It was a fantastic morning of Wheelchair Basketball, meet and greets, catch ups with familiar faces, and smiles for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex at the Merkur-Spiel Arena.
The Duke and Duchess arrived to cheers.
They do know how to make an entrance. #HarryAndMeghan #IG23pic.twitter.com/JzIwTkCMwG
— R.S. Locke / Royal Suitor (@royal_suitor) September 13, 2023
The couple holding hands.
Meghan greeted David Wiseman, a familiar face if you've followed the games over the years or recently watched Heart of Invictus on Netflix.
— HARRY AND MEGHAN (@TerezaMatoukov4) September 13, 2023
A leading figure in the Invictus family, David has worked alongside Harry for a number of years. He's currently the Director of Grants and Programmes at the Invictus Foundation. Affectionately known as 'Wisey', the ex-soldier was injured on the battlefield in Afghanistan. Competing in swimming at the Invictus games meant the world to David: "We've fought together, we've been wounded together, we've repaired together and now we're competing together." David was central to the creation of HeadFit, a collaboration between the Ministry of Defence and Harry via Heads Together (he worked with Harry at the Royal Foundation during that period). Recently, David's UK-based social enterprise, Peak State Mental Health Fitness, was introduced to BetterUp.
Former Invictus Games medallist JJ Chalmers is helming BBC coverage of Invictus again this year, and doing an incredible job. Of the role, JJ has said: "I get to work on a number of crown jewel sports occasions like the Olympics and the Paralympics – but none of them really compare to this and I think the reason is because the medals are secondary."
This group of teenagers made some noise...until Meghan came over :)
She is so adorable, literally an angel 😭😭😭pic.twitter.com/e8qv5pZ7oC
— Katerina🇺🇦 (@Le__Katerina) September 13, 2023
The expressions in these photos tell quite a story.
A wave from the Duchess.
Harry and Meghan take their seats to watch Team Ukraine take on Team Australia.
Big cheers all round!
The Duchess chatting with Australian competitor Laura Reynell.
WATCH: Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle attend a wheelchair basketball match at the Invictus Games 2023 in Dusseldorf, Germany pic.twitter.com/7aF63NeEH0
— Reuters Asia (@ReutersAsia) September 13, 2023
Enjoying the action courtside.
'On arrival, Meghan looked delighted to see the Nigerian team, greeting them by punching both fists in the air, prompting an enthusiastic response in the form of a traditional chant.
The Sussexes later met several members of the Nigerian team, who presented them with a plaque from the country’s chief of defence.
They also gave the Duchess a Nigerian nickname – Amira Ngozi Lolo – explaining that it was tradition to base it on the day of the week you are born.
The three names they gave her are each from different regions: Amira, a warrior princess from a fairytale, Ngozi meaning blessed, and Lolo, royal wife.'
During the Opening ceremony, Harry noted Meghan, who recently discovered she is 43% Nigerian, would be cheering on the team. It's a hugely significant time, as not only is it the first time Nigeria has participated, they are the first African country to join Invictus. Team Nigeria manager Bobby Ojeh said: "With Nigeria being the first African country to participate in the Invictus Games, this is sending a message of hope and inspiration across the continent."
It's incredibly exciting to see the games growing year on year.
The team described it as "all shades of amazing".
Prince Harry and Meghan came to see #TeamNigeria at the #InvictusGamesDE! 💃💃💃
— Invictus Nigeria 🇳🇬 (@invictusgamesNG) September 13, 2023
It’s been all shades of amazing and you know it’s never a dull moment with Team Nigeria! 💃😁 pic.twitter.com/z8FMaMrXPa
As has become customary, Team Australia presented Harry with a pair of 'Budgie Smugglers'. That's Harry sorted for the next beach outing :)
Posing with Team Canada at the F&F Kids’ Competition on Centre Court.
One of the most exciting elements of the games this year has been the focus on including as many children as possible. It's estimated almost 14,000 children from across Europe will have the opportunity to visit the games this week.
The backbone of Invictus has always been the whole family approach, creating spaces and events to celebrate the role loved ones play in the journey of each and every athlete.
Harry on photographer duty.
Harry wanting in on the picture 😂 #InvictusGames pic.twitter.com/dIWtXI9sCj
— Kake ✨ (@meghannhive) September 13, 2023
Seeing familiar faces and the friendships and bonds forged at each games is one of my favourite aspects. At The Hague last year, Meghan gave competitor Fenna Geugjes' wife Bertine her coat to keep her baby warm. They had the opportunity to meet the family again today.
Below, Harry and Fenna.
More from Invictus on Fenna's incredible story:
'Geugjes’ life changed abruptly when she was injured in a parachute jump in 2015. Her work in the Royal Navy suddenly became too taxing, with prolonged standing, running and a lot of walking costing her, even after several operations. She suffered a permanent disability to her ankle and a hearing impairment as a result of a blast. The uncertainty and misery challenged her physically and mentally. Thanks in part to her involvement in the Invictus Games, Fenna considers herself recovered. The 31-year-old Geugjes and The Duke had already met digitally in the run-up to the Invictus Games The Hague; on that occasion Fenna tried to help the Duke learn some Dutch words.'
For Meghan's daytime look, she opted for stylish separates in neutral colours.
Meghan sported J Crew's very chic Giselle V-neck sweater blazer with contrasting trim.
Let's just say it's been a busy day for J Crew! Glamour reports:
'She's at it again, folks. At the 2023 Invictus Games, Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex and queen of my heart, looked so good in her white J.Crew blazer that would-be fashion imitators actually crashed the retailer's site.'
Below, the Giselle in black (on sale here) and camel (on sale here).
The Giselle in 'bold red' is reduced to $109.
Meghan teamed the piece with a pair of Staud Luisa Shorts (with thanks to Royal Fashion Police). The style features relaxed tailoring and double forward pleats. The oat milk style are available in limited sizing at Farfetch, Nordstrom and Matches Fashion. The Luisa style can also be purchased as full-length pants.
Meghan teamed it with her Givenchy G black leather belt. She wore the piece for several royal engagements after the wedding back in 2018.
Meghan wore her Chanel two-tone slingback flats.
We can also see Meghan is wearing Diana's Cartier watch and the brand's 'Love' bracelet. Both pieces have been staples of the Duchess for several years now.
The Duke and Duchess are arriving for an evening of sporting action. I'll have another post later covering that.
I'm so pleased and happy to see Meghan & Harry out and about together again! It's just delightful how they connect with everyone and how everyone is pleased to see them. The UK tabloid spin is so nefarious and ugly it's just delightful to see them be well received and appreciated. Queen of my heart indeed and I love the Nigerian name so apropos! Thank for this coverage. It's wonderful to get all the little details in one place!
ReplyDeleteMeghan and Harry look so relaxed. They are in their element, championing good causes with a laidback, approachable human touch while keeping the focus on what matters. No wonder the crowds gravitate towards them. The games are a success yet again and it’s great to see African countries joining and more countries applying for the next games.
ReplyDeleteOn a fashion note, Meghan does cool girl casual chic so well. I hope she never stops rocking shorts!
Love, love love the J.Crew cardi. Think a pair white sneakers would also have looked great with this outfit. Meghan looks so cute in shorts and a jacket. She looks so happy to be at the games.
ReplyDeleteIt’s very thoughtful to see how Invictus involves the families of these vets in the games too. I’m reminded of how in my work, we have to watch out for the caregivers and make sure they are supported, nurtured and don’t get burnt out.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite SM posts are of the Nigerian team with Meghan, the teens getting Meghan to come over for photos, Harry’s with his expanding, eye catching beach wear collection 🤪 (it’d be funny if those ever come up for auction at Christie’s) and the two with the Invictus family. Everyone is beaming and enjoying themselves.
Then there’s the informal cool Meghan. Way to rock in shorts.
—loving it from the PNW
Thanks for the excellent coverage Charlotte!!
ReplyDeleteI was able to order the JCrew sweater!! Another Meghan inspired piece to add to my collection. In fact, I’ve been wearing Meg inspired pieces since she arrived just to add my support for her and her family!
I’m loving the Games, the enthusiasm, the grit and determination of the athletes and the love and support of their families and community is such a joy to watch! As the daughter, sister and mother of veterans, it’s so heartwarming to see what Harry has created ❤️
Another fabulous day of events, thank you for the coverage.
ReplyDelete