Saturday 16 September 2023

Invictus Leaves a Lasting Legacy in Germany as the Games Come to a Close

All good things must come to an end, a phrase which certainly rang true at the Invictus Games 2023 Closing Ceremony in Dusseldorf tonight.

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I remember when, almost a decade ago, Prince Harry announced his vision for the Invictus Games. At the time, he had served in the British Army for eight years and completed his time as an Apache pilot. He knew exactly how he wanted to cement his role for good. After a life-changing trip to the US where he witnessed the inspiring Warrior Games. He returned to London with a plan. Nine years later, that plan has grown into "a legacy he can be proud of", as UK Minister of State for Veterans' Affairs in the UK put it.

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The games this year were undeniably one of the best to date and set a high bar for Canada in 2025.

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There was extraordinary cooperation in Germany and a fabulously professional approach. The Invictus Games Foundation, steered by Harry, Dominic Reed and David Wiseman, has reached a point where it's very much a smooth-running vessel with the ability to optimise and grow the games year on year.

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The Duke and Duchess with performers Rita Ora and Sam Ryder before the ceremony began.

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Applause from the Duke and Duchess during the parade of nations.

Meghan blew kisses.

Roaring cheers for Ukraine.

Dominic Reid, OBE Chief Executive, Meghan, Harry, Elke Büdenbender and German Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

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The Invictus Games has been able to achieve something special and that was evident at every single event this week. It's a family.

Sam Ryder serenades Meghan.

In a rousing speech, German Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier spoke directly to Team Ukraine: "This illegal war could be over today if Vladimir Putin withdrew his troops from Ukrainian soil. Together with Ukraine, we hope each day this war will end so that the dying and suffering are no more. Team Ukraine, all of us feel for you and hope you can take something from this special community of the unbeaten back with you."

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The President added: "I am very grateful to the Duke of Sussex, as someone who himself has been in combat, for creating the games."

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Let's take a look at some of the statistics: 513 competitors from 21 countries competed in 10 different sports across six days of competition. A total of 666 medals in 229 competitions were handed out.

Over 1,000 relatives of the participants made the journey. Over 1,200 volunteers made the event possible, coming from 30 countries. Over 800 journalists were accredited.

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21,800 soldiers from all participating countries attended the event. Over 14,000 school children from all over Europe visited. The goal of 100,000 spectators was smashed with over 140,000 in attendance. Over 25 million online visitors.

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The Merkur Spiel-Arena was converted into a multi-functional facility in a record eight days. 950 people worked 15,000 hours.

Though the Invictus Games will officially leave Germany tonight, it's legacy will remain. Thanks to the success of the games, Dusseldorf will follow the path of Sydney (2018 Games Host) and launch Invictus Germany. This continued programme will operate similarly to the Warrior Games, allowing German athletes to compete at a national level.

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The theme of 'A Home for Respect' will continue to flourish.

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The Lord Mayor of Dusseldorf, Stephan Keller, became quite emotional when speaking about the games: "We kept asking ourselves, how we can we keep this spirit going and leave a sustainable legacy of Invictus in Germany?"

Minister of Defence Boris Pistorius has been profoundly touched by the event, saying, "We have reached far beyond the military community with the impact of these games."

Looking ahead, 2024 marks the ten-year anniversary and at a press conference this evening it was confirmed a series of events and activities will mark the occasion. Of course, there was also enormous excitement as the 2025 Games in Vancouver and Whistler were discussed. With the inclusion of winter sports, the games will be around 12 days in duration. Speaking today, Canada's Minister of Veteran Affairs Ginette Petitpas Taylor said: "The games will present a challenge for competitors and make the first test in adaptive winter sports. I have no doubt that it's certainly going to be something to watch."

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A beautiful moment as Team Germany Captain Thomas Kroner handed over the team coin to Team Canada Captain Aliana Mundy. A symbol of respect to Canada as they take the mantle forward.

War heralds unimaginable cruelty and brutality. Division in all its worst forms. None feel this more deeply than the heroes of Team Ukraine. Seeing nations come together at Invictus, knowing the devastating situation the team are going home to, offers a time of respite and hope for a better future.

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Ontario's Senator Marty Deacon shared: "Councillor Wilson Williams of The Squamish Nation on behalf of Team Canada at the Invictus Games today did a blanket ceremony for a brave Ukrainian medic."

Taira stole all of our hearts over the past week. I am in awe of her courage, strength and dignity in the midst of circumstances most of will never understand.

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Last year, Taira couldn't take her place at the games as she was held in captivity. She credits the attention Invictus gave her story with being released: "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." When Invictus was merely a seed in Harry's mind, I doubt he could have envisaged a scenario such as this.

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Taira told the Telegraph: "I am very grateful to Prince Harry, because it was after...the Invictus Games that the Russians stopped interrogating and torturing me. I think that spreading the word to the whole world influenced their decision to trade me in a prisoner exchange."

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What an honour it was for Harry and Meghan to present Taira with an Archery medal this morning.

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Taira's 19-year-old daughter Anna-Sofia Puzanova represented her mother at the games last year. Words cannot convey how much having her back means. Tonight, Anna-Sofia spoke on stage about how proud she of her mother, bringing Taira to tears.

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Anna-Sofia then welcomed Harry.

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As Harry took to the stage, I knew it was going to be a moving speech. I didn't know it wouldn't leave a dry eye in the arena. "What you have seen and experienced this week is so much more than a sporting event. It is a platform for positive change. The ripple of respect has been felt far and wide, and we hope you too, are feeling it deeply. I'm sure you're all physically exhausted, who wouldn't be, but I also hope you are mentally stronger than when you arrived.

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"We may have provided the platform, but you provided the magic. And don't you ever forget that.

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"We've all witnessed the impact sport has had on your recovery and on your post-traumatic growth. You will never know the impact your actions this week have had on millions of people around the world. You have opened people's hearts through your vulnerability, resilience and sheer abilities. You have showed us that joy can emerge from struggles and for that we are eternally grateful. You don’t need to rely on a uniform, nor should you feel lost without one. Why? Because everything you need is already within you."

Harry then shared a deeply moving story from the week; one which was felt throughout the entire audience. "Yesterday, I met with with Master Corporal James Gendron at the Invictus Games 2025 tent. While we were chatting, I noticed bagpipes lying on the floor in the far corner. Some of you know what bagpipes mean to me, so I couldn't help but hope they would be played." Harry then called out to James in the audience.

The Prince continued: "Little did I know, 30 minutes later, it would be James picking them up to offer to play. Little did I know what they meant to him, nor did I know what memories they triggered for him. In Afghanistan he played 63 ramp ceremonies. For 63 caskets. For 63 souls. For four years after that last ceremony, he couldn't touch them. This week he wasn't sure whether he could bring himself to play them. But he did. What had once haunted him, dare I say it, may now be what helps heal him."

In Spare, Harry recalled the death of his mother and the sound of bagpipes: "With bagpipes, it's not the tune, it's the tone. Thousands of years old, bagpipes are built to amplify what's already in the heart. If you're feeling silly, bagpipes make you sillier. If you're angry, bagpipes bring your blood to a higher boil. And if you're in grief, even if you’re twelve years old and don't know you're in grief, maybe especially if you don't know, bagpipes can drive you mad."

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As Harry sat down, Meghan kissed his shoulder and placed a comforting hand on his back.

Team UK went above and beyond to show Meghan their love this week and I know she appreciated it.

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Royal Navy Veteran Kenetha 'Frankie' Franklyn embraced the Duchess tonight.

It's a night for hugs.

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A little dancing as Rita Ora performed.

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There are so many moments I won't forget. Oleksandr Makovei of Team Ukraine giving his all in the Men's IF8 Discus Throw Final for one.

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Ihor's story.

This is Invictus.

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The Invictus spirit is Wali Noori who takes home 4 medals for Britain. UK Veterans Minister Johnny Mercer said earlier today: "I pay enormous tribute to him {Harry} and everything he's done. You can see lives he's changed, literally there right in front of you. Personally, I'm incredibly grateful to him."

Team Nigeria made a beautiful impression. It was not only their first year competing, they are the first country from Africa to join the Invictus family. Harry teased Meghan would be cheering them on, and my word, did they give her a warm welcome! 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'.

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The Duke and Duchess were on their feet for the team tonight.

"I wish this event could go on forever. The Invictus Games has not only helped wounded, sick, and injured Soldiers on their path to recovery but also gave us all profound insights into their resilience and determination." - Team Nigeria.

Team UK's Jonny Ball said: "Prince Harry, the human touch he has is simply extraordinary. He came around and met every single athlete. I was also able to show him a picture of my little girl who is also a redhead. I said to him, 'Oh look, this is my little girl." I've got a picture of her pulling a funny face and he said, "My little girl does that face!"

Rachel Kerrigan's story will break your heart: "Learning to live with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and to get to a point that I am thriving again is the hardest thing I have ever had to do. The Invictus Games gave me that. They taught me that it is never too late to build the future I want. They gave me the self-belief to realise that, no matter how hard life has been, I have the physical and mental strength to succeed. When I look back at how far I have come, I am incredibly grateful." Below, Rachel talks about the role her eight-year-old daughter played, essentially providing a support system during the darkest days.

Harry and Meghan fell in love with sweet Hope yesterday. At just twelve weeks old, she's helping Team Belgium's Martun manage his PTSD. For Martun, Invictus means being there for people -- with visible and invisible injuries.

Invictus is about friendship.

It's fun!

Looking ahead -- a special message from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Traditional Territory leaders welcome Invictus.

It's about moments like this.

Seeing these two in action again, doing what they do best, has been the cherry on top.

The Duchess has had a fantastic wardrobe of sleek, stylish neutrals at the games this week, however I think you'll agree she saved the best for last.

The Duchess wore the beautiful strapless cut-out Cult Gaia Raylene gown (with thanks to Pearl).

The 'seamoss' tailored piece is described: "Raylene is an artistically crafted gown that plays with texture and pattern. This floor-length gown features floral patterns in Seamoss-colored lace. The floral pattern is enhanced by lazercut cutouts that give depth and complexity. An underlayer assures discrete coverage. A back-zip allows for easy-wear and a long-slit up the back ensures that you can move and dance in this slimming dress." The embroidered gown is available here and here.

Meghan has been doing her own hair and make up throughout the week. The results have been fabulous.

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Meghan wore her nappa leather Aquazzura pumps from earlier today.

She accessorised with her Kimai earrings.

And her Cartier Love bracelet.

To watch the ceremony in its entirety, please click here.

Invictus Dusseldorf -- a week not to be forgotten.

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41 comments:

  1. Nora17 September 2023 at 00:05

    Thank you for the great and heartfelt covering of the whole event, Charlotte! - Meghan has been so beautiful all the days and shining with all her love and support. The dress tonight of course is the best in its elegance and glamour, I like Meghan's special mix of perfect design that is not too loud or overwhelming. Her style is really something to go after for "ordinary" women like me. - I am proud that Harry's work will continue with "Invictus Germany". After the horrendous experience with a German army in World War II, soldiers in Germany have had for decades a difficult standing in the sceptical public view as necessary but not really accepted. Although being deployed in several international combat places with often very demanding missions, they got little appreciation or support at home when they came back. I think the developments in Europe since February 2022 show us that we still need well functioning armies and that we have to care for those people who are willing to risk their health and life to protect others. Invictus is a perfect means to transport this message and to help all involved and affected. I'm also happy that police, firefighters and other emergency personnel are included, because in recent years they experience often attacks even by citizens they want to help and to protect, which is really absurd and shocking. There is a lot to heal, and Invictus can be a good place for that.

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  2. Anonymous17 September 2023 at 00:17

    I am not a big Harry & Meghan fan, as I don’t love some of their choices as they’ve separated from their royal duties… but I can absolutely give credit where it is do. Starting with Harry, he’s done a great job with Invictus and specifically this event. It seems like Meghan has been there forever with all the notable fashion looks, but he’s been there even longer! They’ve both had great energy, endless hugs and smiles, and I know the competitors appreciate their devotion to the organization.

    It’s interesting to see their personalities work so perfectly for this kind of event. It’s no slam on William & Catherine but I think (not that I know them) that this would be a difficult and long event for them. They seem to both be introverts and Harry absolutely thrives on the limelight and energy. I don’t know if Meghan is extroverted, but her training as an actor comes in handy. It doesn’t matter how you feel, you need to present yourself and do the work. I’d personally be so exhausted having to be on, the center of attention, for long days on end. William & Catherine do tours, but it’s a different energy to having to hug everyone & take unlimited poses photos for hours. As much as they want the focus on the athletes, so much really is in them.

    It’s the perfect vehicle for them to be more casual, away from the restrictions of royal protocol, where they can hold hands and get lots of photos of their coupleness. I don’t mean that to sound snarky, but they do seem to both enjoy it, where I feel his brother would rather keep his relationship private- could be personality, could be his role within the family.

    As for the fashion, I loved the black look with the chunky tennis shoes (although would’ve preferred another brand besides Hermes. If you’re gonna do that exclusive of a brand I’d opt for something besides tennis shoes) and it also looked great with heels. I also love the white outfit with the black flats. She’s in her best shape, very thin & strong, and the gray dress from last night fit really well. It’s not my favorite style but looked great on her. It doesn’t matter how she styles her hair or makeup, she’s a very beautiful woman. I don’t love some of the pants that seem too high waisted and billowy, but think she looks great in skinny pants.

    They make a great team, and I think it’s smart to let Harry be the lead at this event- it’s his project. Thanks Charlotte for all the work you do! Sue

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    1. Donna17 September 2023 at 01:55

      Thanks Anon 00:17. I agree with your description of their personalities and why these are the kind of events for them. People shouldn’t compare Harry & Mehgan and William & Kate. They all have different personalities and are now in the roles they should be.
      I also don’t agree with some of the choices Harry & Meghan have made but there is no doubt that Invictus is such an amazing event and is something so personal for Harry. Meghan must be so proud of him and she does so good at supporting him and being her shining self at Invictus.
      And yay for the coloured dress tonight. Meghan looked stunnning!

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    2. Melissa Hafting17 September 2023 at 07:23

      yes they have definitely made mistakes but when it comes to Invictus credit where credits do for sure!

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    3. Anonymous17 September 2023 at 12:45

      We are not in a position to critique Harry choices since he was emotionally forced out from doing official duties for the BRF because he and his wife are the undisputed stars of the BRF (no close second). How would you feel being kick about as a spare like a clown and you found an iconic wife that share your passions but was not welcome?

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    4. Donna17 September 2023 at 14:10

      Anon 12:45…I do believe there are other shining stars in the BRF and they are suited for and doing a great job in their roles (W & C, the Princess Royal, the Duchess of Wessex). I’m just glad Harry & Meghan have Invictus as this is totally suited to them. All of the above mentioned people have made mistakes in life and all have and are doing really good things…just as we can say about all of us.
      Charlotte, your coverage has been amazing and especially the individual stories you provided so we could truly feel “the heart of Invictus”! Thank you!

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    5. Allison in US17 September 2023 at 15:45

      Anon 12:45 I agree with you. I also object to saying that H&M "made mistakes." I don't think Harry ever had a good life, even while Diana was alive, and it played out on an international level. I don't judge when I am not part of the situation. And they don't owe us anything.

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    6. Anonymous17 September 2023 at 19:30

      Mistakes were made by other Royals and their household staff by letting these two down. This could have been part of the presentation of a Great Britain ready for a new era. Its a huge loss on both sides and it could have been prevented. They were asking for help.

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    7. Anonymous18 September 2023 at 23:39

      Truly, only Harry & Meghan's "mistakes" seem to be on people's minds these days. It's wearisome because everything they do is criticized and far more grievous missteps are always excused or brushed aside for others in the Royal Family. Clearly H & M have service at core of their philosophies and are using their visibility for the good of others while they can, even in the face of many unfair judgements and impossible double standards.

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  3. Allison in US17 September 2023 at 00:56

    I can't comment to do justice to your work right now, Charlotte, but am going to savor all you wrote. After looking through this post, I just say "wow!"

    I must say that I hope we see Melissa H. at the 2025 games! (She said she's going. :)

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    1. Ghilou17 September 2023 at 08:55

      Exactly Allison: WOW... I think that for what Lady Di personified and what she had at heart to do, Harry can be sure to satisfy his mother up there.

      In a country like France where the relationship between the police and the population has been deteriorating for some time, I think that welcoming the organization of the Invictus games within the country will recall the notion of respect and mutual aid for all and will crazy good.

      This year again, the Invictus games once again brought us extraordinary magic. Thank you soooooo much Charlotte 💝

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    2. Anonymous17 September 2023 at 14:08

      Diana had two sons, I am sure she wouldn't like all these comments saying one of them is his reincarnation

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    3. Ghilou17 September 2023 at 21:46

      Unfortunately it's you who says what you say and only you: reincarnation and others. William does his job on his side and that's good. But here we are talking about Harry's work which would undoubtedly be appreciated by his late mother and we are happy for him. At some point we have to stop polluting the atmosphere by thinking that appreciating Harry is belittling his brother. Stop this competition, everyone lives their own life. And still! It is a real fact that children in a family are different and some who can inherit certain traits from their parent, a little, average or a lot and we accept that but the most important thing is that the parent loves all his children. So I'll say it again and this is my opinion: for the crazy good he brings and his ugly duckling history that we always wanted to attach to him, his late mother would be very proud of him and I'm not the only one to think that dear anonymous :)

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  4. Anonymous17 September 2023 at 01:24

    Harry and Meghan exude a stunning ability to connect emotionally, with the growing Invictus family as well as with each other. They bring a unique blend of celebrity and glamour along with their heartfelt and healing connections.
    Thank you Charlotte for this excellent Invictus coverage!
    Renee

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  5. Melissa US17 September 2023 at 02:05

    Charlotte, thank you for your fantastic in-depth coverage of this event. So many inspiring people and stories, and it is wonderful to see Harry and Meghan together, doing what they do best. Waking up to your posts has made my mornings this past week. Thanks for all your hard work ( and positivity)!

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  6. Bluefire17 September 2023 at 02:30

    Thank you for the great and heartfelt covering of the whole event, Charlotte! - Meghan has been so beautiful all over these days she been happy the entire event

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  7. Anonymous17 September 2023 at 03:33

    Thank you Charlotte. This post does the Invictus spirit justice!

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  8. Anna B17 September 2023 at 04:14

    Excellent coverage thank you

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  9. HGW17 September 2023 at 04:56

    Thank you Charlotte for your efforts in covering the IG. It's been fun getting a good dose of H&M sighting and following Meghan's fashion. Can I say just watching them in photos let alone videos, their energy radiates by heaps and bounds! I don't know how they keep it going for so long. I'm really hoping they don't go back into hiding again for too long, and we get too see them and the fabulous work that they do more often! They are in their element at the moment! Humaira.

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  10. Melissa Hafting17 September 2023 at 07:20

    Thanks Charlotte for this lovely coverage. This was beautiful ending to the games and Meghan looks lovely in this dress. The Invictus Games is the best thing Prince Harry ever did in his life. It is a royal shame the British Royal Family didn't even mention it this year sad :(

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  11. Melissa Hafting17 September 2023 at 07:22

    Also forgot to say congratulations to all the participants and athletes they are true heroes who risked it all for their countries. They are an inspiration to us all.

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  12. Anonymous17 September 2023 at 07:27

    Wowsa. What an ending to an amazing week. That closing speech by Harry and his story about Master Corporal James Gendron and his bagpipe had me sniffling. There were so many moments that I loved. Your detailed narratives made me feel like I was there Charlotte. You truly have a gift for weaving so many moving parts into a readable, informative, and touching storyline.

    Meghan was glorious. She definitely saved the best for last fashion wise. That dress! Oy!

    But it’s Harry who really shined here. The man is all in. His passion bared. I think other have posted about his magnetism and ease with people. From the participants, their families and friends, the professional IG Foundation staff, the thousands of volunteers, 800 press pass holders, the host city, to the 21 participating nations, that’s a huge, layered network to make this week such a meaningful success.

    Meghan and Harry are working like all the other professionals who put together Invictus. It has been an intense, all consuming week until these two fly home to a toddler and a preschooler. They can be out of the limelight till work requires them to be back in front of the public eye. No doubt, there are far many more hours working behind the scene, debriefing the 2023 IG, preparing for the next IG event, and kworking on their other projects. I get the feeling these two are often on the go, working steadily while nurturing their family privately.

    I have a lot of respect for these two. They face a lot of headwinds in order to live their own lives and be master of their fate and captain of their soul.

    I’m excited about the next IG in my favorite city, Vancouver. I’m going to find ways to see it. Thank you again for such thoughtful and detailed coverage Charlotte.
    -cheers from the the PNW

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  13. Anonymous17 September 2023 at 10:33

    I think the closing ceremony was just wonderful, so full of emotion, humanity, cooperation, and triumph. Harry's speech was powerful, and inspirational, and provided the perfect summation and tone to conclude the week. Meghan for this event was truly Harry's helpmeet, and it's lovely to see their support for each other in their individual and joint projects and causes. It was great to see so many photos and videos that gave us all a sense of what it was like in Dusseldorf this week. Thank you again Charlotte for the huge amount of work you have done to report on and do justice to the Invictus Games 2023.

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  14. Anna from France17 September 2023 at 11:34

    I have the answer to my question yesterday as to why the next Invictus Games will take place in February... To include winter sports ! What a good idea. This makes me think a little of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, which are for me -beyond the purely sporting aspect- a moment suspended in time and where I watch sports which usually hardly interest me.

    Meghan ends the week in style, her dress is magnificent and must be even more beautiful in real life than in photos. I hope we see Meghan again in charity very soon.

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  15. Anonymous17 September 2023 at 16:01

    Superb coverage, Charlotte. Congrats to the athletes, and big shot out to Harry; I hope he's proud of what he's created with these games. Truly inspiring & community minded. Meghan looked lovely all week, and I am glad she mixed some high/low fashion - sometimes I don't understand her more expensive choices (Hermes shoes?). Loved the finale dress! The couple looked happy and in their element this week - bravo to them and all the participants! -op

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  16. Anonymous17 September 2023 at 18:30

    Happy birthday 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 prince Harry, more of God's blessings. LadyB from Nigeria.

    Life changing sporting event against all odds...... This games keep getting better

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  17. Anonymous17 September 2023 at 20:49

    I’m taking my time since I have today off going through these posts slowly. One clip caught my attention was with Minister of Defence Boris Pistorius’ comments regarding how Germany has regarded itself post WW2 with its demilitarization, how evolving events with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and NATO have altered its view and cemented that having a stronger armed force is sometime necessary in these unsettled times and that service men and women need to be appreciated for their service. While peace is everyone’s ideal, the world isn’t a peaceful place. It sounds like the success of Invictus in Germany, a nation still reconciling with its difficult past, has helped in a small way provide an avenue for the German people to be proud, appreciative, and care for their soldiers. I don’t know if this makes sense to readers, but I think that post war (especially with unpopular wars or ones where you are the loser), people don’t always regard returning soldiers with understanding. For whatever reasons, many countries struggle on how to provide good wrap around supportive vet services, aka difficulty in finding sufficient fundings.

    -cheers from the PNW

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  18. Katharina17 September 2023 at 20:57

    Thank you so much Charlotte for this treat!
    I really loved every single outfit this week. Each very appropriate for the occation, stylish, elegant and top accessories (MM has got a magnificent taste for handbags :-) maybe I would not have chosen the tight white jeans for H's birthday, but that's really the only piece I did not admire ofca fabulous display of different and fitting outfits :-)

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  19. Anonymous17 September 2023 at 21:00

    What a stupendous week! Thank you for highlighting so many fabulous moments, Charlotte. I am so elated for Harry's success, and for the love he and Meghan were shown by everyone present. I revel in their victory over the dark forces.

    Congratulations to all the participants. As Harry said, they have touched and inspired millions of people around the world. I am one of them.

    R

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  20. Anonymous18 September 2023 at 09:56

    Gosh I'm gonna miss these two when they go into hibernation again. No one does it like them in my opinion.
    Much respect to Prince Harry: he's truly his mother's son, it's the charisma for me, it's the fact that you can tell that he genuinely cares and he's not just putting on a show because his role requires it.

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  21. Anonymous18 September 2023 at 10:24

    Excellent coverage as always Charlotte! We all appreciate the hard work you do. What a fantastic occasion this was! Harry and Meghan are doing so much good in this sphere. Love the quintessential Meghan outfits and this showstopper she wore last. Her hair and makeup look lovely as well. Brooke

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  22. Vittoria18 September 2023 at 15:08

    I haven't commented on the Meghan site recently, but I've been lurking, and I've greatly enjoyed the coverage of the Invictus Games. These really have become quite the event and will be Prince Harry's lasting legacy, I am quite sure. I'm so pleased that he has been able to develop such a substantive and meaningful event to which to devote himself.

    But the fact is that the Sussexes really do have star power in contexts like these, and I can't help but shake my head yet again over the way the golden opportunity the Duchess represented was squandered and squashed by the palace machine. Perhaps, as some have suggested, it was simply feared that she might overshadow the Princess of Wales's very different personality, but if so, that fear epitomized both narrow-mindedness and short-sightedness. There really is -- or should be -- room for more than one attractive, fashionable, empathetic, and charity-minded woman in the second-echelon of the monarchy, especially given the very different roles and interests involved.

    On to clothes: I won't comment on each outfit. I wanted only to say that I have admired the Duchess's wardrobe for these Games and thought it was basically pitch-perfect. She's much more fashion-forward than the Princess, but she tempers that with a preference for minimalist design and neutral colors that suits my own tastes, so I've really delighted in the visual feast over the last several days. I've been considering those Cuyana trousers and now will probably go ahead and buy them, if they're still available. I love the Cult Gaia gown (and its color) and appreciate the way the Duchess had it altered to suit. My one quibble is that I don't care for partial linings, so that you can see much of the wearer's legs thorough the fabric. I've actually had such linings replaced with full ones in my own clothes. That effect works better on women younger than I am, but I'm not crazy about it even on teenagers.

    I bought a fantastic pair of Cult Gaia earrings last year, great with evening clothes. I really need to pay more attention to this label.

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    1. Anonymous18 September 2023 at 23:55

      Great to hear from you, Vittoria! I always love your fashion comments and was worried after hearing that you recently had a health test that was unsuccessful. Hope all is well!
      Janet from New York

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    2. Vittoria20 September 2023 at 00:22

      Oh, thank you, Janet. Yes, that was a bad day, so some royal fashion diversions were welcome. I visited yet another doctor today and am crossing my fingers that more effective treatment is on the horizon. None of this is life-threatening, I hasten to clarify -- just a painful hassle. Who was it who said, "Old age is not for sissies"? Bette Davis? I don't feel old in my 60s, but I suppose I can't deny that I'm getting older. I still love clothes, though. I figure that someday I'll die in the middle of reading "Vogue". I'm a historian, but who wants to die in the middle of reading "The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire"? No one I know, historians included.

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    3. Anonymous22 September 2023 at 07:17

      I agree that Harry and Meghan had some projects were they really could shine and that in that function and sphere they would have been a massive power couple inside the BRF and a real win for the BRF. If there really was a massive element of fear that they would outshine the others and that this is why some conflicts arose, I don't know. Fame with the public is only every temprarily. Diana had around 17 years. I doubt it would have lasted much longer, as the tabloids had already started to write more critically about her and she and the BRF started to co-exist as separate entities in peoples minds. For an instutotion like the monarchy even 20 years is basically nothing. A blink of an eye. There is no way H&M could have held the publics favour for ever. Just like HMTQ wasn't hated forever. Or Charles. Or Wiliam ans Kate (if anyone remebers the 2012-2015).

      I am happy that Harry seems to go back to fully concentrate on his two major initiatives, because they really work for him. His other ventures were met with well deserved criticism (in some cases) or relentless mocking.
      C.

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  23. Anonymous18 September 2023 at 16:30

    I’m sneaking another peek at all the Invictus photos and I just realize Harry brought his A game fashion wise too. He’s looking cool and European hip. Especially with his light greyish (?) suit at the NATO summit and his dark suit with the black shirt @ the closing night. I love Harry best at his casual, but he does clean up very nicely when he needs to ;)
    -smiling in the PNW

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  24. Anonymous19 September 2023 at 09:49

    Thank you so much for all the coverage of Invictus with Meg’s fashion choices very much a t the end - my goodness she looks slim and strong and gorgeous in the finale dress. For me the disappointment is the complete lack of any comment from the BRF - nothing for the vets nothing for the King’s son. If Charles wants us to believe he loves his son, this was a great opportunity for him to say so , whilst also honouring the vets. So many of the BRF wear the uniforms for fancy events, but where is the actual support for those serving and those who have served?

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  25. Anonymous20 September 2023 at 04:09

    Charlotte, as always you have done a wonderful job. A wonderful week for Invictus and the Sussexes rose to the challenge and duty Harry took on when he founded this event. How splendid they are among these outstanding athletes.

    Meghan’s style has evolved to suit her personality and role in the world. I used to feel that she picked styles that were daring high fashion but didn’t fit her frame. That Royal Wife look never quite suited her. She’s grown up into elegance. Very happy for them.

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  26. Anonymous21 September 2023 at 03:41

    These two are truly „Invictus“. An incredible week and an incredible coverage. Thank you Charlotte! I loved all the big emotions and little moments between everyone at this event. Meghans wardrobe was great. Chic, yet mostly affordable and inspiring.
    I always felt Invictus was a brilliant idea. But the more I see of it the more I realise this is the kind of event we need now in a new time. As important as it might be to create outstanding achievements in sports, arts etc. creating healing energies, creating a community that nurtures and supports, bringing everyone together on the same level, participants, families, staff, the duke and duchess, politicians and business representatives is such a new and needed inspiration. I am so looking forward to future Invictus events.

    Kristina

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  27. Allison in US22 September 2023 at 16:06

    I am incredibly impressed at the ever-growing support of the Invictus Games. I love this global support. And I feel it is sad that the UK service members who gave SO much, not to Harry or Meghan, but to their country are ignored by royal family members who give their support to sports teams who are playing for financial gains, not to save their lives. I don't expect Charles or William to mention Harry but I do expect the to give at least some sort of vague "good luck" to fit in with their support of the armed forces and mental health in general. Very petty.

    I think there is a lot of emotion on the part of everyone there, whether an athlete, a family member, a volunteer, or an organizer. I love that H&M are just available, not to oversee but to mingle and offer support and many selfies, so many selfies. :) I love Meghan's outfits (except the white capris) and love her energy.

    What I loved most as an H&M fan is that we got a week that dispels all the usual stupid fake news items about Harry being unhappy, Meghan doing this or that, and so on. The fake stories are so constant and such a bad mark against the media and the RF.

    I agree with Vittoria that the UK is big enough for two such women -- there are those who have preferences for either Kate or Meghan and getting rid of either will not change those preferences. What I love about Meghan's outings, and what I loved about William's outings in NYC, are that the audiences or group members show the variety of people who live in the world today. Some of Kate's outings are in area where everyone has a sameness and I don't find that interesting.

    Thank you so much for all your photos, videos, explanations, and kind words, Charlotte!

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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 :)

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