There are few weeks in the calendar year as important and poignant to Prince Harry as this one. In the UK, poppies are proudly worn and events are held across the country culminating in an indescribably moving gathering at the Cenotaph in Whitehall for Remembrance Sunday. As the clock strikes eleven, a two-minute silence will be observed Sunday morning. The silence represents the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918 when the guns of Europe fell silent. As a man who proudly served Queen and country, it has always held a special place in Harry's heart. Captain Wales served for a decade - undertaking two tours to Afghanistan - the first member of the Royal family in twenty-five years to serve in a war zone. Upon leaving the army to focus on his duties, he vowed his time in the army would "stay with him for the rest of his life". When the Sussexes moved to the US, one of the most painful and unnecessary decisions was a refusal from Buckingham Palace for a wreath to be laid on his behalf. Since then, Harry remained true to words he shared then: 'Once Served, Always Serving' and has found a new way each year to mark the solemn week. It is, of course, Veterans Week in the US.
Earlier this week, Prince Harry made guests smile during the 17th Annual Stand Up for Heroes Benefit on Monday night. In a special message for the event, which supports veterans, Harry said: "As someone who never gets scrutinized, I haven't even had to prepare much. But I have been working on this particular act for quite some time. And everyone I know tells me it's perfect. No, these aren't people who just tell me what I want to hear. Oh no." The Prince noted how "special" the military community is, adding, "It is unique and that is hugely important to society both during active service and after. Our community is valued more than you'll ever know. And nights like this are testament to that".
Prince Harry’s full speech:
— R.S. Locke / Royal Suitor (@royal_suitor) November 8, 2023
“Please remember, if any of you feel lost or alone w/ all that’s going on, don't forget the power of purpose & upholding the important values u know so well. That’ll always give u the clarity & company u need.” #StandUpForHeroespic.twitter.com/yQnhc5QjhF
Today, the couple spent the morning at Camp Pendleton in San Diego.
A very excited family captured the Duke and Duchess arriving.
👑👑 OMG My family got to hangout with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle... as I cheered from the sidelines 🫡 😊 pic.twitter.com/a9kxeVIaVl
— BIG JUAN 🇪🇦🏌️♂️ aka Mr Juggalon Davis 🤡 (@ILOVEYO13748806) November 8, 2023
Harry and Meghan had the opportunity to spend time with veteran and active duty service members and their families.
A piece on the Archewell website read, "Part of their visit included time spent with Operation Bigs, a first-of-its-kind mentoring program for children of military families, including active duty, veteran, and Gold Star families. Mentors and mentees shared how mentorship is supporting their goals and ambitions, as well as the benefits of the community they have built through Operation Bigs. Founded in 2004, the program connects young people and families to mentors who can relate to the shared experiences and challenges faced by having a parent or parents in the military when they are on deployment and after they have returned. To date, the program has served more than 3,000 Navy and Marine Corps children and has expanded to over 30 affiliates across the country".
As you can see above, Harry wore his poppy on his lapel. We saw a lovely touch of thoughtful dressing from Meghan who wore a Carolina Herrera cardigan adorned with poppies. The sold out piece was described as: 'floral appliqué cardigan featuring navy blue, bright red, virgin wool, knitted construction, floral appliqué, ribbed cuffs, long sleeves, straight hem and front button fastening'.
Meghan wore her 'La Fayette' Rafferty skirt.
This evening, the Duke and Duchess were delighted to attend the opening of a "revolutionary training facility for veterans" in Downtown San Diego. Harry and Meghan were joined by over 250 Navy SEAL Foundation leaders, veterans and their families officially opened the Warrior Fitness Program West Coast Facility.
More from ABC 10 News San Diego:
'The facility is 20,000 square feet along 10th Avenue near Petco Park. This West Coast Warrior Fitness Program facility will allow Navy SEAL Warriors and veterans to train and recover from injuries and trauma. The opening comes just days ahead of Veterans Day.
The facility will not only have the best fitness and workout equipment but will also be staffed with personnel to work with the SEALs.
It’s all funded by donors of the Navy SEAL Foundation who provide support for SEALs when they’re injured or ill while on active duty.'
The Duchess was elegant in a black Armani suit. Meghan's tailored-fit, Silk Button-Front blazer features notch lapels. It's available at Saks Fifth Avenue (here).
More from the product description:
'A fabric that perfectly hugs the feminine silhouette, sleek lines slipping over the figure, timeless details that complete an immediately recognisable garment: the Giorgio Armani jacket has found new, contemporary styles and will always be an essential garment in any woman's wardrobe. Here, it’s rendered even more unique, made from Mulberry silk yarn, which is upgrade, thanks to its extremely fine and even filaments, its smooth texture, and its durability.'
And matching Armani Silk Palazzo trousers (with thanks to Royal Fashion Police).
Meghan accessorised with her 'wedding day' Cartier earrings.
If you would like to support Operation Bigs please click here.
I wish I was still a size where I could wear meghans wardrobe
ReplyDeleteI second that. She looks fit, but tiny.
DeleteSo lovely to see them out and about still working with veterans. I am hoping the new King will allow a wreath to be laid on Harry’s behalf at the Cenotaph, but I am not holding my breath. LRB
ReplyDeleteThe Royal Family lay wreaths at the Cenotaph on behalf of the regiments they are representing not on behalf of themselves, that is why Harry could not lay a wreath and he knew that. . So there should have not been a controversy around it, they were the ones who made it so.
DeleteBoth Harry and Meghan have had to deal with such cruelty from their respective families. It is an inspiration to see how they have managed to carry on and do good work in spite of it all.
ReplyDeleteJanet from New York
the military 🪖🪖🪖🪖 community is blood that flows in the veins of harry
ReplyDeleteRegardless of what the haters think 🤔🤔🤔 ..... These two carry on with their good work
ReplyDeleteMeghan fashion choices is topnotch and Harry is becoming the latest fashion game changer in the house of Windsor
ReplyDeleteAgainst all odds and the wailing from the haters corner..... These two continue to wax stronger in good work
ReplyDeleteThis was a great read, thank you for the update.
ReplyDeleteThank you Charlotte for this. Meghan looks beautiful I love the blue sweater with poppies
ReplyDeleteI think the same.
DeleteAs always I wish the Sussexes a lot of courage, I feel their desire to help and wholeheartedly bring their little help into this world and I encourage that. Best wishes.
Wonder if she owns or borrowed the other wedding day Cartier pieces... the Reflection bracelet (ceremony) and earrings (reception), and if we'll see them again.
ReplyDeleteI think they're pieces that belong to Meghan, or were gifted to her. They aren't the size or calibre of royal jewels, but they are "flashier" and more formal pieces than what she seems to generally favour so might wear them only to the most glitzy of galas and I don't think she has participated in any occasion like that since leaving Britain.
DeleteI also have been looking for the wedding day bracelet and earrings since they were married. They are amazing pieces and, as mentioned, not what Meghan usually wears. She has little opportunity to wear them, but she has had a few times when she could. I think they may harbor some bad feelings for her and she prefers her usually less-flashy choices.
DeleteThe poppy-embellished cardigan was an inspired and charming choice.
ReplyDeleteI'm a devoted Armani fan myself, so I'm always happy to see the Duchess wearing that designer, and I'm also happy to see the Sussexes making an appearance or two. They both look great.
Memorial Day is in May in the US , that’s when we honor those who died while serving. Veterans Day is when we honor men and women who have served and came back. Harry and Meghan were right to come to a new facility and visit Camp Pendleton. He does care about so much about people who serve.
ReplyDeleteWith the ongoing madness in the world, Remembrance Day is even more poignant. The weather here is lousy, windy, and rainy, but in small and big places, commemorations will go on. It takes a brief moment in the day to take note and for those who can’t, red poppies are everywhere. I don’t know if it’s because of the grim headline news these days, but I feel a profound sadness today. We humans have such a powerful capability to make wars and kill so efficiently and to honour the dead and survivors with such grace. But when it comes to peace and learning to live with one another, humanity seems to have little tolerance.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, it’s good to see these two out working and supporting our military personnel and their families. I guess in times like these, its good to take the time to look for ‘the lonely impulse of delight’.
-mulling in the PNW
Yes PNW. That is so well put....most of our smaller communities have cenotaphs, lists and plaques of fallen loved ones, past and present. Red poppies abound but that underlying dread of all the world conflicts really impinged this year Remembrance Day ceremonies. I'm so happy that Harry and Meghan continue all the traditions, from both sides of the pond.
DeleteFabulous to see them out for this cause. Cute cardigan -op
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely event! I'm so glad Harry is not being wasted and can use his caring nature for US solders. Meghan had such wise wardrobe choices. The sweater is lovely, and the suit will always look great.
ReplyDeleteIf anyone didn't see this yet. Meghan Markle looked stunning at the Variety event with other celebrities like Emily Blunt and Margot Robbie and Carrie Mulligan. I have to say she outshone them all https://www.laineygossip.com/meghan-markle-didnt-say-anything-bad-about-suits-at-varietys-power-of-women-event-in-la/75152 also she stepped out with a friend a few days after remembrance day in some cute shorts https://www.celebitchy.com/845202/duchess_meghan_stepped_out_in_montecito_last_friday_had_lunch_with_a_friend/
ReplyDeleteMelissa, I also thought Meghan's two looks were stellar. I am a little tired of the off-the-shoulder neutral colors but the Variety dress was SO attractive that I had to go back for more looks. :) And I loved those shorts.
DeleteThank you for sharing your knowledge in such a clear and concise manner.
ReplyDelete