With the 2023 Invictus Games hitting the mid-point, there was a special surprise in store with the Duchess of Sussex arriving in Dusseldorf today. With his trip to London for WellChild, Harry's been away from California for a week now, and the couple decided Meghan would join Invictus at this stage, remaining until the close of the games and indeed to celebrate Harry's birthday on Friday. The Duchess made her first official appearance at this evening's delightful Friends @ Home event at Station Airport.
The Duke and Duchess were joined by over 1,600 guests for the reception which offered an opportunity for families and friends to come together to celebrate achievements thus far and look forward to the coming days.
Addressing guests, Meghan gave an off the cuff speech sharing her excitement. "We know that this is about family and friends and the community that Invictus has created. So I just had to spend a little bit more time getting our little ones settled at home, getting milkshakes and doing the school drop off and I just landed a couple of hours ago. I’m thrilled that the first event that I can do for Invictus is here with all of you. It is amazing and I hear the week so far has got off to a good start, is that right?"
Meghan added she is "looking forward to a fantastic week" and hopes everyone is having the "best time". She noted with a smile, "We’re going to be cheering for you and we can’t wait to one day be able to bring our kids also so they can experience just how amazing this is." I think we can take it Archie and Lili just might be joining their parents for the games in Canada 2025 :)
Hosted by one of the games' main sponsors, the Fisher House Foundation, Meghan was able to shine a light on the incredible work the organisation does in the States. "I was really fortunate to go and visit one of the houses in Los Angeles just a couple of weeks ago and I was so moved by everything that they do because they understand - as you do, as my husband does in creating the Invictus Games - how much the value of rehabilitation matters, not just as a solitary experience, but as a family." Meghan said she is "really, really proud" to be part of the Invictus family.
Duchess Meghan’s full speech tonight. #InvictusGames pic.twitter.com/ktqmsR0QK4
— Kake ✨ (@meghannhive) September 12, 2023
Joining his wife and making an impromptu brief speech of his own due to demand from the crowd, Harry, who has been relishing every second of the games, said: "This is your chance to connect with each other because everyone here is at a different phase of their healing process, whether as an individual or as a family. The fact of the matter is, everybody in this room has some form of a shared experience."
Harry urged participants to "use this moment to connect with each other, swap photos, swap numbers".
Meghan mentioned gifts she received, including a beautiful beaded bracelet with the initials of someone who could not make the games. It's been suggested they may have been a gift from a member of the Ukrainian team.
“Meghan said she had been sent some gifts and was wearing a bead bracelet she had received. She held up her arm to loud cheers and said the
— ♡ (@latteIicious) September 12, 2023
initials of someone who was unable to make the game had been etched on them.”
📿 pic.twitter.com/2h3AS3Msza
Speaking of the Ukrainian team, Meghan was honoured to meet Taira, the woman Harry rightly described as "the most courageous and resilient" person he's ever met. I wrote about Taira's heart-breaking appearance on Heart of Invictus. She worked as volunteer on the front lines in Mariupol and was ultimately captured by Russian soldiers. Her daughter stood in for her at Invictus last year. Following a horrifying period of imprisonment, she returned home to her family. The relationship between Invictus and Ukraine is absolutely beautiful to see. Taira met privately with Harry earlier this week and she later told Sky: "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." She credited the games as the primary reason she was released by her captors. "I am thankful for this competition because it made me famous and because a lot of people got to know me. That's why I was freed so quickly."
Meghan received the warmest hug from Nigerian athlete Glory Essein, with Meghan telling her, "You're my Nigerian sister."
What a lovely start to the games for Meghan!
A little black dress was just the ticket for tonight. Meghan chose the $140 (currently on sale for $70) Banana Republic Pleated Midi Dress. It is selling out quickly with limited sizes available here. The Telegraph reports Meghan teamed the dress with "a second hand Bottega Veneta belt".
Below, the style in white.
The shirt dress is a staple at Banana Republic. Below the Poplin Midi Shirtdress with pockets, the Silk Crepe Maxi Shirtdress and the Satin Maxi Shirt Dress.
I'm anticipating we'll see Meghan opting for neutral looks from some of her favourite brands. Victoria Ward confirmed the Duchess is doing her own hair and make up for the duration of the trip. You'll notice Meghan's hair is quite a bit shorter and I imagine easier to style.
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Meghan was spotted travelling earlier today from LAX (Los Angeles International Airport) to London, where she boarded a connection to Germany on a British Airways flight.
Meghan Markle Leaves L.A. to Join Prince Harry at the Invictus Games in Germany https://t.co/5BOKtJLjhw
— People (@people) September 12, 2023
Meghan opted for casual chic on the trip.
meghan, the duchess of sussex, pictured arriving at LAX airport before flying to germany for the invictus games pic.twitter.com/cd8LFczTDg
— meghan markle archives (@princessmeghn) September 12, 2023
The Duchess pictured arriving in Dusseldorf.
Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex, arrives in Dusseldorf to join Prince Harry at the Invictus Games. #InvictusGamesDusseldorf 📸@ianvogler#InvictusGames2023 https://t.co/WMBkxsvCFi pic.twitter.com/TeD1BqHH2S
— Derek Momodu (@DelMody) September 12, 2023
The Duchess sported a stylish V neck sweater by J Crew, a brand she has loved for as long as I've been following her. The relaxed cashmere style is available in multiple colours here.
Meghan teamed the sweater with a pair of Ulla Johnson Polina Linen-Blend Wide-Leg pants.
Meghan accessorised with a beautiful Hermés Bride de Gala Applique Pique Shawl.
Meghan wore her Valentino Roman Stud mules.
We saw Meghan's Jessica Leoné Michon hat.
And (with thanks to What Meghan Wore), it very much looks like Meghan carried the Bellechase Biaude PM bag by Goyard Paris. The piece is described: "The Bellechasse Biaude PM bag is structured differently than our open tote bags. It has an ideal inside volume for everyday use and is perfect for work because it can carry A4 documents. The biaude cover protects the contents of the bag from view and the rain and the Croc clasp closes and secures the bag." Victoria Ward reports it was purchased by Meghan at a vintage shop.
We can expect a day of fantastic sporting action for the Duke and Duchess tomorrow, kicking off with Wheelchair Basketball at 11 am tomorrow, and followed by swimming finals in the evening beginning around 6 pm. In addition to joining Harry, we can also expect a solo event or two for Meghan during the week.
This a very practical and admired cause, and I am glad Harry has Meghan on his side to supprt his passion and be a part of it.
ReplyDeleteI salute meg for attending tonight families and friends Invictus, after 13hr flight ✈️✈️✈️/ jet lag
ReplyDeleteHow bad is jet lag really when one flies first class?? ☺️
DeleteIt does not matter what class you are flying in, jet lag is jet lag.
DeleteLooking fresh and youthful...... Truly 2 is better than 1
ReplyDeleteThanks Charlotte for your post. Meghan looks radiant and most importantly HAPPY! The invictus games are such a beautiful thing Prince Harry started. I remember how proud Prince Charles and his brother were of him when he first created this. A truly beautiful event. The men and women in them are inspirational heroes.
ReplyDeleteps i live in vancouver and plan to go to the invictus games in 2025 very excited!
ReplyDeleteI had no idea Fisher House was a sponsor ! Wow. They are a well-known , highly regarded charity. They do outstanding work to support families while their veteran recovers. I’m glad Meghan visited a Fisher House so she could speak about it from experience. On the fashion side : I’m puzzled as to why she chose to wear black. It looks somber. I know black dresses are a go-to choice for her but, this event is a celebration of life.
ReplyDeleteThere's so much that it's hard to know to comment on. I think Meghan looks great and love that she wore Banana Republic. There must have been so much going on in a reception of 1600 people.
ReplyDeleteNot only are the games inspiring to the participants, but they are to those who cannot attend. And the idea of Archie and Lili going to the 2025 games is just stunning.
What a blessing the Invictus Games has been to veterans. The whole concept of involving the family and caring for the families as well as the injured is very progressive. I also have thought that Canada would be the first time Harry and Meghan would bring their children. They would both be old enough, it's close to home and therefore easy for them to take in a couple of days. Whistler might be a just the place for Archie and Lili to begin skiing!
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ReplyDeleteIt is a real gift for us to learn and discover with wonderful and involved people such as Harry and his wife... I admire the strength of all these people diminished by war wounds or moral wounds: great models. Well done, my little heart is so moved!
Excited to the the two together doing something so wonderful. Love the dress. Dunno how her feet handle those slides (zero support). Great to see everyone happy and supporting one another for a great cause. -op
ReplyDeleteWhat a joyous occasion. Harry and Meghan are happy, successful, and thriving. They seem to have moved beyond their painful chapter as part of the royal family in the U.K., and we should stop fretting about that too. They are rock stars on the world stage now.
ReplyDeleteJanet
Taira, is a true inspiration. I am so glad she was able to attend, what a woman!
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