Prince Harry Fights Back Tears During Emotional Moment at Invictus Games Closing Ceremony

"You are the one who turned this incredible idea into a reality" the prime minister told the Duke of Sussex

Prince Harry was visibly moved by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's shout-out during his speech at the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 Closing Ceremony.

The Duke of Sussex, 40, appeared to blink back tears during the Trudeau's rousing speech on stage at the closing show for the Invictus Games at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, Canada on Feb. 16. Prince Harry looked emotional as Trudeau, 53, spoke from the heart about the indefatigable spirit of the athletes, the enduring "friendship that unites" that United States and Canada, and the global impact that Harry's Invictus Games have made.

"To the Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry, without whom these Invictus Games would never have happened," the Liberal Party Leader said. "You, you are the one who turned this incredible idea into a reality and as someone that you roped in early on in my time as Prime Minister, I can testify to the energy, the dedication, the commitment this man has to you and to this ideal."

Related: Prince Harry Opens Up About Family, Invictus and Having Wife Meghan Markle 'by My Side' (Exclusive)

"You have changed the lives of so many people for the better and for that we all owe you the deepest debt of gratitude. Thank you," he said.

The Duke of Sussex took in the tribute with emotion as the crowd stood on their feet and cheered, fighting back tears and throwing a thumbs-up.

Trudeau and Harry spent time together at the Invictus Games earlier on Sunday, catching indoor rowing at the seventh edition of the international adaptive sports tournament for wounded, injured and sick veterans that Prince Harry, a former captain in the British Army, founded as a means for healing in 2014.

The competition ran in Vancouver and Whistler, Canada from Feb. 8 to Feb. 16, and the Canadian prime minister hit the stage towards the start of the Closing Ceremony to congratulate athletes.

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"It is just such an honor to be here because the Invictus Games are about more than competition, they’re about perseverance in the face of adversity, and they are about the strength and resilience of the human spirit," Trudeau said in his brief speech.

"It’s about not letting an injury, whether it be physical or mental, define who you are or what you can accomplish. It’s about inspiring your fellow veterans, your fellow compatriots who have or are putting their lives on the line to defend our values, our liberty, our freedom; it’s about all of you. Each and every one of you is an inspiration."

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Speaking exclusively to PEOPLE at the Invictus Games, Prince Harry tells PEOPLE that it was a joy to be back in Canada following the 2017 Toronto cycle. Over 500 athletes from 23 nations for an action-packed week of sport, unity and community across 11 adaptive sports, including the new debut of winter disciplines for the first time. 

"It’s incredible to be back in Canada. Canada couldn’t be more appropriate to host the first Winter Games. Everyone is so excited," the Duke of Sussex tells PEOPLE. 

For more on Prince Harry and the Invictus Games, pick up PEOPLE's latest issue, on newsstands now.