Following a packed morning at the Invictus Village, and taking in the games at the arena, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex had a fascinating evening of appearances bringing the penultimate day of Invictus Games 2023 to a close.
The first event was an elegant Team Canada reception held at the Hilton Hotel in Dusseldorf.
NEW | Harry & Meghan assistent ร la rรฉception organisรฉe pour la Team Canada & les Invictus Games 2025 qui auront lieu dans le pays ๐จ๐ฆ ! #PrinceHarry #MeghanMarkle pic.twitter.com/vKM6awgYnX
— The Duke & Duchess of Sussex (@Sussexfrance) September 15, 2023
Of course, the Invictus Games will next be held in Canada in February 2025 and will offer the climate and conditions to include new winter sports: alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, skeleton, and wheelchair curling, in addition to the core Invictus Games sports of indoor rowing, sitting volleyball, swimming, wheelchair rugby and wheelchair basketball.
I understand the additions mean the games will be roughly ten days long, which is going to be so exciting. Canada and Invictus have an immensely warm relationship. The games were held there in Toronto in 2017, and as we look forward, Vancouver and Whistler are excited to take over the prestigious mantle.
Meghan is already looking forward to the games and the possibility of taking Archie and Lilibet. Hello! reports:
'During the reception, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle shared their love for the country, where they enjoyed a peaceful few weeks during their relationship without anyone knowing that they were there. Meghan also revealed that she would love for Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet to learn to ski in the country, with Whistler being pinpointed as the ideal place.
Bridget Bridge, the wife of IG25 board member Keith Bridge, revealed: "Meghan said that she really wanted her children to learn to ski and that maybe Whistler was the ideal place. She said she didn’t ski so we told her they must come and learn."'
Consulting with the local indigenous population has been very much at the core of planning and something Harry has taken great care to ensure. Last year, the Prince said: "I'm pleased to share that the Games in Canada will be held in partnership with the First Nations, in the spirit of truth and reconciliation with indigenous communities."
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, everyone ๐๐ผ๐๐ผ๐๐ผ๐๐ผ๐๐ผ๐๐ผ๐๐ผ๐๐ผ pic.twitter.com/3GLLZHQl2v
— Queen Zee ๐๐ฟ๐ฆ (@marzodi) September 15, 2023
The Invictus Games Foundation revealed: "The Invictus Games 2025 will be held on the traditional territories of the x สท mษฮธ kสทษ y ษm (Musqueam), S แธตwxw รบ7mesh (Squamish), St รณ:lล and S ษ l รญlw ษtaส/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, Skalulmecw L รญl wat ̓ Nation and the G รฉlpcal L รญlwat Nation. The Invictus Games 2025 are working closely to ensure they respond to Canada’s Truth & Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action, and ensure Indigenous protocols are respected in all aspects of the Games." The Duke and Duchess were warmly greeted by Councillor Wilson Williams from the Squamish Nation, who is representing the First Nations at Invictus Games 2025.
Prince Harry and Princess Meghan, The Duke & Duchess of Sussex greeted by Cllr Wilson Williams - representing the First Nations at the IG25 and Team Canada Reception.#InvictusGamesDuesseldorf2023 pic.twitter.com/3ByxbGK3j5
— ๐บ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ช๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ฌ๐๐๐๐๐ (@SussexEvent) September 15, 2023
More on Wilson's efforts from the West Vancouver Police, of which he serves as a board member.
'Ancestral name is Sxwรญxwtn (sway-oh-k-tin), from the Squamish Nation. Wilson was born and raised in North and West Vancouver and is currently serving his third term as an elected Councilor with the Squamish Nation. He is very honoured to continue to learn, practice and carry-forward the traditional identity of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation Community). Incorporating the wisdom passed down by his ancestors and proudly flourishing and practicing the cultural teachings and integrating it into his everyday life both professionally and personally. He plans to continue to passionately pass down these sacred teachings, history and identity of the Squamish Nation people’s to the younger generations and neighboring communities.
Professionally, Wilson comes from a communications, management and sport & recreation background. Currently, his versatility allows him to carry a full portfolio as an elected official. This includes numerous Board of Director and Chairperson Positions, Council lead and involvement with Community Safety, Economic Development & Partnerships, Education, Employment & Training, Rights and Title, Language & Cultural, Sport & Recreation and Social Development. Other formal external Board of Director positions include: President, North Shore Indians Lacrosse Club Society; Co-Chair, Squamish Nation Youth Society.'
Below, Cllr Williams and Invictus Games Foundation CEO Dominic Reid pictured in discussion earlier today.
Prince Harry with guests.
The couple also posed for a group photo at a True Patriot Love Reception.
Meghan chose a beautiful dress by TOTEME. The Wool Midi Dress is described: "TOTEME presents a minimalist design with this knitted dress. Spun from wool, this soft garment boasts a sophisticated high-neck silhouette, reflecting the brand's timeless style." It's available at FarFetch.
From there, it was back to the arena for mesmerising sport.
The fantastic play could be summed up by these expressions!
The Duke and Duchess were delighted to be joined by Minister of State for Veterans' Affairs of the United Kingdom Johnny Mercer.
Mercer was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Royal Artillery after graduating from the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, in June 2003 and was promoted to lieutenant in April 2005. He served in Afghanistan as a liaison and training officer with Afghan forces, was attached to a special forces unit, and coordinated artillery and air strikes in support of ground operations, eventually reaching the rank of Captain. Harry and Johnny go back a bit. When Mercer proposed to the UK government that immigration fees for foreign born veterans in the UK be waived, he reached out to Harry, later recalling, "The Duke said it's only morally right but would mean so much to those who have given so much."
Meghan and Johnny chatted while Harry remained entranced by the state of play.
A group selfie taken by Invictus alum JJ Chalmers who is fronting BBC coverage. You can also see David Wiseman from the Invictus Games Foundation in the white shirt.
Both Team Poland and Team Columbia gave their all.
One onlooker described it as "one hell of a match".
Columbia refused to go quietly but Poland ๐ต๐ฑ pulled it off๐๐พ#InvictusGames2023 pic.twitter.com/RWPuMS4oRj
— Let’s reset and reimagine (@SharonAndrea) September 15, 2023
A nail-biter.
It was lovely to see Harry and Meghan's dear friend and favourite photographer Misan in Dusselforf tonight.
#PrinceHarry and #MeghanMarkIe in #Duesseldorf. @WeAreInvictus pic.twitter.com/sZ7vP0DVSw
— Dominik Gรถttker (@d_goettker) September 15, 2023
One of Harry's closest childhood friends from Eton, Nicky Scott, was also there.
Nicky brought his daughter for the final days of celebration.
Time for a beer.
And it's a win for Team Poland.
More birthday wishes? I think so :)
Harry’s reaction when he realised they’re singing a bday song ๐ ๐คฃ
— ♡ (@latteIicious) September 15, 2023
Part 1 of bday celebration #IG23 pic.twitter.com/M1eyr1U0Xy
Harry was called down to the main stage.
It was a deeply emotional moment when the Prince was presented with a special shirt from all the volunteers.
Part 2
— ♡ (@latteIicious) September 15, 2023
Harry was presented with a shirt for Volunteers on behalf of all the volunteers. He got very emotional. Thank you Invictus Family ๐ฅบ๐
Thanks you #InvictusGamesDรผsseldorf pic.twitter.com/Zkh4GsCFtG
Take a look at the cake...and the smile.
A moment for a hug.
Meghan looked so proud to see Harry celebrated throughout the day.
This is all possible because of Harry and his ongoing, unwavering commitment.
Time for the medal ceremony.
Reporting from #invictusgames2023 in #dรผsseldorf for #sittingvolleyball #finals #PrinceHarryandMeghan at #ceremony pic.twitter.com/0J8M0pvjXy
— Alethea Magazine/Alethea Talks (@AletheaMagazine) September 15, 2023
A hug from Meghan for a very young member of Team Poland's family.
A Columbian competitor gets his silver medal.
Meghan congratulates Team Poland.
Przemyslaw Kowalski from Team Poland embraces Prince Harry.
Meghan donned a stylish denim Carolina Herrera shirt dress (with thanks to Pearl).
The Duchess accessorised with her Pippa Small Tanzanite earrings -- a pair she's had for several years.
And her Ariel Gordon Imperial Disc Pendant Necklace.
It looks like Meghan wore a pair of her Dior pumps.
What a way to finish the penultimate day!
If you're just joining us, catch up on this morning's events, Harry's pre-birthday dinner, and background on a number of inspiring athletes by clicking here.
I know you'll all join me in wishing Harry a Happy Birthday one more time. Take a look at this message from a darling 6-year-old whose greatest wish is for Harry to see it today.
@GMB An innocent 6 year old who’s so obsessed of Prince Harry made a video to wish him a happy birthday and her wish is for her video to get to Prince Harry on his birthday today. She said, mum could you be ensure Harry sees my video. Could you send it to Ben Shephard. pic.twitter.com/qqRbSReo9M
— Inyene Nkanta (@niffal20) September 15, 2023
I am still overwhelmed at all the wonderful happenings and so appreciate all that you have shown, Charlotte.
ReplyDelete3 changes of outfits so far, I’m loving Meghan’s choices. Today’s first outfit oh my goodness.
ReplyDeleteBut even nicer is how the attendees & competitors really love this couple, hugs are welcome. After all the negativity directed at them, it must feel good not to worry about avocados or closing a car door.
Wonderful coverage thank you very much.
ReplyDeleteYou have to be quite tall to wear this TOTEME dress and it looks great on Meghan. I would have liked at one point that she wore yellow shoes to recall the yellow of the Invictus Games logo, but I have the impression that Meghan opted for very general colors so as not to attract too much attention. Which comes from a good intention.
ReplyDeleteThe shirt dress is pretty even if I'm not a fan of the bow at all (whether on Meghan or on the model). I find that it focuses the eye too much. Whereas this was not the case on the beige playsuit worn previously.
Do we know why the Invictus Games are not always played at the same time of year ? (for example this year in September and the next edition in February)
In any case, it's once again a big breath of happiness to look at these images and I can't even imagine what the athletes and families must be going through on site ! Harry can be proud and Meghan helps him too.
It’s amazing that Invictus produces an endless supply of joyful energy. Kudos to Prince Harry and everyone who works with him to make these games a reality.
ReplyDeleteMeghan has a distinctive, signature look that works so well on her. She always looks elegantly comfortable.
Renee
they look happy than ever
ReplyDeleteI love seeing all the coverage and I cannot wait till the games are here in my hometown yay! Meg and Harry look so cute and happy. Being happy is the best revenge against hate and haters.
ReplyDeleteOh I have to say I was so sad Prince Charles his dad and his brother Prince William didn't wish Prince Harry a happy bday... life is so short this was petty
ReplyDeleteExcellent coverage, thank you
ReplyDeleteI love the green dress for the evening session - the pared down sheath is right in Meghan's wheelhouse, and the colour and cut-out fabric look stunning.
ReplyDelete