Harry Visited Meghan on the Set of Suits... Whilst Meghan has been busy supporting her boyfriend and seeing his royal role in action throughout his week in Toronto, Harry too was keen to see Meghan's workplace and paid a visit to the set of Suits last Wednesday before the games began. The visit was reportedly planned weeks in advance and much to the surprise of cast and crew he showed up to watch her filming scenes as Rachel Zane in season seven of the hit television series. A source told Hello!: "Meghan showed him around. Everyone was so excited."
Sky's royal reporter Rhiannon Mills also visited the set last week and shared this short video.
New York taxis in Toronto for @Suits_USA really impressive to see filming set up and super friendly crew who let us watch pic.twitter.com/fOkEuWVKqj— Rhiannon Mills (@SkyRhiannon) September 22, 2017
A Hotel Fit for Royalty... When the royals travel, it's always fun to take a peek inside where they are staying. It had been initially thought Harry would stay at Meghan's but given the intensity of his schedule and the need to liaise regularly with staff and hold private meetings, a centrally-located hotel seemed the most prudent option. That doesn't mean they haven't been spending time together; it's been reported both Harry and Meghan are staying in the stunning Fairmont Royal York - one of Canada's most prestigious hotels.
Opened on June 11, 1929, the Royal York was designed by Ross and Macdonald (with Sproatt and Rolph) and built by the Canadian Pacific Railway across the street from Toronto Union Station. With 28 floors, the Château-style building was the tallest building in Toronto at that time, and the tallest building in the British Empire until the construction of Canadian Bank of Commerce tower on King Street the following year. The hotel has been the residence of choice for Queen Elizabeth II and other members of the Royal family when in Toronto. The Queen usually has an entire floor reserved for her and her entourage, occupying the Royal Suite herself.
Like the Queen, Harry and Meghan are staying in the aptly named Royal Suite. The two-bedroom suite has a large living area featuring a wet bar and decorative non-functional fireplace. With a full dining room, this room can be used to easily entertain sixteen. Located on the 16th floor, it boasts a spectacular view of the city.
Take a look at the swimming pool...
Meghan Loves the Invictus Games... Meghan joined Harry courtside for the wheelchair tennis semi-final on Monday. Whilst chatting with cycling competitors he said: "She loves it. She's enjoying the games."
The 'Meghan Effect' Begins... We're seeing early signs of the 'Meghan Effect' in full swing following the global media attention the couple have received this week. Two friends, David Lochhead and Dane Butler who set up their own sunglasses brand Finlay & Co. have experienced the full force of the retail power of Meghan - selling over £20,000 worth of shades and experiencing several website crashes. Fans of the brand include Pippa Middleton, Zara Tindall and Rihanna. It's a brilliant boost for the business. Meghan's sunglasses remain available here.
Support from Competitors... There's been quite the talk on Meghan's appearance detracting from attention on the competitors during the Invictus Games. It would appear those participating certainly do not agree with that sentiment. Take a look at this report from ITV's Chris Ship...
A Hero Wins Silver at the Invictus Games... There are so many inspirational, courageous and incredibly brave competitors in Invictus. They have been through unspeakable times and overcome each hurdle they have faced with remarkable strength with true strength. One such man is triple amputee Mark Ormond, who claimed second place for Team UK's rowing event at the Mattamy Athletic Centre. Mark, a former Royal Marine, was serving in Helmand Province on Christmas Eve in 2007 when he knelt on a bomb and the explosion ripped off both legs and his right arm. He is the UK's first triple amputee to survive the Afghanistan conflict. Speaking after winning, the father of three said he was "proud" of his performance and described Invictus as "truly phenomenal". Afterwards, Kensington Palace tweeted: "Prince Harry first met Mark in 2008 in Headley Court and tonight had the honour of awarding him a silver Invictus Games medal."
Harry Shows He's a Natural with Kids... A truly delightful event last night as Harry watched the volleyball and shared his popcorn with two-year-old Emily Henson, the daughter of a British Army veteran who lost both his legs in Afghanistan. Dave Henson is a former Royal Engineer and captained the UK team at the first Invictus Games in 2014. I think one can safely assume Harry is going to be one fun dad :)
A toddler takes popcorn from Prince Harry during the #InvictusGames. What happens when he realises what's going on? https://t.co/XKV051JCx8 pic.twitter.com/SX975rSipp— ITV News (@itvnews) September 28, 2017
A Powerful Speech... Speaking of Prince Harry's work in Toronto, it has extended beyond the Invictus Games. He gave a passionate speech to young people at WE Day celebrations in which he encouraged them to look up from their phones and stand up for what they believe in.
Watch Prince Harry's full speech from @WEMovement - "Together, you are going to change the world." pic.twitter.com/kNr4zh8wp0— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) September 28, 2017
Harry said:
"In today’s world too many people feel cynical and apathetic. I get that the challenges we face sometimes seem complex and even scary, especially when we don’t know who to turn to for answers. I know that while this generation of young people wants to make our world a better place, you often struggle to get your voices heard. I know that you, more than any previous generation, care deeply about the health and sustainability of the planet you're going to inherit. And I see that you’re frustrated - that entrenched mindsets - are not keeping pace with the urgency - of the threats to our environment. But today you are all saying no to pessimism and cynicism. Here in Toronto - with both WE day and the Invictus Games - we are saying yes to optimism, yes to hope, and yes to belief. And we are putting service and giving back at the heart of everything that we do."
You know that differences of opinion, of circumstance, of race and religion - are to be respected and celebrated. You know that in a clickbait culture, we cannot waste time sharing and drawing attention to things that make us angry, or that we know to be false. You all know that it’s great to "like" things on social media, but that it’s more important to look up from our phones, to get out into our communities, and to take real action; to stand up for what you believe in."
Canada was a founder member of the Commonwealth in 1931 and the Royal family enjoys an enormously warm relationship with the country. Over the past week it has struck me how vital it is for the royals to foster that relationship; it's clear to see Harry doing just that in focusing on as many organisations and causes as he can throughout his stay. He has been greeted and welcomed with so much affection everywhere he has gone, it's been amazing to see how Canadians have embraced the younger generation of the Royal family. Given Meghan's close association with the country, I suspect the first port of call on their royal tour itineraries, should they marry, will be an easy decision to make.
Will We See Meghan at the Invictus Games Again?... We are certainly hoping for a surprise appearance tomorrow! I think Harry and Meghan have been carefully balancing their appearances whilst keeping the focus on the athletes. It would be great to see Meghan join Harry to view another event before the games wrap up. I think it quite likely she will attend Saturday night's closing ceremony. It promises to be a fantastic night with performances from Bruce Springsteen, Bryan Adams and Kelly Clarkson.
With that, I would like to welcome our new readers and say a word of thanks to those who have contributed to the conversation. It's been one fun week for royal watchers and it's not over yet! :)
