Tower Bridge is lit up to celebrate the Invictus Games. Pic: Hilary Meredith

One of London’s most iconic landmarks, Tower Bridge, was lit up this week to mark the final countdown for the first Invictus Games at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

The Games, which kick off next Wednesday, are being held to celebrate the recovery and resilience of servicemen and women from 13 countries around the world who have been injured in the line of duty.

Invictus, meaning unconquerable in Latin, has been taken from the William Ernest Henley poem of the same name. Two 12.5m high “I am Invictus” logos, were emblazoned on the side of the towers of Tower Bridge. The phrase is taken from the final two lines of the poem – “I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul.”

Sir Keith Mills, Chairman of the Invictus Games, speaking at Tower Bridge earlier this week, said: “It was just six months back when Prince Harry launched the Invictus Games at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Now one week from the Opening Ceremony it’s fitting to see the emblem of the Invictus Games up in lights. We’re ready for four days of inspirational sport and I’d urge anyone who hasn’t yet got tickets to get them fast. Ultimately we want to shine a light on all those who serve their country and on those who are now on a journey of recovery.”

400 competitors – 130 of whom are British – will take part in the Games, which have been organised by Prince Harry and the Royal Foundation of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, from September 10-14.

The Copper Box Arena, Aquatics Centre, Lee Valley Velopark and Here East in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park will all host events as will the Lee Valley Athletics Centre.

Tickets for the Invictus Games can be found here.