Sunday 24 September 2017

Meghan Supports Her Prince at Invictus Games Opening Ceremony!

The 2017 Invictus Games kicked off in style tonight with a fantastic opening ceremony. As hoped for, Meghan is in the audience supporting Prince Harry.


Meghan has called Tornoto her home and has spent much of her time there over the past six years when Suits is filming in the Canadian city. For Harry, he has poured so much work, thought and time into ensuring the Invictus Games is a continued success. During a meeting with Governor General David Johnson he described Toronto as a "home from home". No doubt, Meghan's incredibly proud of everything he has achieved, and Harry's delighted for her to have the opportunity to see it first hand.


The appearance comes a mere two weeks after Meghan's Vanity Fair interview, in which she told the publication: "I can tell you that at the end of the day I think it’s really simple...We’re two people who are really happy and in love." Many observers predicted the interview was a precursor to the Games - introducing Meghan on her own terms.


Meghan enjoying the ceremony.

Embed from Getty Images

We had hoped to see the couple sitting together, but I expect that will come at a later date during the games. The focus tonight is rightly very firmly on the competitors. Where did Meghan sit? Royal Central has the exact seating details.

Royal Central

Meghan sat with her close friend Markus Anderson, who reportedly introduced her to Harry.

Embed from Getty Images

Prince Harry sat beside First Lady Melania Trump and Governor General David Johnson.


The Opening Ceremony is a two-hour event designed to welcome and honour competitors and their families from seventeen competing nations. The show featured hundreds of cast members, including men and women from the Canadian Armed Forces, in stunning performances, masterfully combined with the pageantry of elements such as the Parade of Nations and the raising of the official flag.


The Tenors performed "under the sky" as the conclusion of the National Flag Tour was celebrated.


The Invictus bracelets were programmed to light up with the music according to Royal Central. Below, we see Meghan admiring hers.


The 48th Highlanders of Canada & the 400th Squadron Mass Pipes and Drums performed the “Glendaruel Highlanders” & “The Atholl Highlanders”.


Ontario-born actor and comedian Mike Myers spoke about the beauty of Canada.


There was a memorable moment when CEO of the Invictus Games 2017 Michael Burns addressed the audience and paid a heartfelt tribute to Harry for making it all possible. It was very special, as you'll see. Harry's expression says it all.


High profile performers included Alessia Cara, Sarah McLachlan and Laura Wright.


There wasn't a dry eye in the house when Captain Trevor Greene, a retired soldier, who was terribly injured in Afghanistan,  spoke about the importance of family. "I had a choice to make. I could either give up, or believe in myself. I chose to believe in myself."


During an inspiring speech, Harry said: "In a world where so many have reasons to feel cynical and apathetic, I wanted to find a way for veterans to be a beacon of light, and show us all that we have a role to play; that we all win when we respect our friends, neighbours, and communities."


The text of Harry's moving speech:

'Hello Toronto, bonsoir le Canada. Merci beaucoup pour votre hospitalité. Trevor and his family are what Invictus is all about. Invictus is about the dedication of the men and women who served their countries, confronted hardship, and refused to be defined by their injuries. Invictus is about the families and friends who faced the shock of learning that their loved ones had been injured or fallen ill - and then rallied to support them on their journey of recovery. And above all, Invictus is about the example to the world that all service men and women - injured or not - provide about the importance of service and duty. 
The true scale of this example was brought home to me when I left Afghanistan after my first deployment there in 2008.  As I was waiting to board the plane, the coffin of a Danish soldier was loaded on by his friends. Once on the flight, I was confronted with three British soldiers, all in induced comas, with missing limbs, and wrapped in plastic. The way I viewed service and sacrifice changed forever. 
And the direction of my life changed with it. I knew that it was my responsibility to use the great platform that I have to help the world understand and be inspired by the spirit of those who wear the uniform. In a world where so many have reasons to feel cynical and apathetic, I wanted to find a way for veterans to be a beacon of light, and show us all that we have a role to play; that we all win when we respect our friends, neighbours, and communities. That's why we created Invictus. Not only to help veterans recover from their physical and mental wounds; but also to inspire people to follow their example of resilience, optimism, and service in their own lives. We made a great start in London in 2014. 
We took it to the next level in Orlando last year. And over the next week - in this year as we celebrate Canada's 150th anniversary - Toronto is going to put on a games that draws the attention of the world. More competitors, more sports, more nations, more friends, more families and more people watching at home than ever before. With the people in this arena tonight - and those watching across Canada and around the world - we have the biggest crowd Invictus has ever enjoyed. 
In the days ahead, I know many of you will be experiencing Invictus for the first time. I hope you're ready. I hope you're ready for some fierce competition. I hope you're ready to see the meaning of teamwork that proves anything is possible when we work together. I hope you're ready to see courage and determination that will inspire you to power through the challenges in your own life. I hope you're ready to see role models in action that any parent will want their children to look up to. And I hope you're ready to see lives change in front of your eyes. 
Before I close I want to speak directly to the competitors. For the next week, we entrust you with the Invictus spirit. You have all come such a long way. Some of you have cheated death and come back stronger than before. Some of you have overcome emotional challenges that until very recent years would have seen you written off and ignored. And now you are here. On the world stage. Flags on your chests. Representing your countries again. Supporting your teammates. And looking up into the stands, and into the eyes of your friends and families. You are all winners. Please don't forget to love every second of it. 
Don’t forget about our friends who didn’t come home from the battlefield. Don’t forget those at home who still need our support. And don't forget that you are proving to the world that anything is possible. You are Invictus. Let's get started.'

Reporters said Meghan watched "intently" as Harry spoke.

Embed from Getty Images

Meghan left after Harry's speech accompanied by protection officers. Very interesting (and perhaps telling of an engagement) to see she has Scotland Yard protection.

Rebecca English Twitter Feed

Are you familiar with Invictus? What are the games about? How is Harry involved? Following his ten years of service with the British Army, which saw him rise to the rank of captain and undertake two tours of Afghanistan, Prince Harry was determined to create an expanded international version following his inspirational visit to the Warrior Games in Colorado in 2013. There, he saw how the power of sport could help wounded members of the armed forces physically, psychologically and socially.


The Invictus Games are an international sporting event for wounded, ill and injured servicemen and women, both currently serving and veterans. The Games use the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding of, and respect for, those who serve their country. The word Invictus is Latin for unconquerable. It embodies the fighting spirit of the wounded, injured and ill service personnel and what these tenacious men and women can achieve, post-injury.


The first Invictus Games took place in March 2014 at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London, United Kingdom. The 2014 opening ceremony was attended by Prince Harry, Prime Minister David Cameron, Prince Charles, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Prince William, and Frederik, Crown Prince of Denmark. The event also included a recorded message from former First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama. The second games were held in Orlando, Florida in 2016. This year the games move to Toronto - a place where Harry has been spending quite a bit of his free time over the past year. Below, the games mascot VIMY :)


More on the choice of location:

'Hosting the Games in Canada in 2017, the year the country celebrates the 150th anniversary of its Confederation, will provide a unique opportunity for Canadians to commemorate the ill, wounded and injured soldiers, along with their families.
Canadians actively look for ways to express their gratitude toward its military personnel, and the Invictus Games will provide an ideal forum for what we know will be an unprecedented outpouring of support.'

"I AM the master of my fate. I AM the captain of my soul," are the last two lines of the Invictus poem by William Ernest Henley.


The Games are a true shining example of the power a member of the Royal family has to take on a project they are passionate about and not only see it reach its fruition, but help thousands in the process.


Since Harry arrived in Toronto on Friday, he's been working tirelessly to promote the Games and meet as many involved as possible. From participants and their families...


To excited members of the public...


....and the Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (Meghan has met the PM several times through her work as a counsellor with One Young World). The PM said: "The Invictus Games are a unique and powerful way to honour those who have sacrificed so much on behalf of their country. They represent the best and deserve our gratitude forever. Over the next eight days, the Invictus Games will put the spotlight on the strength and resilience that characterised their service. Sophie and I wish every competitor the best of luck."


There were lighthearted moments on the eve of the game.


And Harry was taken for a spin by the daughter of one of the competitors :)


Meghan looked effortlessly chic tonight. The amazing HeavenQRF identified Meghan's jacket as the bordeaux Mackage Baya Leather Jacket. The $690 piece is described as "This supple leather Mackage moto jacket has a classic moto feel, with exposed zips at the pockets, cuff gussets, and placket. Fold-over collar and notched lapels. Snap-flap ticket pocket." It's available at ShopBop. It's also available in black at Nordstrom.


It very much looks like Meghan's v neck midi dress is the Artizia Wilfred Beaune Dress in 'truffle'. The $185 piece is made with a beautiful chiffon and features a wrap silhouette. It's interesting to see a touch of sartorial diplomacy from Meghan - both Mackage and Artizia are Canadian brands.


Meghan carried a matching clutch.


And a look at tonight's jewellery.


The games run for the next week, I suspect we'll see the couple on at least a couple of occasions :)

97 comments:

  1. I must say for the first time ever I get the appeal of Justin Trudeau!

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    1. http://sportscanada.tv/invictusgames2017/channel-1

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    2. Thanks for the link, bluhare. :)

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  2. Wow ! She's there !!!

    Is it being too greedy to hope for a pic of Harry n Meghan together !!

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    1. No, you are not greedy at all:))

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  3. "A security team, including three bodyguards, stood watch in a stairwell (directly) next to the actresse's (Meghan's) seat."

    Rebecca English and Ruth Styles, Daily Mail, 9/23/17,
    "A Stunning Meghan Markle Attends ....".

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    1. wow. Interesting that Rebecca English added that Meghan's security detail was from Scotland Yard. I thought they might have been private hire. But since it was Scotland Yard, that makes me think that she and Harry truly might already be engaged. Kate dated William for years and was never afforded the luxury of a security detail. After she was engaged she had her own PPO. Very interesting.

      Harry did such a good job with his speech. He's a natural. (He must not have gotten my speech in time, lol.)

      I am glad that Royal Central clarified that Meghan was just 16 chairs to the left of Harry and one row down. Other outlets made it sound like she was seated very far away from him, like on the other side of the stadium. Apparently not so.

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    2. Does this mean that they are engaged? I don't think she would get protections officers if they weren't

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    3. ILoveElephants. I agree. Since they are not private hire security, that strongly indicates to me that they are engaged.

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    4. Rhonda - Wisconsin24 September 2017 at 15:42

      That whole section of people were dignitaries including Melania. Wouldn't Harry's PPO be in that group along with Secret Service, etc? Meghan's bodyguard hired by Harry would also have been in that group too. We shouldn't read too much into that maybe??

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    5. I don't think she *personally* has them, I think one was either just there to escort her back, or was next to her the entire time at *this* event. The latter would definitely be more significant, but again I think it's fairly certain their intentions are known within the family.

      They will have to make some kind of public declaration soon though, when you start re-assigning publicly funded PPOs, even temporarily, the media will notice and it will make news, and would not be a good way for them to start off with the public. Surround her with all the privately paid security you want, but careful when the public is footing the bill.

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    6. P.S. Rebecca English in her article today in the Daily Mail has a photo of where Harry was sitting in relation to where Meghan was sitting. She was still within the flanks of the VIP high security block of seats so her protection to some extent was enhanced by them positioning her with that block of seating. They were already protecting that right flank, including that stairwell. So she was snug within the fold, in addition to specifically assigned personal protection coverage.

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    7. Claudia. It could have been that she was just being escorted from that uberly secured block of seating (flanked by the two stairwells on either side) because that block of seating contained the First Lady of the U.S., Harry, the President of Croatia, and the Trudeaus. If you have ever watched a documentary of the intense security that accompanies even just the First Family, it wouldn't surprise me if every seemingly casual person seated on that block of seating was undercover, highly trained security. Seriously. A full battalion accompanied President Obama just to go from a highly secured landing spot in NY to the UN building. The marine battalion was "out of sight" but not far from their "primary asset", the President. They were on ready alert. And that is common procedure. If Melania flew to England in Air Force One, there was another identical Air Force One that flew surreptitiously there also. Just in case. And they had in place extreme security before she ever arrived. That is standard procedure wherever Air Force One goes. And that is just the tiny tip of the security iceberg.
      Very interesting study for anyone who is interested. National Geographic, etc., has some excellent documentaries on that and on Mariner One and on the Nimitz Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier. There are other research resources also. It was a real surprise to me what goes on behind the red carpet arrivals. It is amazing. Astonishing.

      Additionally though, we know that Meghan has somehow managed to stay out of the media scope for quite some time now. No photos of her going to yoga, the grocery store or walking Gus and Bogart. How is that even possible? She must have full time security of some sort is my guess. It takes clout to be that "invisible". We do know that there were reports of Meghan, accompanied by security, getting into a provided vehicle to go to the studio. That, to me, was when the security went into effect. After that we saw no more photos of Meghan doing daily stuff. And very few photos of she and Harry together. That takes clout. Harry has clout. Paid for privately or provided he has secured his lady. So my guess is that although the security at that venue was beyond intense, at least one of the security personnel there by her seat was a hired or provided (if they are engaged) PPO, just for her. And she's had that service for quite awhile now. Just a very considered guess. :)

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    8. Yes I think she's had full *private* security since the relationship was revealed surfer girl. But having one of Harry's detail away from Harry and next to Meghan was a bit of a mistake in my mind, gives the press a very valid reason to ask questions, and may force their hand to announce something a little earlier than they intended. Again, you have to be very careful with the public purse! Scotland Yard has officers assigned to members of the royal family, if Harry says "can you get Meghan" the response is "no I'm assigned to you" UNLESS arrangements have already been made and her significance been revealed to a handful of higher ups.

      And yes I've seen several of the docs, I love the behind the scenes details!

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  4. I was disappointed in what Meghan wore. I don't think it did her justice as what I have seen her in at other times. I definitely like her more edgy style. Sadly, she was 3 rows in front of Harry.

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    1. I thought it was a great look, and understated at the same time.

      Good luck to the athletes!!!

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    2. I agree royalfan and what a thing to pull off when you think on it! Not easy to stand out and blend in at the same time :) It was perfect for her in my opinion.

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    3. Pretty dress and great color. I imagine those necklines will come up, once an engagement is announced...just as Kate's plunging necklines were mostly in the past until the past year or so..
      She must be attired for an after party as Sophie, Melania and others are wearing covered up daytime looks.
      I think Harry's speech was his best yet. So poignant and sincere-sounding. It may have been polished by an assistant but it certainly was personal yet relevant.

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    4. I think Kate looks fantastic in some of those deeper v's Anonn, that pink McQueen from the one tour she was absolutely sensational. Wear them while you can! ;)

      And I hope this doesn't sound at all dismissive, not my intention, but I think it's hard for younger royal watchers to understand the eventual lifestyle differences, between W&K and H&M, it's been a while since the Wales and York days.

      Kate will have things, and get to do things that Meghan never will. But in return Meghan will have many of the perks but far less of the pain :) It's hard to overstate the difference between William and Kate's position and Harry and Meghan's. Particularly with a third Cambridge child on the way, and very possibly a fourth? As those children get older they will inhabit all top tiers of the royal pecking order. And with that comes the scrutiny, the expectations, the obligations etc etc... same thing happened as William and Harry grew. The Queen's other children fell by the wayside as the family of the direct heir (Charles) rose in prominence.

      Don't get me wrong, I think Harry and Meghan will occupy a different tier system. I think they will be what Diana would have been, and will have enormous celebrity and influence, star power, whatever you want to call it. But they will not have the weight of *royal* roles the way William and Kate do.

      Harry is Andrew's position basically. Obviously I believe he will have a far greater reputation and influence than his uncle, especially with these kind of projects! But Harry and Meghan will have freedoms and liberties that William and Kate could only dream of. Just as people pay attention to everything a President's wife says or does, but may be hard pressed to even identify the wife of the vice President!

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    5. Karen Pence, aka "mother". :)

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    6. I agree, 17:11. I think she wore that dress for an after-party that Melanie, Sophie, et al will be attending. Meghan already is good friends with the Trudeaus so she will fit right in.

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    7. Claudia, this **slightly** older (LOL) royal watcher understands exactly what you mean; there *is* a difference between W&K's and H&M's circumstances.

      For example, we all know that Diana was not allowed to "have a past", yet Sarah had lived with a man prior to dating Andrew and it was perfectly acceptable.

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    8. I thought you might royalfan ;)

      Aah yes, Paddy McNally, I often wonder if Sarah regretted that decision. She went to Andrew because McNally wouldn't marry her, and I was stunned a few years back to read about the fortune he's made in the past few decades. Fergie must envy that bank account! Wow.

      And I always thought it convenient that Fergie seemed to forget her McNally past when speaking to Oprah and American audiences! Acting like such a wide eyed innocent when she left the royal family for the "real" world. Please!

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    9. Claudia, I agree. I do have a hope that Fergie, Andrew and Beatrice will become more in touch with reality and in a good way and really soon. They do seem to live in their own little universe. They often have expressions of being perplexed (or questionably perturbed/especially Andrew), you know what I mean? It is a sad thing. They have such an amazing platform and so many blessings and yet they live in some other reality in their minds. I don't know. It just seems strange to me, sad, and such a waste on so many levels.
      No offense to them. They can't seem to help it being the way they are at the moment. Hopefully they will get some perfect breakthroughs somehow and snap out of it and be healthier, mentally and emotionally. It is hard to watch them function like they do now. They seem to be struggling so within themselves. God help them and soon. For real. ❤️

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    10. I think Sarah shares Andrew's sense of entitlement and it appears that Bea ended up with the same gene. Eugenie, on the other hand, seems to be more down to earth.

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    11. Oops!

      YES, Claudia. How true! ;-)

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  5. Tammy from California24 September 2017 at 03:06

    I absolutely love the Invictus Games. I agree with Justin Trudeau, they deserve our gratitude forever. They HAVE sacrificed so much. I am just delighted that these games happen, I love the motto, and I love that PH has such a first hand connection to them.

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  6. Awesome! :) Thanks for the rundown, Charlotte! I will cherish that photo of Harry & Justin Trudeau together...;)

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  7. P.S. I love the shades of burgundy that Meghan wore. I really like her jacket & pleated dress...she looked a bit low key, but appropriate.

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    1. I think she looks great here too. I LOVE the jacket!

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    2. I thought she looked really nice. I like that she wore chiffon with leather. I don't personally usually like that color in leather but it is a color she can really wear even in leather. I think you could tell that she was elated to be there in the "official" capacity that she was. Perhaps if the other dignitaries aren't there in the days before the closing ceremony perhaps Meghan will actually be allowed to sit next to Harry. (Maybe he'll pop the question at the end of the closing ceremony. Just kidding.)

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    3. lol. To make a point about whether she was wearing "the" ring, she had four rings on her right hand alone. We so need to see what rings she had on her left hand. :)

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    4. And I didn't see any African bethrothal bracelets either. So whoever wrote that in the media, thanks a lot.

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    5. I saw photos of Meghan today in Rebecca English's article and Meghan had no rings at all on her left hand.

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    6. She wouldn't wear the ring publicly, SG, until an official announcement.

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    7. I thought she looked good too, although I did a definite side eye at the shoes!

      And I agree, Erika. No way she'll wear any ring in public until something is announced.

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    8. Oh. Yeh. That's right. Thanks, Erika. What was I thinking? lol
      Kate didn't wear her ring until their engagement was announced.
      Believe it or not, I'm usually a very calm and logical person. :)

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  8. Rhonda - Wisconsin24 September 2017 at 04:25

    The opening ceremonies were AWESOME!!! We drove from Wisconsin early this morning-it was a 10 hour drive. Worth every minute. The retired Captain that was on stage right before Harry makes all your problems seem non-existent. He is totally awe inspiring with everything he has overcome! We have tickets to two other events on Tuesdayand Thursday. Really looking forward to the events.

    We noticed Prince Harry sitting next to Melania Trump, but didn't see Meghan. I figured she would be tucked away in a VIP box. Maybe we'll see her out and about. Hoping to see Harry at one of our events!!

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    1. Rhonda, thanks for this "first-hand account" and thank you for taking the time and making the effort to go to the opening ceremony!! I´m glad it seemed worth it and I look forward to hearing more "bits and pieces" from you as you attend the other events!
      It´s a very worthy cause - what a shining example of what Royals can do....
      For me, this is what I want to see them doing... this is what makes them relevant in today´s world... So, BRAVO to Prince Harry and Kudos to him!!

      I like what Meghan wore, it was chic, yet low-key. She didn´t wear anything that made her "stand out" - so it was "easier" for everyone to concentrate on what was really important....

      If it was really Scotland Yard (how would Rebecca English know, by the way? I don´t think they are wearing uniform, right? ;-))) ), then the engagement is a done deal. No way they would provide protection for her if it wasn´t....

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    2. Rebecca would have seen him before. Even I recognized him from pictures. :)

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    3. Eve, hi :)
      If I remember right, all the royals PPO's are from Scotland Yard and they most always wear civilian clothes not uniforms. And, Rebecca English, I think, knows the definite significance of Meghan having royal security so I would hope she had done thorough fact-check on that. (Have you found the most amazing pink dress yet?) :)

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    4. Surfer girl, a big "Hello over there" to you!! ;-)))
      I was just kidding with the "uniform" - I was just wondering, AS they are ALL wearing "normal clothes", how could Rebecca English know that the security guard was NOT a privately hired one? Perhaps she knows all the guys, having followed the Royals for so long, who knows.... Anyway, the guy looked different than the guy who accompanied her when it first came out that she is using a bodyguard now... Maybe she has two or more on rotation, who knows.... I guess she left early because it´s easier that way for the protection squad... it would have been TOO obvious if she had left with Prince Harry, FLOTUS et al.....

      As for the most amazing pink dress.... I look forward to having our dear Charlotte launch a styling competition once we get our invite, HAHA!! Then we both will choose the ones being most befitting for the occasion (we have to bear in mind what dress code there is on the invite, oh dear...) as the two of us want to stand out in the crowd and get noticed (I want ALL the major outlets cover our appearance so that all the credit goes to our amazing stylists!!), but at the same time fit in perfectly... ahem...
      We (or at least I) don´t want the "minted Lord" to think: "Tourists!! Oh dear!!!".....
      ;-)))))

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    5. That will be the last thing on his mind when he meets you dear Eve. It will be love at first sight. 💕
      And of course, our very special and exciting
      DKB Couture, will outdazzle anything we could have found out there elsewhere. What was I thinking? :) Just excited I guess.
      As for who is who in the world of security for Meghan, I think that will all be sorted out now that it has come into question through the media. Like I've said here recently, I think Meghan has had ultra security, paid for or provided, since the day she was photographed leaving her home in the company of a bodyguard and getting into a provided vehicle to get to the studio. Since those photos we have not seen any of her going to yoga, the grocery store, walking the doggies, or doing anything else. It takes clout to be that invisible. We haven't seen photos of Harry with Meghan either unless they were photos they wanted to be taken. So something has been going on security wise and it is not nominal. :)

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  9. Harry's speech made me cry! Wow he spoke well! What an incredible idea INVICTUS is.
    Theresa
    Australia

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  10. beautiful ceremony and moving speeches! and of course, after all the lead up to their "first official event together", Meghan's appearance was quite low key.. appropriately done.. as no announcement has been made by KP, there can not be any "official appearances".. we might have to wait for those for some time still..

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    1. Anna. It was an "official" appearance in that she attended an event considered an official event for Harry and they were both present under the same roof. (When Meghan attended Harry's polo game that was not an "official" event, I guess.) Rebecca English said in the Daily Mail today that Meghan can attend but until they are engaged Rebecca says protocol dictates that they cannot sit together. Time will tell.

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    2. I think the key protocol words are "announced engagement," surfer girl. As I said above, not being announced would prevent their being seated together, although engaged, but would not preclude the use of an RPO. I think they are engaged and are just waiting for the right time to announce it. It would be nice if she could be with him officially at the KP reception. Which gives a little over two weeks to announce. I think Meghan has still been filming promotional material for Suits. I can't see her doing that once the engagement is official.
      I do disagree that this could in any way be classified as an "official" engagement/royal appearance activity. The KP October 10 event would be. There is only one circumstance in which she would attend that.

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    3. Completely agree, 17:28.

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  11. Harry is absolutely fantastic with people, she has his mother's instinct, warmth, and care. This whole event is truly heart warming and an incrediblle idea!!! Something that Heads Together should take into consideration and use to create a more effective way to get to people and achieve more.

    I loved a lot of moments: he was so cute with little girl in the "truck", the fans, the speeches (did he make that speech without an autocue? I have never seen young royals make a speech without a paper or reading), how he woke up that participant etc.

    On fashion front: I loved what M wore, head to toe, and I loved soooo much her subtle being there, they did it so much better than I would have imagined. She was there but not stealing anything from the event.

    I hope we see them real together soon, oh my and protection officers:)))

    Shall we start talking about our fave desserts and who bakes what for next year's wedding so we could all enjoy tea and cake and chat while sitting in our comfy armchairs watching these two marry? Or shall we start with a wedding gown?:)

    PS: Melania looked pretty too.

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    1. I loved the outfit too, not at all boring in my view. The jacket is edgy in a tasteful way and she couldn't take it off or she'd have been exposing too much skin for a royal SO. Perfect -- a great call by Meghan, she's got decorum and fashion combined to a tee!

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    2. I so agree Anett, and well done Harry. I just said to bluhare, I think this is a tremendous contribution not just to the veterans but to society. Exactly what a worthy public servant should be doing, it's a fantastic foundation and event. It gives a sense of purpose back to people who may feel they've lost it, and you cannot imagine what a gift that is. And his speech was spot on, well written and well delivered. Congratulations to all the athletes competing and their families.

      On Melania, a little too business like I thought perhaps, with the hounds tooth suit? Did I see it correctly?

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    3. I think so as well. I confess I think the ceremonies are a bit too jingoistic military for my personal taste; HOWEVER, they are not only designed to entertain, but to focus on the men and women who have sacrificed too much in some cases. I am in awe of how they've been able to come back from absolutely devastating injury -- especially Trevor Green (whose son was adorablly shy!!) and I admire them all.

      The Dowager wasn't watching, but she'd have been starry eyed at the pipe and fife band, and even I thought they were very good. Bagpipes are definitely an acquired taste!

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  12. Meghan looked stunning ! The colour of the dress is really good and I wish v could have seen her without the jacket !

    Love her make up , so subtle with smoky eye !

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    1. Rhea, you probably already know this but Charlotte has a photo of the dress in the above narrative if you want to see the dress.

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  13. Does anyone else think that Markus Anderson looks like Christopher O'Neill? I did a double take!

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    1. LOL!! Royalfan, that was EXACTLY what I first thought!! "What? Is she sitting with Chris O´Neill? Does she know him? Did I miss something?" He looks like a twin brother!

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    2. Yes he does a little

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    3. She and Markus have a close friendship, apparently. He is an executive with the Soho Group. Soho Group has private dinner clubs around the world. A very young, hip-type company. Apparently Meghan and Harry were/are both members of the Soho dinner clubs. Meghan and Markus and Misha Nonooh (sp), (a designer and ex of Alexander Gilkes an Etonian and friend of the royals) went on a vacay to Spain. Meghan had put a few photos of that visit to Spain on her social sites that she used to have, and lots of other photos of she and her friend Markus also. She also had some cute ones there, among many others, of she and another good friend of hers, Rouland Moulet. Sweet. :)

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    4. Eve, I'm relieved because I had the same questions. And I wondered where Princess Madeleine was seated! LOL

      SG, thanks for the info. I did not know that. :-)

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    5. you are welcome. :) Meghan has some very interesting friends. And not just a few. She has a lot of friends in London already it seems and like Misha Nonoon (sp), some seem to be in William and Harry's inner circle, directly or indirectly.

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  14. Wow, love this look on her. Great post, Charlotte!

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  15. Harry's speech was wonderful -- gave me tears. It's amazing to see the size and scope of the games in just three meetings!!

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    1. Yep. Quite a change from the little boy who used to make faces at the media. (I personally didn't blame him one bit, knowing how his mom had no doubt made her feelings known to him about the media.)
      Now he has eloquently turned lemons into lemonade
      and sour grapes into a veritable sweet feast. Kudos
      and blessings to you Harry. ❤️

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    2. I agree. I hope they can keep them going, and I'm a bit disappointed we don't have TV coverage in the US this year.

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    3. There are probably many U.S. veterans who are feeling the same as you about that, bluhare.

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  16. Prince Harry's speech was wonderful! It's obvious how much this event, and the competitors, mean to him. And I loved Meghan's slightly edgy look. Can't wait for more updates this week!

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  17. Yay Harry! He's my favorite royal and I have to admit, the Invictus Games to me seem far and away more helpful than Kate and William (and Harry, I know)'s Heads Together campaign, which seems to boil down to "just talk to a friend." Harry's carried off a massive, massive thing for a population that (at least in the US) often gets so little attention - disabled vets. Plus, Harry and Justin Trudeau together !! I thought Meghan looked great, although edgier than the royals tend to look. Loved the color and the pieces.

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  18. Meghan looks amazing -- and what a classic combination to pick, leather with floaty chiffon; a blend of strength with femininity which sums Meghan up perfectly.

    I saw a shot of her shoes which look like nude courts -- quite in keeping with her prospective sister-in-law!

    Thank you for such a brilliant write-up of the Invictus Games. It's an astonishing achievement of Harry's and deserves all the praise it can get

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  19. I don't understand the argument that she took attention away from games? Hopefully that's a minor grumble because you could say that's the case with any royal engagement. As good as the cause might be, it becomes a story because "Queen opens this" or "Prince unveils that" ...the royal attendance helps *bring* attention to the cause. Look at all the people and groups railing against landmines in the 90's but it only made front page news when Diana took it on. And no one would have covered a mental health awareness campaign as extensively if not for William and Kate doing so much PR.

    Also it would have been bizarre if she wasn't there, she just declared their love quite publicly (!) and now the event he founded is in the town where she lives and works. Can you image the alternative press "Meghan a no-show! Is there trouble in paradise!" To be honest I think that would have been more distracting. When you look at it, this was handled pretty perfectly I think.

    I think we will see them together at some point this week, at games or at some kind of "staged" photo op, someone being tipped off. Keep the roll out going :) And an announcement has to be imminent, the media pressure will be immense, I'm not sure even Harry knows what he's in for!

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  20. Claudia, I am (as you most likely know) eager to see them together at the games (or anywhere, lol)
    but Rebecca English said today that until they are engaged, protocol dictates that they cannot sit together at an official event. Can you believe that?

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    1. I'm not sure how iron clad that is anymore surfer girl, she would just be his guest like anyone else he might invite along. But if it is the case, it's why I think a "staged" photo op might happen, Chris Jackson or the fabulous James Whatling being tipped that they're at a certain restaurant for dinner, something like that. I would be quite stunned if a "proper" photo of them together doesn't happen this week. And frankly that's in their interest, it will lessen the cat and mouse aspect with the paps a bit, not make the couple photo so elusive...

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    2. Oh and yes sg I know quite well how eager you are :) We all comment on it frequently! In good fun of course.

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    3. I confess I thought of you last night when Harry didn't propose to her onstage, surfer girl. :)

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    4. James Whatling will jump at the chance. He loves Meghan. Wasn't he the one that said, "Can't we, as a nation, just ask Meghan to marry Harry?" (or something like that).

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    5. You know, Claudia, upon reflection, I really wonder how Rebecca English came up with that, especially for this event. His other girlfriends have sat next to him at the less formal events.
      I have to start reminding myself to once again start taking the media articles with a grain of salt, a healthful dose of skepticism. :)

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    6. I kept waiting to be surprised, bluhare.
      I am still holding out for the closing night ceremony. :)

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    7. He was there in an official capacity and that, IMO, is the reason they were not seated together (since they are not engaged). If Harry attended as just another spectator (granted, a royal one!), I believe Meghan would have been seated next to him.

      I had wondered how it would play out given the interest in this relationship and I believe the seating arrangement was appropriate for the opening ceremony. It was the perfect balance; they didn't hide the relationship, nor did they make it about them.

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  21. I always liked Harry but now I respect him so much more !!!
    Everything he does seems genuine and heartfelt and the Thought behind the Invictus games is fabulous ! Harry certainly has inherited his mothers magic with the public .

    N I highly doubt Meghan has her own RPO at the moment . They are not even engaged .
    It must be somebody from Harry's team helping her move out of the arena before the media mayhem begins for that Particular day .

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  22. According to Hannah Furness, The Telegraph,
    9/24/17, Harry made a quiet visit to the set of Suits Wednesday. Didn't he just fly into town on Thursday?

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  23. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4915448/Prince-Harry-attends-Invictus-Games-without-Meghan-Markle.html

    , is this true that he visited here on set of suits?

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  24. Wonder how Harry n Meghan are being off radar all this while in Toronto ??

    I'm sure they are meeting everyday now in Toronto but yet no pics of them . Maybe they have rented out a secret house or in the hotel they enter via back entrance ?!

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    1. I read that Harry's at a hotel, so he can take meetings and such, Meghan's probably at her apartment but I'm sure that they're getting to spend some time together. Also the DM is reporting that Harry flew into Toronto earlier in the week and spent Wednesday on the set of Suits.

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    2. But I'm sure the press is tracking Meghans movements around her house . I read articles that the photogs are waiting to snap the couple together and the price for that pic is high!

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  25. The more I read the Daily Mail, etc., the more convinced I am that they read this blog and that they sometimes get their story topic from what they read here.

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    1. Absolutely, SG!

      Me thinks Julia and I could retire on the commission from Camilla stories alone.

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  26. Okay. The media has picked up on the fact that one of Harry's PPO's escorted Meghan from the arena when she left there. That took the media longer than I thought it would to get that into print but Rebecca English has it there today. It might become a big deal or it might just be a tempest in a teapot. If things are slow news wise it will become a big deal so Harry and Meghan better give them some good photo ops asap,
    OR a proposal at the end of the closing ceremony. :)

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    1. Engagement seems unlikely this year . But hopefully a proper appearance together !
      Will n kate did better than this . There are quite a few pics of them together whilst dating!

      Harry n Meghan are literally hiding away !

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  27. Not just topics, sg. I have seen whole sentences and themes I have discussed on a blog repeated the next day in a tabloid story tag line on Google. I have then read the stories in disbelief. Of course the royal reporters, at least some of them, read the fan blogs. And sometimes borrow from them. Especially on slow news days.

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  28. I, also, have experienced that myself, 17:30. It can be quite frustrating. :)

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  29. I read that Harry was on the set. I don't know how Harry could have visited the set of "Suits" on Wednesday when every paper I read said he arrived in Toronto on Friday.

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  30. Oh. My god i love the speech.

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  31. Hi, I do believe the heels she is wearing here are the Stuart Weitzman Curvia pumps in nude (definitely a suede) - http://www.stuartweitzman.com/products/curvia/

    It was claimed by another source to be the Jimmy Choo Anouk, but the style and design doesn't match in the photographs which show her heels. Just a guess, and confirmed by the blog 'What Meghan Wore'.

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Welcome to Mad About Meghan! We do so look forward to reading your thoughts. Constructive, fair debate is always encouraged. Hateful, derogatory terms and insults are not welcome here. This space focuses on Harry and Meghan, not any other member of the Royal family. It's not the place to discuss politics either. Thank you for reading, we look forward to your comments :)