The Queen has been "deeply moved" by the "courage, determination and talent" of those involved in the ­inaugural Invictus Games.

The monarch, in a ­statement delivered by Prince Harry at the Games' closing ceremony, spoke of her admiration for those members of the Armed Forces family who had ­overcome "great adversity" to take part.

The Queen said: "Prince Philip and I send our heartfelt congratulations to the organisers and supporters of this competition, and most importantly to you men and women of the Armed Forces who have overcome great adversity just to take part in these Games. As I have followed the competition over the past four days, I have been deeply moved by your courage, determination and talent.

"All of you have used the power of sport to enhance your own recovery and to raise wider awareness of the enormous challenges faced by wounded veterans.

"The success of these Games can be measured not by medals won but by the renewed sense of purpose and confidence in your abilities that you have gained.

"I send my warmest good wishes and congratulations to you all."

The Games have been the culmination of months of hard work by Prince Harry, who was inspired by the US Warrior Games and vowed to bring a larger event to the UK.

They have been well-supported by the royals, with the Prince of Wales, Duchess of Cornwall and the Duke of Cambridge among 6,500 ecstatic spectators to enjoy the pomp and splendour of the opening ceremony on Wednesday at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in East London.

The Games featured more than 400 competitors, both serving military personnel and veterans, across nine disciplines.

Teams travelled from the USA, Afghanistan, New Zealand and across Europe to take part in the Paralympics-style championships.

David Cameron said the Games could become a permanent fixture, due to the popularity of the maiden event.