It was an unforgettable evening filled with meetings and events for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
A styling arrival for the duo.
The couple had the chance to meet participants and a very adorable furry friend.
The Duke and Duchess were seated in the arena for the swimming finals.
As noted yesterday, Meghan is doing her own hair and make up for the trip. She arrived with this fabulous updo and you'll notice her hairstyle changed throughout the evening, with a little change for each event.
Harry and Meghan were privileged to sit with UK Invictus veteran Mark Ormrod.
Mark was deployed in Iraq in 2003 and to Afghanistan in 2007. He was returning from a foot patrol when he stood on a landmine on Christmas Eve: "These Games mean more than he (Prince Harry) will ever know. Everyone needs goals and directions. The first time I went into a pool post injuries I nearly drowned." Every step of the way he has been supported by his wife Becky and their children.
Below, Harry and Meghan with Mark in London ahead of Invictus Sydney 2018. Not only is Mark a hero, he is an inspiration to those yet to join the Invictus family and a fantastic ambassador.
Harry keeping Meghan in the loop on all the details.
They are 💞 pic.twitter.com/aJlDqmRn6X
— Katerina🇺🇦 (@Le__Katerina) September 13, 2023
Team UK's Wali Noori competing.
Wali is having a fantastic week at Invictus this year already and taking home gold. Below, he speaks to JJ Chalmers.
"Super duper" proud 🥰
— BBC The One Show (@BBCTheOneShow) September 11, 2023
Wali Noori’s family react to his success at the #InvictusGames2023 ❤️
The Team UK competitor lost his sight in Afghanistan. Watch #TheOneShow for more on his incredible story 👉 https://t.co/TSfBKoFMMn pic.twitter.com/K6Ve8JjPDZ
More on Noori's story from Active Essex:
'Hi, my name is Wali and this is my story.
In 2009, when I was in my second year as a translator and cultural advisor to the British Army in my homeland of Afghanistan, I was blinded by an Improvised Explosive Device. After prolonged treatment I was re-settled in Colchester.
When I lived in Afghanistan I was a good runner and so once in Colchester I began running again to keep fit. My heart was set on running races in aid of British Blind Sports.'
Below, Harry catching up with Wali earlier this week.
Gladly obliging when asked for photos.
This is going to be a special one!
Time for a rendition of 'Sweet Caroline'.
Pretty sure she just used the Harry Connick Jr trick on him. Praying for Archie and Lili. Mama Doria is really gonna have to come through for them. 😩🙏🏾😂
— R.S. Locke / Royal Suitor (@royal_suitor) September 13, 2023
pic.twitter.com/92oa7SNC3M
Richard Davies of Team UK celebrates winning with Justin James of Team USA.
Earlier, I discussed the level of effort to include children, whether they be related to competitors or some of the 14,000 children from all over Europe expected to visit the games this week. Harry and Meghan enjoyed time in the Kids' Zone, hearing about their experiences and talking with families.
'Speaking to HELLO!, Derek Cobbinah who helped co-ordinate the debut of Nigeria in this year's games, and he revealed that Meghan is hoping for a family trip to Nigeria. "She said she couldn't wait to visit Nigeria for her mum and the kids," he revealed. Derek also confirmed that Meghan was left "deeply touched" by the nickname that the Nigerian team bestowed upon her.
Giving the reasoning behind their team chant for the Duchess, which is in the post below, he said they were "welcoming" Meghan into their Nigerian family. "She's always welcome to visit Nigeria and other African countries," he sweetly commented.'
Then, it was time for the Wheelchair Basketball Finals between USA and France.
One might say, there's been quite the welcome for the couple in Germany.
Time to greet the French Mascot.
Meghan sported a little USA flag on her shirt.
The Duchess greeted a fellow Team USA supporter with a lovely hug.
A look at the crowd.
Are you having a great time at the Basketball Wheelchair final? 🖤💛#IG23 pic.twitter.com/wzRWUnl8wf
— Invictus Games Düsseldorf 2023 (@InvictusGamesDE) September 13, 2023
Readying for the medal ceremony.
A fantastic shot of the Duchess with Team USA in the background.
Meghan received another friendship bracelet and immediately put it on.
meghan received another friendship bracelet from one of the winner athletes. 💛 pic.twitter.com/UXKHJVN57j
— best of harry and meg (@bestofharryandm) September 13, 2023
Team France member Jean Charles is supported by a loved one.
Loved ones cheering on Team Germany react as they take bronze in mixed doubles. It truly is a journey all the family go on.
Harry and Meghan were delighted to take to the stage for presentation duties.
#PrinceHarryandMeghan at medal ceremony Reporting from #invictusgames2023 in #düsseldorf #wheelchairbasketball now #teamusa/ #teamfrance pic.twitter.com/zkgbm4nFiR
— Alethea Magazine/Alethea Talks (@AletheaMagazine) September 13, 2023
Another video.
#PrinceHarryandMeghan at medal ceremony Reporting from #invictusgames2023 in #düsseldorf #wheelchairbasketball now #teamusa/ #teamfrance pic.twitter.com/vbzjqkmvKN
— Alethea Magazine/Alethea Talks (@AletheaMagazine) September 13, 2023
Harry is clearly relishing having Meghan at the games.
I love them so much 🥹🫶🏽💗💗💗#hm pic.twitter.com/0lBoAjgiwx
— ♡ (@latteIicious) September 13, 2023
A hug from the Duchess.
Smiles...
Congratulations...
Coming together...
Tears of joy from a winning member of Team USA...
This is Invictus.
Meghan opted for a chic look with a black top, jeans, a white blazer -- beginning the evening with trainers before switching to heels!
Meghan has been loving J Crew this week. She wore their Cashmere Crewneck sweater (another great find by What Meghan Wore). The piece is available in XX small - 3X on J Crew's website here.
More on the piece from J Crew:
'We love this cashmere version layered over everything, from tees to button-downs to dresses. We're invested in bringing you the best in cashmere, so you can feel great about investing in it too. We're proud to support responsible cashmere production through our partnership with the Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF), a nonprofit that promotes sustainable agricultural development across the globe.
As the foundation's first U.S. member, we source cashmere that is certified to the AbTF's The Good Cashmere Standard®, which ensures the welfare of the cashmere goats, protects natural resources and improves the working conditions of farmers and farmworkers in Inner Mongolia. Plus, it was crafted at a Fair Trade Certified™ factory that provides additional income and better conditions for the people who work there.'
Meghan opted for a chic pair of FRAME le skinny de Jeanne mid-rise jeans. They are available on FRAME's website here (with thanks to What Meghan Wore).
She began the evening in Hermés Get sneakers.
Before changing into her Aquazzura Purist pumps.
Meghan accessorised with her Luna Skye 14kt baguette diamond leaf stud earrings (with thanks to What Meghan Wore).
If you're just popping in, click here to catch up on this morning's appearance. The Duchess quite literally broke the J Crew website when she appeared in their Giselle Sweater (the site is now back up, and the piece is available in very limited sizing here).
Until tomorrow, dear readers... It should be another brilliant day!
Gah these games are so emotional! I'm often moved to tears by the joy and triumph of the competitors! I'm also super happy! My feelings are every where! LOL! Meghan and Harry are just so charming!
ReplyDeleteHarry and Meghan are doing a great job and they appear to be in their element.
ReplyDeleteThis is probably the biggest event and the largest crowd since Invictus started in 2014. I wonder if they sell souvenir merchandise every year. It can raise good funds for them. I am also curious how much tickets cost to attend the event.
ReplyDeleteLoved reading your summary of the day's events. Thank you Charlotte, as always.
ReplyDeleteI LOVED her shorts outfit -- and she looked so small and cute. H&M's roles seem to be to welcome as many people as possible, and I love seeing all the hugs and selfies and smiles. H&M realize that the participants are the stars. It really is so emotional seeing what these veterans have gone through, first to recover from their wounds both physical and emotional, and then to get to the games.
ReplyDeleteNice earrings!!
Hello. Philly here. I'm with you, Anonymous 22:32. Not only for the glimpse into all that is happening with Harry and Meghan and the Invictus family, but also for the nostalgia--how it was in the beginning. As awful as it was for H&M to have to live the trauma that followed, they're in a better place now than they ever would have been had they been properly appreciated.
ReplyDeleteExactly! 💯 Harry adopted the quote by ancient philosopher, Rumi: 'Wounds are where the light enters us.' Diamonds are honed via rough strife... As Meghan has said, "My faith is greater than my fear." And on the Archetypes podcast, Meghan eloquently declared, "They tried to bury me. But I am a seed!"
DeleteLove that pinky ring, too.
ReplyDeleteThanks for such enjoyable coverage, Charlotte! Nobody does this better than you.
ReplyDeleteJanet
Dear Charlotte
ReplyDeleteThank you for all this excellent reporting. I don’t know how you keep up!
It is a joy to watch H&M in action. They are so attractive and enthusiastic, and they keep the focus on the athletes and families. What a wonderful world they have created!
Renee
It is so wonderful to see them again in their element. They are so charismatic and magnetic. People love them!! I’ve really missed seeing them in the public eye. It reminds me what a loss it is for the Royal Family to not have Harry and Meghan as an asset.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great daily recaps, Charlotte! You are the best.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous@22:57 Tickets to the events are sponsored by Amazon, so are free. Opening and Closing ceremony tickets must be bought if you wish to attend.
Its inspirational and very moving watching the competitors and their reactions, bless them. Thank you for the fabulous coverage.
ReplyDeleteWhat excellent work Harry and Meghan are doing for the veterans! Thank you for the fantastic coverage.
ReplyDeleteThis is typically the kind of event that changes the lives of the participants. It’s so much joy and solidarity ! So much hope after the pain these athletes experienced ! Harry must be proud that his Invictus Games are so popular and have become lasting. We don't hear much about it in France and it's a real shame because the action is so laudable and brings happiness.
ReplyDeleteThank you Charlotte for all your excellent covering! It's lovely to see them having fun together at this important event. All competitors are so compassionate, it's so wonderful to see such a warm event where everyone's supportive. I love that H&M are dressed down to not draw even more attention.
ReplyDeleteI was wondering: do you have any pictures of Meghans hairstyles today? I read she does her hair and make-up herself on this trip. I'm curious how these hairstyles look like from the back (for inspiration for myself). There seems to be a pin in the updo and maybe a clip in the half updo but I can't find a detailed picture.
Fabulous! -op
ReplyDeleteInvictus Games is so important as it gives people whose lives are forever changed something to strive for. A pity that realistically there is very little publicity about the games. Not a thing in our media and we have athletes competing! It would have been good, seeing Meghan is generating fashion media, if she could have worn some invictus branding each day. It seems an opportunity to support lost. I realise that she could well have contracts with some of the brands she has been showcasing but Invictus should not have been ignored.
ReplyDeleteI think Meghan & Harry's sheer presence does so much for Invictus that the clothes are hardly the point.
DeleteThank you Charlotte for these beautiful recaps. I really hope that this event will go very, very far and veterans, injured like the Sussexes really deserve it.
ReplyDeleteLong live Invictus✊️❤
Love all of the JCrew pieces! I happen to own the cashmere shell :) So happy the games are going well, Harry really shines here and seems very happy.
ReplyDeleteThank you Charlotte for taking us behind the scenes every day in such a brilliant way. I feel from the two brothers Harry has been the more creative and productive one. The Invictus Games are becoming more and more important not only within military communities but also as an example for healing, resiliency and building opportunities to help one another when life becomes overwhelming. There is something very unique and heartwarming about this event. Thank you Harry and all the beautiful souls who make Invictus happen.
ReplyDeleteMeghan is such a beautiful woman outside and inside. I am in awe for how she is carrying herself through all this and yet embracing life, people and everything the way she does.
Kristina