THE DUKE of Sussex says the Covid-19 pandemic has “flipped life upside down”.

Speaking at an event honouring participants of the Warrior Games, Prince Harry paid tribute to US military veterans and highlighted the impacts of the pandemic on society.

Harry, who spent ten years in the army which included two frontline tours of Afghanistan, co-hosted the virtual event alongside US First Lady Jill Biden.

The event aimed to celebrate injured active duty and veteran US military service members.

Harry, founder of The Invictus Games Foundation, said the Warrior Games were the inspiration behind the Invictus Games, first held in London in 2014.

The Duke was expected to attend the 2021 Warrior Games in Orlando, Florida, in person, but it was cancelled due to coronavirus-related concerns.

Speaking at the event, Harry, who rose to the rank of captain in the British army, said: “I am so sorry that we’re not all together at the Warrior Games where we should be.

“The pandemic has certainly changed or flipped life upside down for so many people.

“I will never forget that first visit that I had to the Warrior Games, which inspired me to create the Invictus Games and The Invictus Games never would have been created had I not been inspired by every single one of you, and your companions, and the families for everything that you give to the service of this country.”

Harry previously revealed that he was inspired to create The Invictus Games Foundation after attending the Warrior Games in Colorado in 2013.

He said the games are “not about the medals”, but about honouring service men and women.

“It’s not even so much about the winning, as far as most of us are concerned you guys have already won,” he said.

“These games are so important, whether it’s the Warrior Games, whether it’s the Invictus Games, it is ultimately the reminder of service, both at home and overseas.

“It is about caring for our physical as well as our mental fitness.

“And that, again, is not just those who wear the uniform, but every single one of you. Because as we know, once served, always serving and that goes across the whole family network.”

The Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin and Ken Fisher, CEO of Fisher House Foundation, also spoke at the event.

Speaking at the event, Dr Biden said: “Twenty years ago our world broke apart and the shockwaves of 9/11 continue today, but as the President and I visited the September 11 memorials this weekend I was reminded of the humanity that shined through the inhumanity of that day.

“There was a call to defend the values we hold dear as we waged a global war on terror and a courageous group of men and women stepped forward to say ‘Me, I will go’.

“And that includes you, Harry, you live by a simple principle, serve together, recover together.”