One week after an unforgettable time in Germany for the Invictus Games, the
Duke and Duchess of Sussex were back on home turf for Santa Barbara's
One805 charity fundraiser,
supporting the First Responder community.
The event was hosted by Hollywood legend and Yellowstone star
Kevin Costner at his oceanside estate in Summerland.
The Duke & Duchess, and Kevin Costner with the owner of Alessia
Patisserie and Cafe 💖
pic.twitter.com/2OT02mJBcD
Santa Barbara is a relatively small community and in fact Harry and Meghan
shared a love of Italian eatery Tre Lune with Costner, so I'm not at all
surprised their paths crossed at some point and they were invited to the the
annual charity event which has distributed over $1.6 million since its
inception in 2018.
It was an event filled with familiar faces including Oprah, Ellen DeGeneres
and Portia de Rossi. Last month, Meghan and Portia enjoyed a girls afternoon
out with friends for a showing of summer blockbuster Barbie.
One805 was born after the Montecito Mudflow claimed the lives of 23 community
members.
All Chiefs of the Santa Barbara County First Responder departments sit on the
One805 Advisory Council, and are directly involved with the decisions of where
funding is directed. This ensures that funds are quickly sent where they are
most needed at any given time, regardless of the department.
The whole Santa Barbara community was out last night so it was a good
chance for Harry and Meghan to meet the neighbors.
#One805Live
🎥 TikTok: carlahughesnz
pic.twitter.com/i051kS8nRa
One805 is the only organisation to support all three primary First Responder
agencies in Santa Barbara County. One donation helps all three.
The organisation is also increasingly focused on supporting the mental health
of first responders. One805 notes: "Many mental health conditions, including
depression, substance use disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and
even suicidal ideation, are more common among First Responders."
A teaser shared just before the Duke and Duchess arrived.
The Duchess with Father Larry Gosselin of Old Mission Santa Barbara.
Afterwards, he shared photos on Facebook and wrote: "Attending the amazing
gala of 'One 805 Live' concert fundraiser to support our local communities
First Responders. Having the great privilege and joy of sharing time with
Prince Harry and Duchess of Sussex Meghan, who are part our local community."
The Duke and Duchess were introduced as special guests before presenting Kevin
with an award.
“Meghan Markle and Prince Harry were among the big names who joined Kevin
Costner at a
@One805sb
charity fundraiser in Santa Barbara, California, on Friday.”
https://t.co/mEmS7fOAxo
Harry and Meghan's latest campaign: Winning over Hollywood? The
Sussexes were all smiles as they took the spotlight at Kevin
Costner's fundraiser, with close celebrity allies Oprah and Ellen
DeGeneres also in attendance.
pic.twitter.com/0mZqtNrtyo
'In the clip, Meghan, 42, clapped as Harry, 39, walked over to Kevin to
hand him the award and shook his hand.
“Good afternoon everyone,” the actor then said to the crowd of attendees.
“Now, I get asked a lot by my friends who have no manners, ‘Kev, what’s
this place cost? What’s it worth?’ And I can just simply tell you on a
day, like today, it’s worth every penny.”
“That you’ll be here to celebrate people you’ll never maybe meet,” the
Yellowstone star continued. “The ones who are the first to rush in. And
it's a place that I’ve had a lot of good luck in my life and I’ve tried to
not throw up a wall around it, so thank you for coming.”
As Oprah appeared on stage, she was delighted to introduce Sam Dudley and his
service dog Rhonda: "Sam, in addition to all the extraordinary things that
One805 does, they have a counseling service where they counsel over 700
responders and this year alone prevented 24 suicides. Sam knows all too well
how beneficiary one805 counseling services are."
Instagrammer Jules shared: "As the wife/family of a fire fighter in sb, we
know intimately how important mental health access is. This program has saved
us in really hard times. So thank you all for supporting your amazing fire
fighters. We need them healthy."
One might say the party was the chatter of Santa Barbara social media :)
My mom is at a party at Kevin Costner’s house … along with Harry &
Megan. So, if you’re wondering what it’s like to be the coolest one in the
family, I clearly have no idea
pic.twitter.com/c8ZL11rqYu
I remember when, almost a decade ago, Prince Harry announced his vision for
the Invictus Games. At the time, he had served in the British Army for eight
years and completed his time as an Apache pilot. He knew exactly how he wanted
to cement his role for good. After a life-changing trip to the US where he
witnessed the inspiring Warrior Games. He returned to London with a plan. Nine
years later, that plan has grown into "a legacy he can be proud of", as UK
Minister of State for Veterans' Affairs in the UK put it.
There was extraordinary cooperation in Germany and a fabulously professional
approach. The Invictus Games Foundation, steered by Harry, Dominic Reed and
David Wiseman, has reached a point where it's very much a smooth-running
vessel with the ability to optimise and grow the games year on year.
In a rousing speech, German Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier spoke
directly to Team Ukraine: "This illegal war could be over today if Vladimir
Putin withdrew his troops from Ukrainian soil. Together with Ukraine, we hope
each day this war will end so that the dying and suffering are no more. Team
Ukraine, all of us feel for you and hope you can take something from this
special community of the unbeaten back with you."
Let's take a look at some of the statistics: 513 competitors from 21 countries
competed in 10 different sports across six days of competition. A total of 666
medals in 229 competitions were handed out.
Over 1,000 relatives of the participants made the journey. Over 1,200
volunteers made the event possible, coming from 30 countries. Over 800
journalists were accredited.
21,800 soldiers from all participating countries attended the event. Over
14,000 school children from all over Europe visited. The goal of 100,000
spectators was smashed with over 140,000 in attendance. Over 25 million online
visitors.
The Merkur Spiel-Arena was converted into a multi-functional facility in a
record eight days. 950 people worked 15,000 hours.
Though the Invictus Games will officially leave Germany tonight, it's legacy
will remain. Thanks to the success of the games, Dusseldorf will follow the
path of Sydney (2018 Games Host) and launch Invictus Germany. This continued
programme will operate similarly to the Warrior Games, allowing German
athletes to compete at a national level.
The Lord Mayor of Dusseldorf, Stephan Keller, became quite emotional when
speaking about the games: "We kept asking ourselves, how we can we keep this
spirit going and leave a sustainable legacy of Invictus in Germany?"
The Lord Mayor
#drstephankeller
was very emotional - he was so impressed by the games and the enthusiasm
of the people for the fates of the soldiers that he did not want this to
end here and now. A big round of applause followed. Reporting from
#InvictusGames2023pic.twitter.com/WpUF36k73K
— Alethea Magazine/Alethea Talks (@AletheaMagazine)
September 16, 2023
Minister of Defence Boris Pistorius has been profoundly touched by the event,
saying, "We have reached far beyond the military community with the impact of
these games."
— Invictus Games Düsseldorf 2023 (@InvictusGamesDE)
September 16, 2023
Looking ahead, 2024 marks the ten-year anniversary and at a press conference
this evening it was confirmed a series of events and activities will mark the
occasion. Of course, there was also enormous excitement as the 2025 Games in
Vancouver and Whistler were discussed. With the inclusion of winter sports,
the games will be around 12 days in duration. Speaking today, Canada's
Minister of Veteran Affairs Ginette Petitpas Taylor said: "The games will
present a challenge for competitors and make the first test in adaptive winter
sports. I have no doubt that it's certainly going to be something to watch."
A beautiful moment as Team Germany Captain Thomas Kroner handed over the team
coin to Team Canada Captain Aliana Mundy. A symbol of respect to Canada as
they take the mantle forward.
German Team Captain Thomas Kroner 🇩🇪 hands over the team coin to Canada
Team Captain Aliana Mundy 🇨🇦 as a symbol of respect and transition to the
Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025.
pic.twitter.com/edVXhMeRD0
— Invictus Games Düsseldorf 2023 (@InvictusGamesDE)
September 16, 2023
War heralds unimaginable cruelty and brutality. Division in all its worst
forms. None feel this more deeply than the heroes of Team Ukraine. Seeing
nations come together at Invictus, knowing the devastating situation the team
are going home to, offers a time of respite and hope for a better future.
Ontario's Senator Marty Deacon shared: "Councillor Wilson Williams of The
Squamish Nation on behalf of Team Canada at the Invictus Games today did a
blanket ceremony for a brave Ukrainian medic."
Councillor Wilson Williams of The Squamish Nation on behalf of Team Canada
at the Invictus Games today did a blanket ceremony for a brave Ukrainian
medic. The Invictus Games provide this international support and
friendship.
pic.twitter.com/S5np2dm7x2
Taira stole all of our hearts over the past week. I am in awe of her courage,
strength and dignity in the midst of circumstances most of will never
understand.
Last year, Taira couldn't take her place at the games as she was held in
captivity. She credits the attention Invictus gave her story with being
released: "When you prepare yourself for death and then you get out of those
horrible cells and then you see all this, it's like a true rebirth." When
Invictus was merely a seed in Harry's mind, I doubt he could have envisaged a
scenario such as this.
Taira told the Telegraph: "I am very grateful to Prince Harry, because it was
after...the Invictus Games that the Russians stopped interrogating and
torturing me. I think that spreading the word to the whole world influenced
their decision to trade me in a prisoner exchange."
Taira's 19-year-old daughter Anna-Sofia Puzanova represented her mother at the
games last year. Words cannot convey how much having her back means. Tonight,
Anna-Sofia spoke on stage about how proud she of her mother, bringing Taira to
tears.
As Harry took to the stage, I knew it was going to be a moving speech. I
didn't know it wouldn't leave a dry eye in the arena. "What you have seen and
experienced this week is so much more than a sporting event. It is a platform
for positive change. The ripple of respect has been felt far and wide, and we
hope you too, are feeling it deeply. I'm sure you're all physically exhausted,
who wouldn't be, but I also hope you are mentally stronger than when you
arrived.
"We've all witnessed the impact sport has had on your recovery and on your
post-traumatic growth. You will never know the impact your actions this week
have had on millions of people around the world. You have opened people's
hearts through your vulnerability, resilience and sheer abilities. You have
showed us that joy can emerge from struggles and for that we are eternally
grateful. You don’t need to rely on a uniform, nor should you feel lost
without one. Why? Because everything you need is already within you."
"We value you, we need you, and the world does
too."
—
Invictus Games Foundation 💛🖤+💜 (@WeAreInvictus) September
16, 2023
Harry then shared a deeply moving story from the week; one which was felt
throughout the entire audience. "Yesterday, I met with with Master Corporal
James Gendron at the Invictus Games 2025 tent. While we were chatting, I
noticed bagpipes lying on the floor in the far corner. Some of you know what
bagpipes mean to me, so I couldn't help but hope they would be played." Harry
then called out to James in the audience.
The Prince continued: "Little did I know, 30 minutes later, it would be James
picking them up to offer to play. Little did I know what they meant to him,
nor did I know what memories they triggered for him. In Afghanistan he played
63 ramp ceremonies. For 63 caskets. For 63 souls. For four years after that
last ceremony, he couldn't touch them. This week he wasn't sure whether he
could bring himself to play them. But he did. What had once haunted him, dare
I say it, may now be what helps heal him."
In Spare, Harry recalled the death of his mother and the sound of
bagpipes: "With bagpipes, it's not the tune, it's the tone. Thousands of years
old, bagpipes are built to amplify what's already in the heart. If you're
feeling silly, bagpipes make you sillier. If you're angry, bagpipes bring your
blood to a higher boil. And if you're in grief, even if you’re twelve years
old and don't know you're in grief, maybe especially if you don't know,
bagpipes can drive you mad."
“I believe it is all about choice. Your choice shows your Invictus spirit
and resilience.” — Ihor Halushka of Team Ukraine 🇺🇦 After a severe brain
injury from a projectile in his head, Ihor was unable to walk or talk.
Giving up was not an option! #IAmInvictuspic.twitter.com/WQIpDGgk3W
— Invictus Games Düsseldorf 2023 (@InvictusGamesDE)
September 16, 2023
The Invictus spirit is Wali Noori who takes home 4 medals for Britain. UK
Veterans Minister Johnny Mercer said earlier today: "I pay enormous
tribute to him {Harry} and everything he's done. You can see lives he's
changed, literally there right in front of you. Personally, I'm incredibly
grateful to him."
Wali Noori is blind from an explosion whilst serving with British Troops
in Afghanistan. He’s just won 4 gold medals for the UK
@WeAreInvictus
Team Nigeria made a beautiful impression. It was not only their first year
competing, they are the first country from Africa to join the Invictus family.
Harry teased Meghan would be cheering them on, and my word, did they give her
a warm welcome! The team gave Meghan the name name Amira Ngozi Lolo. 'Amira'
is the name of a warrior princess from legend, while 'Ngozi' means 'blessing'
and 'Lolo' means 'royal wife'.
"I wish this event could go on forever. The Invictus Games has not only helped
wounded, sick, and injured Soldiers on their path to recovery but also gave us
all profound insights into their resilience and determination." - Team
Nigeria.
I wish this event could go on forever 😭.
The Invictus Games
has not only helped wounded, sick, and injured Soldiers on their path to
recovery but also gave us all profound insights into their resilience and
determination.
#InvictusGamesDE#InvictusGames23pic.twitter.com/Grh8owhIvI
Team UK's Jonny Ball said: "Prince Harry, the human touch he has is simply
extraordinary. He came around and met every single athlete. I was also able to
show him a picture of my little girl who is also a redhead. I said to him, 'Oh
look, this is my little girl." I've got a picture of her pulling a funny face
and he said, "My little girl does that face!"
VIDEO: As the Invictus Games draws to a close in Germany, a Kent soldier
has been telling us about his experience of the tournament
#kmfmnewspic.twitter.com/4LTZPgS0j3
Rachel Kerrigan's story will break your heart: "Learning to live with Post
Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and to get to a point that I am thriving
again is the hardest thing I have ever had to do. The Invictus Games gave me
that. They taught me that it is never too late to build the future I want.
They gave me the self-belief to realise that, no matter how hard life has
been, I have the physical and mental strength to succeed. When I look back at
how far I have come, I am incredibly grateful." Below, Rachel talks about the
role her eight-year-old daughter played, essentially providing a support
system during the darkest days.
Rachel Kerrigan's story of how she found the
#InvictusGames
is remarkable.
— Invictus Games Foundation 💛🖤+💜 (@WeAreInvictus)
September 14, 2023
Harry and Meghan fell in love with sweet Hope yesterday. At just twelve weeks
old, she's helping Team Belgium's Martun manage his PTSD. For Martun, Invictus
means being there for people -- with visible and invisible injuries.
— Invictus Games Düsseldorf 2023 (@InvictusGamesDE)
September 16, 2023
Traditional Territory leaders welcome Invictus.
The
@InvictusGames25
will be held on the traditional territories of the Lil̓wat7úl (Líl̓wat),
xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ
(Tsleil-Waututh) Nations 🍁 They welcome you to their land 💛
pic.twitter.com/ADCPPMJnJH
— Invictus Games Düsseldorf 2023 (@InvictusGamesDE)
September 16, 2023
It's about moments like this.
Seeing these two in action again, doing what they do best, has been the cherry
on top.
The Duchess wore the beautiful strapless cut-out
Cult Gaia Raylene gown
(with thanks to Pearl).
The 'seamoss' tailored piece is described: "Raylene is an artistically crafted
gown that plays with texture and pattern. This floor-length gown features
floral patterns in Seamoss-colored lace. The floral pattern is enhanced by
lazercut cutouts that give depth and complexity. An underlayer assures
discrete coverage. A back-zip allows for easy-wear and a long-slit up the back
ensures that you can move and dance in this slimming dress." The embroidered
gown is available
here and
here.
Meghan has been doing her own hair and make up throughout the week. The
results have been fabulous.
It's the final day of the Invictus Games! Ahead of tonight's closing ceremony,
the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were on hand in Invictus Village again this
morning to present a medal to a woman who has inspired us all.
Last night, the Duke and Duchess were joined at the sitting volleyball finals
by Minister of State for Veterans' Affairs of the United Kingdom Johnny
Mercer. Speaking to
Forces News
today, Mr Mercer said: "I pay enormous tribute to him {Harry} and everything
he's done. You can see lives he's changed, literally there right in front of
you. Personally, I'm incredibly grateful to him; the nation is incredibly
grateful to him for what he's done in this space. I think it's a legacy he can
be incredibly proud of."
The Minister of State praised the games as "a festival of recovery", adding,
"The transformation stories I've seen, I don't think I have seen anything else
quite like it."
"The nation is incredibly grateful to him"
Minister
for Veterans' Affairs
@JohnnyMercerUK
paid tribute to Prince Harry and a "legacy he can be proud
of" with the
#InvictusGames.
Harry and Meghan had the honour of presenting Taira from Team Ukraine, a woman
whose "courage and resilience" was singled out by Prince Harry during the
opening ceremony. From braving the front lines in her home country to
surviving captivity, Taira's journey to Invictus has been truly unique. I've
seen videos and clips throughout the week and I'm continually struck by her
positivity.
'Hutsler enlisted into the Marine Corp in 2017 and quickly after that,
she started to feel some pain on her right foot. At first, she didn’t
think it was something to be worried about since she was involved in boot
camp. However, the discomfort continued and was misdiagnosed with a stress
fracture. Medics decided to treat her, but after months of continuous
pain, they chose to do an MRI and found a tumor on her right foot.
The complication was that the tumor I had typically didn’t happen in the
foot, rather on the brain and spinal cord,” Hutsler explained. “Therefore,
the doctors weren’t pretty sure how to treat it. They tried shrinking it a
couple of times, but that didn’t work. Then they tried removing it but
that just caused infection and nerve damage. I was just miserable. I spend
time on a wheelchair, crutches, even on a walking boot over 400 days. This
wasn’t living for me anymore.”
After 14 months of several attempts to remove the tumor, Hutsler decided
to amputate her leg.'
Annika has spoken about the power of sport and how she found recovery through
participation "beneficial", adding, "I wasn’t a very athletic person growing
up, but I realized that I loved being active and trying out all these new
things that I never even had thought about trying before losing my leg."
Also just in, the Duke and Duchess, along with the Invictus Games Foundation,
took the opportunity to wish a very Happy Birthday to competitors, families,
staff and volunteers who celebrated a birthday during the week. Harry
celebrated his 39th in style yesterday with a rapturous showering of love. The
image below included those from the Invictus Foundation: David Wiseman, JJ
Chalmers who has been fronting coverage for the BBC, and Beth Herlihy and
Clara Loughran (the ladies bookending the photo in striped tops). The former
Kensington Palace staffers have been by Harry and Meghan's side every day this
week and deserve a round of applause for a job well done.
For Meghan's first ensemble of the final day of the games, we're once again
seeing her stay true to her love of neutral, classic, understated styles.
The Duchess wore
Cuyana's Silk Classic Trench in sand. Cuyana is a women-built company with a strong focus on sustainability and
preserving heritage craft traditions. By the end of this year, 100% of
their products will be made from sustainably made materials, which are often
recycled or reused. Cuyana works with H.E.A.R.T ((Helping Ease Abuse
Related Trauma), a non-profit organization dedicated to helping female victims
of abuse by donating apparel and accessories to their mission.
Described as "an elevated interpretation of the classic layer, made from light
and luxurious Crêpe de Chine Silks with two belt options in silk and lambskin
for a versatile piece". It's available in XS - XL here.
