incredible resilience. Prince Harry expressed his enthusiasm for this iteration of the Games, celebrating the courage of the competitors and the profound impact these events have on their lives. The celebration reached its peak with a thrilling flypast, as two CF-18 Hornets soared over the village before and over to Whistler Olympic Park, where the Games’ Nordic ski events were taking place. The crowd erupted in cheers as the jets passed overhead, adding a powerful, patriotic touch to a day filled with unforgettable moments.

The Duke and Duchess ended the day at Whistler Sliding Centre to watch the Skeleton event—one of the most thrilling and adrenaline-pumping parts of the Games. Skeleton is a high-speed winter sport in which athletes race head-first down an icy track on a small sled, requiring intense bravery.

With a packed agenda, the Duke and Duchess made the most of their day, engaging with key figures, showing their unwavering support for the competitors, and reinforcing their commitment to the Invictus Games and its mission. The day also marked a milestone in the Games’ history, as it introduced winter sports for the first time, setting the stage for what promises to be a week of remarkable competition, unity, and celebration.