The Duke and Duchess of Sussex kicked off Day 6 of the Invictus Games with a busy day full of memorable moments. It's been a week where one is simply spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing images -- this shot, though, is very much a stand out!
The day begin with a private mental health discussion led by Harry. It was hosted by US-based coaching platform BetterUp, of which the Duke is Chief Impact Officer. The company partnered with the games last year and has committed to remaining the Official Mental Fitness Coaching tool for the games moving forward.
From there, the couple attended a reception with representatives from NATO. A statement read: "The whole Allied Joint Force Command Brunssum family went to Düsseldorf today to show our respect to all wounded warriors."
Harry and Meghan had the opportunity to meet Commander JFCBS, General G.L. Miglietta, and JFCBS staff members and their families from the Netherlands and Italy.
The Telegraph reports:
'The couple met Gen Guglielmo Miglietta, the Nato Joint Force Commander, who is at the Games with a delegation of 1,100 personnel, relatives and students. They later visited competitors and officials from the Italian and Dutch teams in private.'
Allied Joint Force Command (JFC) Brunssum is one of three headquarters in NATO at the operational-level, together with JFC Naples (Italy) and JFC Norfolk (United States). JFC Brunssum plans, executes and supports military operations within its assigned missions and tasks to deter and defend against all threats across all domains, in order to preserve freedom and security, national sovereignty and peace of NATO Members and Partners.
The mission of Allied Joint Force Command Brunssum is to foster an open and active family of headquarters based on enduring relationships focusing on issues of common interest in order to enhance coordination, cooperation and situational awareness.
A couple of behind-the-scenes moments.
From the meeting today... 🤎🤎🤎#InvictusGames2023 pic.twitter.com/UVDGihOG5t
— Katerina🇺🇦 (@Le__Katerina) September 14, 2023
Meghan was delighted to receive an Italy jersey.
From there, it was time for a very quick change before heading to the stadium for an afternoon of volleyball. You can see Clara Loughran in the floral blouse ahead of Meghan. Clara ( formerly Madden, she later married former KP communications secretary Nick Loughran) worked for Harry for several years at the Palace. Both Clara and her partner Beth Herlihy (Meghan's former assistant private secretary during her time as a working royal) are absolutely integral to the planning and execution of the games. Both ladies are considered incredibly reliable and effective in their work.
Harry and Meghan had a fantastic time sitting with Team Ukraine and Team Nigeria.
Upon arrival, the crowd thronged around Harry and Meghan.
Fans are lining up to get a photo with Meghan, Duchess of Sussex on day six of the #InvictusGames2023 pic.twitter.com/VlRrjTNhf6
— HELLO! (@hellomag) September 14, 2023
Harry had to urge the crowd to sit down such was their enthusiasm.
Harry had to urge the crowd to sit and watch the match as they were bombarded with gifts and hugs pic.twitter.com/QGUmt1jzEo
— Victoria Ward (@victoria_ward) September 14, 2023
Team Nigeria's Gloria Essien greeted Meghan with a hug when she arrived in Germany.
I hope she knows how much she is loved. pic.twitter.com/qEyCH8Pkbz
— Katerina🇺🇦 (@Le__Katerina) September 14, 2023
She was with the couple again today and shared the following: "Having The Duke and Duchess around to support and cheer the boys is all the encouragement they need. You can see everyone had fun and enjoyed having them around. And Her Royal Loveliness said she was having so much fun watching the games."
Having The Duke and Duchess around to support and cheer the boys is all the encouragement they need.
— glory essien (@gloryes90174229) September 14, 2023
You can see everyone had fun and enjoyed having them around
And Her Royal Loveliness said she was having so much fun watching the games#InvictusGames #InvictusGamesDE #IG23 pic.twitter.com/emlfMOPdYC
The support for Meghan from Team Nigeria has been incredible.
'I managed to catch up with Derek Cobbinah, the facilitator for the Nigerian team, and their team leader Bobby Ojeh. Derek made a very sad revelation about people with disabilities in Africa. He explained:
"The stigma around disability of people in Africa…people [in African society] don't understand when people are disabled so in that situation they are kept away from public view. Everywhere in Africa, people do not actually see disabled people doing a lot of sports. It's not that common, so for the first time, for Invictus to come in and bring an element of hope in terms of people with disabilities coming up and doing more, and being beintegrated into society.
"And it helps infrastructure as well, to be more disability friendly. Because now we can have hotels and everything that have got access for people as well." This is so important for the country, as they have hopes of hosting one of the upcoming Invictus Games.'
The message from the team for Meghan is clear: "We got you."
Yesterday, 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'.
Nigeria had an incredible win with a score of 21-5.
The atmosphere inside was electric.
Huge, noisy crowd of Dutch supporters gearing up for USA v the Netherlands in the seated volleyball @InvictusGamesDE pic.twitter.com/ifEUKuQiOM
— Victoria Ward (@victoria_ward) September 14, 2023
Harry and Meghan had a wonderful time.
After the match, Meghan asked to meet a German volleyball player who had an accident which prematurely ended his Invictus 2023 run.
'Meghan is comforting a German volleyball player, Tino Wesser, who sadly broke his leg after slipping on a wet court and is unable to compete in the remainder of the Games.
Following the volleyball match, Meghan is rushing across the Merkur Spiel Arena to personally offer words of comfort to the former soldier.
A member of Team Germany says: "Meghan was told about Tino's accident and how upset he was that he could no longer compete.
"She asked to come and speak with him after being told how upset he was at the accident. It was a lovely gesture and we are very grateful."'
It was a packed house inside the stadium.
Seats are filled! It seems that you like table tennis as much as we do! 😍Thank you for supporting our competitors! 👏🏼You are truly amazing! #aHomeForRespect pic.twitter.com/EHW1jY2uZc
— Invictus Games Düsseldorf 2023 (@InvictusGamesDE) September 14, 2023
We saw the Duchess in a combination of camel and bronze tones for her first look today. I saw someone on social media describe the ensemble as "Champagne", which I think is quite apt.
Meghan went for gold with her choice of style, wearing the L'Agence Dani blouse in fawn (a lightning fast ID from Royal Fashion Police). It's available in multiple colours here.
It looks like Meghan repeated her Gabriela Hearst Vargas trousers.
Meghan's wearing her Manolo Blahnik BB pumps in cognac suede. She's had the pair for years.
She sported a pair of Miu Miu sunglasses (with thanks to Meghan's Fashion).
For Meghan's second look of the day, she wore a Polo Ralph Lauren top. It's available here (with thanks to What Meghan Wore).
Meghan teamed the top with a pair of past season white skinny jeans by Frame and a pair of Aquazzura 'Love Affair' ballerina shoes.
The Telegraph reports Meghan and the Archewell team are planning to take Harry out for dinner tonight. The Prince celebrates his 39th birthday tomorrow.
What exactly are NATO representatives?
ReplyDeleteMilitary who serve as part of the 31 nations in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. The military forces are contributed by member NATO nations. There are three standing Joint Forces in Brussels, Belgium; Norfolk , Virginia USA, and Naples, Italy . The Allied Land Command (HQ LANDCOM) is in Izmir , Türkiye , The Allied Maritime (HQ MARCOM) is in Northwood , Hertfordshire UK, and Allied Air Command (HQ AIRCOM) is in Ramstein , Germany .
DeleteLooking cute 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰 and sexy
ReplyDeleteI think one of the reason why this game is waxing stronger year after year, is that the results are not in abstract........ When talking about the impact of the game / the commitment and hard work of the patron and other members of the committee
ReplyDeleteAnon 16:36 Your comment really hits to the heart of the games. There are direct results for so many.
DeleteAgainst what the daily mail expect...... Outside of the haters bubble these two are loved
ReplyDeleteAgree with you
DeleteComing together of this two is to make the world a better place
ReplyDeleteWhom God has bless no man can bring down
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely 👌❤
DeleteThese two are bound for the top
ReplyDeleteThat sun shade is something to thirst for ........ cute 🥰🥰🥰🥰
ReplyDeleteNATO’s goal is to work toward peace and security in Europe and North America .Each member nation is represented on the North Atlantic Council by an Ambassador or Permanent Representative supported by a national delegation composed of advisers and officials who represent their country on different NATO committees.
ReplyDeleteThank you.👏🏾
DeleteI did not like her early "gold" outfit so I'm happy to see the simple white vest. But I'm so happy that the games continue!!
ReplyDeleteTheir happiness makes me happy!
ReplyDeleteNorth Atlantic Treaty Organization. In the US many staff members that work for NATO are highly educated former military. My husband works in D.C. and works with current and former staff from NATO.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone else wish Meghan would add a bit of colour to her wardrobe? She always looks fabulous but the neutrals are….
ReplyDeleteSome will say classic and elegant but I’d still like to see some colour. The pieces are great though.
These games are incredible and so inspiring! We’re all on a healing journey of some sort aren’t we?
I too would like more color, but I'm assuming she's sticking to neutrals so as not to look like she's cheering for a team :) -op
DeleteIndeed, it is undoubtedly a wonderful, lively, poignant and successful journey for everyone: participants and organizers alike.
DeleteThese two have combined their love of sharing meaningful stories in a life of service. It is such a joy to see them in action. Thank you for all on the wonderful posts this week, Charlotte. Each of your blogs are filled with special pictures, heartfelt stories and wonderful messages!
ReplyDeleteOoo a tour..I know not exactly a tour but..with 3 outfits a day, all fairly casual, I’m loving the vibe ..Banana republic, j crew, Polo. Et al. Can’t wait to see what’s next
ReplyDeleteThis is all so heartwarming. I love them both. I would like to make a correction though, about the Nigerian name "Ngozi". It means Blessing not Blessed; that's my mother's name.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the correction.
DeleteHi MAM Community! I just did a deep dive & got caught up on all the recent posts, since Meghan arrived....oo & I'm Blown Away, sitting here with a huge joyful smile on my face!
ReplyDeleteI've been following the trials & tribulations of H&M in the states & all the gobbygook that has been spinning around in the press. I've found it exhausting & truthfully.... depressing.
They seem like they've been floundering & have needed to come up for air. Then I checked in here & read all of Charlotte's incredible posts & I just breathed.... & smiled, really joyfully smiled. I felt myself exhale.... This was like Harry & Meghan coming home to their authentic selves!
I don't have the answers, & like a very wise man once told me.... "The future chapters have not yet been written". All I know is H&M have seemed disjointed, trying to find their way in the states.. specifically in LA. With all of the coverage post Netflix Documentary, Spare, Spotify.. discussions about rebranding etc... the current negative coverage & the past UK coverage are blending together.. It's like there has been a universal caring plea, from pro H&M people, for them to have a Reset, & the ability to take a breath, & find their way back to their authentic selves... to their original purposes & values.... & dare I say... destiny!?
This, seems like just what they needed.... as human beings. They seem so comfortable in their own skin here & just.... happy!! My wish for them, is that they are able to tune out all the noise & find their way to their authentic journey as individuals & as a couple.
I wish them peace & happiness & I'm sure this Invictus Games, did recharge & restore them. Thank you Charlotte, for some very positive coverage! :) xoxo
Thanks Becca for your comments. I agree that they seem to be their authentic selves here and because of that, enjoying themselves so much! Maybe back in the states they are trying too hard…to establish & make a name for themselves, to get the finances they “require”, to make a difference in the world. But I think if they would just focus on being themselves, all of that would come as they are very caring, charismatic people. I think they have made some blunders I’m trying to find there way but hey, we all do and can learn from them. And yes, nice to see them genuinely happy & smiling so much at these games!
DeleteWhat blunders? Best selling book, top podcast, well received documentaries. Support of great charities continues. I don’t understand blunder talk that’s made up by UK media.
DeleteThey do appear to be more comfortable at the Invictus Games than the press leads people to believe. The press also closes the unflattering photos or the two seconds they were speaking or closing their lips to create junk.
Delete@Becca, Thanks for your caring thoughts for Harry & Meghan. You should try to understand that you can't believe the lies constantly published in U.K. tabloids. No, Harry & Meghan are NOT 'floundering.' Why would you think that? I would suggest to stop reading lies created by U.K. media. I only believe what I hear from H&M's reps and what I see and hear in connection with their public events, which can be verified. Stop believing fictions perpetrated by jealous haters. H&M have been working diligently behind-the-scenes, taking care of their lives and taking care of business. How do you think the Invictus Games happens? It takes numerous people and thousands of hours of work, and Harry is directly involved with Meg's support. Plus, H's work with BetterUp, their work with Archewell projects and charities, the Netflix documentaries, and future work they have yet to unveil. Above all, they are busy every day nurturing their two children and their pets. After the horrendous car chase in May by paps trying to terrorize them, M&H have surely also been taking some down time to care of their mental health! They likely bask in private family moments which we are not privy to. We are not part of their inner circle. We will never be seeing them in the public eye as often as we did when they were senior royals in the U.K. The rota harassed them and elements within the royal firm were jealous of them and briefed against them. They tried to work things out so they could still offer their service to the Queen and to the Commonwealth. Again, jealous factions within the firm did NOT want them shining together. Instead if embracing them with love and presenting a united front and protecting them against the media attacks, courtiers briefed against H&M. To preserve their sanity and their lives, they left. They have accomplished so much before and after leaving, which gets obscured by the relentless attacks against them. Whenever we get to see them in public doing wonderful things with WellChild, Invictus, One Young World, etc., it's always uplifting and positive. If you wish to support them, listen to positive SussexSquad podcasts on YouTube, and responsible, verifiable reports. Understand that when we don't see them, that doesn't mean they are 'floundering.' Go to the Archewell website and realize all the positive things they are doing. Pray for them and remain positive. Do not read or believe trashy tabloid reports, often picked up by mainstream outlets in the U.S. Stay hopeful and purposeful in your own life too. Be inspired by the H&M, instead of overly anxious about how they are doing when we don't see them.
DeleteI'm loving this event, Charlotte's coverage, and seeing these two doing such great work! I kinda envy Meghan for wearing those very flat flats throughout; I have plantar fascitis and could never wear those slim soles. I like the wide leg & skinny trouser switch, very fun. -op
ReplyDeleteShe is gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteI don’t like the first look at all. The pants are way to big and wrinkled
ReplyDeleteExcellent coverage, thank you.
ReplyDeleteHi, can we have Invictus compilation stories, I think this can be helpful to one or two reader's of your blog including me...... I read a story of a woman with an 8years old daughter responsible for the wellbeing of the mother interms of grocery shopping, picking what to wear for her....... Normally, That is something that is too much to do for a child at that age. Later on the daughter was the one that make a research on Invictus games..... Luckily the mother was selected. That's a big deal when talking about changing lives for good and a good example of Invictus spirit
ReplyDeleteAnon, that is going to be a strong focus for me today and tomorrow. This isn't just about the athletes, it's the entire family. That story is incredibly moving, thank you so much for sharing.
Deleteso true thanks anon
DeleteDay after day, I'm taken by the euphoria and joy that these Invictus Games bring ! Thank you, Charlotte, for perfectly transcribing what the protagonists on site are experiencing and for choosing the right photos to illustrate your words.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if Harry has the idea of broadcasting these Games. Not necessarily on television but at least on an internet signal. I'm sure many of us would follow the matches and enjoy the exceptional atmosphere.
Invictus is a success thanks to its exemplary staff and leads in each of the represented nation. I watched Netflix’s “Heart of Invictus” and the level of coordination, back and forth negotiations/follow ups trying to work out the kicks, troubleshoot, and putting out small/big fires reveal an agile, adaptable organization. Passion, sincerity, hard work, and long hours abound.
ReplyDeleteI don’t think Meghan and Harry are less “authentic” outside of Invictus. What stands out is now that they are no longer in a stranglehold by the royal rota, the press doesn’t really know what the heck is going on in Meghan and Harry’s world. That is clearly driving the royal press nuts!
The British royal family’s struggles are well documented and fantastical. The royal press is a big part of the problem. There’s so much myth and image making here that truth from the royal rota is a rare, almost non existing commodity. Outside that churn, there was going to be a transitory phase as M&H moved on and started their new lives in the US. Looking at the non royal press (both tabloids and broadsheets), these two are methodical and private. They do their own thing via Archwell. They work to make money and are financially independent. Many stories about their “struggles” are exaggerated, made up, and rehashed to the point that the tabloids will literally have conflicting stories on the same page from the same royal press. Applying basic logic, it doesn’t take much to see much of this churn is to make easy money by churning the same biased complaints 24/7, 365 days a year. The Daily Mail is still losing readership and that reveals why there is a desperateness among the royal press writers. This is after all their bread and butter.
What’s significant about Invictus is its purpose and what it means to the people involved. That’s authenticity. It’s not about symbolism, title, and dressing up in full uniform with shiny medals. NATO presence is strategic. Germany hosts something like 40 US installations there. Given the wars and many conflict points around the world, Invictus reveals the toll the responsibility and burden have on the people who are in the vanguards in these uncertain times. It forms a community that is celebratory and heartbreaking. It also brings to us the many faces of disability and their struggles in their respective culture. The comments by the Nigerian rep and the S. Korean athlete profiled in Netflix’s “Heart of Invictus” speak to this. Even in my world where there are strong laws safeguarding the rights of the disabled, getting those laws applied is costly and a struggle.
Thank you again Charlotte for such in depth coverage.
- cheers from the PNW
"I don’t think Meghan and Harry are less 'authentic' outside of Invictus. What stands out is now that they are no longer in a stranglehold by the royal rota, the press doesn’t really know what the heck is going on in Meghan and Harry’s world. That is clearly driving the royal press nuts! ... The royal press is a big part of the problem. There’s so much myth and image making here that truth from the royal rota is a rare, almost non existing commodity... [H&M] are methodical and private. They do their own thing via Archewell. They work to make money and are financially independent. Many stories about their 'struggles' are exaggerated, made up, and rehashed to the point that the tabloids will literally have conflicting stories on the same page... What’s significant about Invictus is its purpose and what it means to the people involved."
DeleteThank you, thank you, thank you!!! This is the truth! 💯 Also, thanks so much to Admin Charlotte, for her yeoman coverage of Meghan & Harry and the Invictus Games!
Gosh I'm loving this week! Like the one and only thing I miss from back when the Sussexes were under the Firm's umbrella is regular scheduled public appearances and plenty of photos and videos of my fave royals so this week is GIVING! Being able to see them everyday after they've been sort of MIA for most of the year is everything! I just love Harry and Meghan's interactions with the public, with puppies, with each other...all of it. These two bring such positive energy, charisma and love like you can just feel it even through pictures. I'm sure they'll probably go back to their super private, super low-key life when they return to California so I'm soaking all of this up. I just wish they'd be out more like I'm so sick of them being out of sight for months and months...I mean I know it's their life and they probably want and need this alone time to keep themselves grounded as it can't be easy being arguably the world's most famous couple and certainly the world's most discussed couple but they're such great role models and inspiring figures for people of all kinds of backgrounds and nationalities so it's a shame to not see them on the world's stage doing what they do best on a regular basis. Anyways...rant over.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Prince Harry! Much respect to you your royal highness for creating such a healing environment for all of our heroes through the Invictus Games and for being such a good person with morals and integrity.
I hope you are able to understand why we don't and won't be seeing H&M in the public sphere more often. The attacks against them have been relentless since they met, married, and tried to work within the royal institution. They were briefed against to the media by factions within the royal firm, including Harry's own family members. They had to leave in order to preserve their marriage, their sanity, their lives, and to protect their children. Read Spare, watch the H&M Netflix documentary, go to the Archewell website and be supportive of H&M and their charities in a positive way. Pray for the haters to stop attacking them, and understand that it is the jealous haters who don't want H&M to publicly shine. You have to accept that we don't see H&M too often because of the constant hate, and because they are working hard and nurturing their children privately. Every time they have tried to share a bit of their lives (even the video surrounding Archie's first birthday in support of the stories project to aid Save the Children), M&H and their charitable groups are attacked. The car chase in New York that occurred in May, was beyond the bounds!! While I hope we soon get to see a group family portrait of the Sussex family, with their dogs, I'm not holding my breath. We may have to wait until 2025 Invictus when H&M may be able to bring Archie & Lili to see the Games, in Vancover. In the meantime, let's support the Sussexes and the work they do, in positive ways. ❤
DeleteThat first picture is the best picture ever of Harry and Meghan. More important than fashion, you can see this week they take care of each other, love each other, support each other. And you can see they are into the Invictus Games with all their hearts. And all participants and contributors to these games love them right back. True love!
ReplyDeleteI am so inspired and GOD she is BEAUTIFUL. Loved the cute videos of them too. You can't fake this despite media reports. They both are doing amazing work here at INVICTUS and special congrats to the amazing men and women who inspire me.
ReplyDelete