While members of the Royal Family gathered at Buckingham Palace for Trooping the Colour, Prince Harry took part in an important event to deliver a surprise message. Captured on a big screen during the Invictus Germany Sports Festival 2026, Prince Harry addressed athletes taking part in this year's event.

The Invictus Games encourages injured and disabled servicepeople to take part in sporting events, and it remains one of Prince Harry's most important endeavors. In a video shared on Saturday, June 13 on the official Invictus Games Foundation YouTube channel, the Duke of Sussex appeared in a video message, where he discussed the importance of supporting one another.

"Thank you for your service," Harry told participants. "Have a fantastic time in Düsseldorf. Lean on those when you need to and celebrate everything you have achieved and, most importantly, have fun."

Per the event's official website, "The Invictus Germany Sports Festival 2026 continues the legacy of the Invictus Games Düsseldorf 2023." The event, which is taking place at Castello Düsseldorf, invites "veterans, deployed soldiers, their families, and international guests...to compete in four sports and experience community."

The website further explained, "In addition to the competitions, the focus will be on topics such as inclusion, rehabilitation, and social recognition. The aim of the festival is to visibly place veterans at the center of society...The 2026 festival thus sends a strong signal for respect, cohesion, and sustainable responsibility."

Despite missing this year's Trooping the Colour, it's clear that the Duke of Sussex is still hard at work when it comes to charitable endeavors. And in 2027, the Invictus Games is set to take place in Birmingham, England, giving Prince Harry the opportunity to return home.

Prince Harry will be returning to the U.K. in 2027 for the Invictus Games, which are set to take place in Birmingham, England. Since the announcement, commentators have questioned whether any members of the Royal Family will be in attendance at the competition, which supports injured and disabled veterans to take part in the international sporting event.

During an appearance on Hello! magazine's "A Right Royal Podcast," royal editor of the Sun, Matt Wilkinson, weighed in on the topic. "I think Invictus is a big event for Harry," Wilkinson shared.

He continued, "I think there was only one decision. It was going to Birmingham and Harry wanted to bring his whole family down here. He wants to sit there with the Royal Family, in the stands, but that's very optimistic."

As for whether or not any of Prince Harry's relatives will actually attend the Invictus Games in 2027, Wilkinson said, "Who knows what could happen next week? If you want an answer on that, looking at my crystal ball, I don't think The King will go to Invictus next summer."

The royal expert continued, "I might be wrong, but William definitely won't. Camilla definitely won't. You might get the defense secretary there, the prime minister, but you won't get The King."

Royal sources previously suggested that the Duke of Sussex wanted his father to accompany him to the 2027 Invictus Games. "Harry wants it to happen both for the games, and for their relationship," one source told the Sun. "It's his dream to have his father by his side."

For now, it remains unclear whether Prince Harry's hopes for next year's Invictus Games will come to fruition or not.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are responding to a number of stories that have been circulating as a result of one royal author's new book. The Duchess of Sussex is allegedly "furious," and believes the writer has finally "crossed the line," per Hello! magazine.

An excerpt from Tom Bower's book, Betrayal: Power, Deceit, and the Fight for the Future of the Royal Family, was published by the Times on March 13, and included several allegations about Meghan and Harry. A spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex shared a statement with People in response to Bower's new book.

"Mr. Bower's commentary has long crossed the line from criticism into fixation," the Sussexes's spokesperson shared. "This is someone who has publicly stated, 'The monarchy in fact depends on actually obliterating the Sussexes from our state of life,' language that speaks for itself."

Meghan and Harry's statement continued, "He has made a career out of constructing ever more elaborate theories about people he does not know and has never met. Those interested in facts will look elsewhere; those seeking deranged conspiracy and melodrama know exactly where to find him."

Prince Harry's Invictus Games also faced criticism in an excerpt from Bower's book, leading the organization to respond to the author's claims. "It is disappointing to see the Times give prominence to commentary that appears driven by a long-established agenda rather than a genuine understanding of the Invictus Games and the community it supports," a spokesperson shared, via People.

The statement continued, "The focus should remain where it belongs—on the courage, recovery, and camaraderie of those who have served."

In September 2025, Prince Harry and King Charles reunited in an "emotional" private meeting at Clarence House in London. Since then, sources have claimed that the Duke of Sussex is hoping to "end" the Royal Family feud for good at the Invictus Games, which are set to take place in Birmingham, England in 2027. Now, a seasoned royal expert has weighed in on what the future might hold for Charles and Harry.

Speaking to the Mirror, former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond explained, "Invictus has become pivotal. It is Harry's great cause and his greatest achievement and any father would want to support his son as the games come to the [United Kingdom]. But it's not straightforward for The King—sadly for him, his family matters never are."

Bond also suggested that King Charles might find himself caught between his two sons, Prince William and Prince Harry. "It could become a classic case of a father having to choose between his warring sons," Bond told the outlet. "We can only imagine how William might feel if Charles publicly threw his support behind the [Invictus Games] and Harry."

According to Bond, King Charles supporting "Harry's achievement" at the Invictus Games "would be tough" for Prince William. "But that's the dilemma The King might face," the former royal correspondent noted.

"I think these issues are best worked out in private, so any reunion between The King and Harry and his family should take place quietly and behind closed doors," Bond told the publication. "It remains the most sensitive of situations and The King will have to take everyone's feelings into account."

Of course, the Invictus Games are still more than a year away, meaning Prince Harry and King Charles still have plenty of time to work on their relationship.

In September 2025, King Charles and Prince Harry reunited for a "private tea" at Clarence House in London, suggesting their estrangement had come to an end. Now, royal sources are claiming that the Duke of Sussex wishes to "fulfill a dream" alongside The King, which could "end" the royal rift, once and for all.

The Invictus Games is set to take place in Birmingham in the U.K. in 2027. A source recently told the Sun, "Prince Harry desperately wants Charles at Invictus—and he wants him to open the games alongside him."

The source further alleged, "Harry wants it to happen both for the games, and for their relationship. It's his dream to have his father by his side." According to the insider, Prince Harry hopes to have "Charles involved in the opening ceremony," noting, "The games represent a cause close to both's hearts."

According to royal sources, the timing might work out for a proper reunion between Prince Harry and members of the Royal Family. "They appear to want a reconciliation and the games are a perfect opportunity for them to work alongside each other," an insider told the publication. "The sight of them on stage when it opens would be heart-warming and in the spirit of the occasion."

The insider also suggested that individuals planning the Invictus Games have become "convinced it will happen." As a result, the Invictus Games team is allegedly "planning for Charles to play a role in the opening ceremony."

Of course, only time will tell whether The King intends to become involved in the Invictus Games in 2027. Still, it appears as though Prince Harry is allegedly hopeful for a public Royal Family reunion with his father.

Prince Harry has been outspoken about his adoration of his late grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II. According to one royal author, the Duke of Sussex's deference to the late Queen meant that he sometimes feared requesting too much of the beloved monarch.

According to royal biographer Valentine Low, Prince Harry wanted to ask Queen Elizabeth to film a video to promote the 2016 Invictus Games, via the Daily Mail. However, as Low wrote in his book Courtiers, Prince Harry reportedly said of the idea, "I don't want to put her in an awkward position."

The Duke of Sussex reportedly said of the project, "I don't know if it is going to belittle anything she does." As a result, Harry allegedly decided to contact the former Queen's private secretary, Sir Christopher Geidt, for advice. But according to Low, the prince received a "rather unsympathetic response," with Geidt reportedly saying, "If you want to ask The Queen, ask The Queen."

Luckily, Prince Harry's alleged fears were completely unfounded, and Queen Elizabeth was reportedly "more than willing to help."

Still, when it came to filming the Invictus Games video alongside his grandmother, Harry "was nervous how it was going to go," a source told Low.

The video—which later went viral—was filmed in just two takes, and saw Harry and The Queen receive a phone call from the Obamas. After filming was complete, Elizabeth reportedly said, "Oh this is rather fun...People should ask me to do these more often."

A source told Low that Queen Elizabeth had no hesitation in agreeing to take part in the video, as she "wanted to support her grandson." As the source told Low, "She wanted to support the cause, and was happy for having some fun in the process." Obviously, the final product speaks for itself.

It was recently reported that Prince Harry would likely extend an invitation to the Royal Family to attend the Invictus Games, which is set to take place in Birmingham in July 2027. While subsequent reports suggested it was simply too early to be discussing invitees for the next Invictus Games, one former royal butler has said he "doubts" Prince William would attend, regardless.

Speaking on behalf of Casino, Princess Diana's former butler, Paul Burrell, told Express.co.uk, "I think that The King and the Prince of Wales have enough charity events to go to, so I think they wouldn't have to go to the Invictus Games." Burrell continued, "This is Harry's baby, not The King's and not William's. I think they shouldn't go to support Harry in this venture. This is Harry's concern, not theirs."

As for why Burrell didn't believe William would accept an invitation to attend the sporting event, the former royal employee told the outlet, "A public show of support, at this time, is probably not on the cards. I doubt whether William would embrace Harry in public at this moment in time, or even ever again."

While Burrell's comments are far from conclusive, it's extremely possible that William might not attend the Invictus Games in 2027.

Earlier this year, the Mail on Sunday reported that Prince Harry was "hopeful" his family members would attend the next Invictus Games. "Harry has agreed that Invictus should extend an invitation to his family," a source told the publication. "Invictus hopes the Royal Family will come along to support the wounded veterans taking part."

The royal source also told the outlet that Prince Harry is allegedly "hopeful his father will set aside their differences to attend the Invictus Games and support veterans."

Prince Harry is currently planning the next Invictus Games, which will take place in Birmingham in 2027. A slew of recent reports suggested that the Duke of Sussex was hoping to offer an "olive branch" to Prince William and King Charles by inviting them to the next Invictus Games. However, it seems as though suggestions Prince Harry has already invited members of the Royal Family to the sporting event are somewhat premature.

According to Us Weekly, "Prince Harry has not extended any invites to the upcoming 2027 Invictus Games to his family." However, the outlet also confirmed that sending out invitations to the event is not Prince Harry's responsibility, but "the responsibility of the Birmingham 2027 team."

Disproving reports to the contrary, Us Weekly "confirmed that, at this time, no invitations have been sent to anyone, from athletes to military members and including friends and family of Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle."

The Daily Mail previously reported, "[I]t is understood that an emailed invitation will be sent out later this month, followed by a formal invitation." Noting that King Charles prepares his schedule up to 3 years in advance, the publication suggested sending an invite for an event in 2027 was actually sensible.

Royal expert Ingrid Seward told the outlet, "The King might attend to show support for the Armed Forces and congratulate Harry on the most significant success in his life."

Katie Nicholl, a royal expert and biographer, said of the alleged gesture, "The King absolutely wants a relationship with his youngest son and with his grandchildren." Nicholl continued, "He has an incredible capacity for forgiveness and he wants to be magnanimous in all of this and therefore there's certainly a possibility that The King might consider attending Invictus."

Meanwhile, an anonymous source told the outlet, "Harry has agreed that Invictus should extend an invitation to his family." The source continued, "Invictus hopes the Royal Family will come along to support the wounded veterans taking part. Harry is hopeful his father will set aside their differences to attend the Invictus Games and support veterans."

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle seem very settled in their Montecito, California home, where they are raising their two children—Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. While attending the Invictus Games in Canada, Prince Harry spoke to a former rugby player and revealed what it's like raising kids in California.

Former rugby player Richie McCaw, who is from New Zealand, recounted his conversation with the Duke of Sussex to Us Weekly. "I said, 'How things go?' And he goes, 'Well, life's going on pretty good.'" According to McCaw, Harry explained, "Yeah, I can drop the kids off at school...without any issue."

McCaw continued, "And hey, we all take that for granted, don't we?...But tough situation to be in...however you look at it."

During the Invictus Games 2025, McCaw took a selfie with the Duke of Sussex, which he posted on Instagram. "Great to be in Vancouver supporting the wheelchair rugby at the Invictus Games this afternoon," he captioned the picture.

Discussing the photo, McCaw told Us Weekly, "We've rubbed shoulders with the Royal Family a few times." He continued, "I haven't spent a lot of time with Harry, but yeah, it was cool that you got to have a chat. And I didn't think a selfie like that would get so much attention."

Lilibet and Archie didn't accompany their parents to the Invictus Games 2025, but Duchess Meghan did celebrate her husband at an event prior to the opening ceremony. "I was not planning on speaking tonight, and we just arrived, I don't know, a couple of hours ago, and I touched Canadian soil and I went, 'Oh, it feels like home,'" the Duchess of Sussex explained (via Hello! magazine). "We are just thrilled to be here, and I would be remiss if I didn't take the opportunity to introduce someone who means a lot to me. And I know he means quite a lot to all of you."

Meghan ended her speech by telling the crowd, "I need you to know how much it means to him and how much each of you means to him. So it is my entire pleasure and complete honor to introduce to this stage my husband, the father of our very sweet, excited children, who will cheer you on from California."

Prince Harry is currently in Canada for the 2025 Invictus Games. Meghan Markle joined her husband for several days of the sporting event, before leaving early to return home to their children—Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet—in Montecito. Now, a new report is suggesting that the Duke of Sussex experienced a security scare while attending the sitting volleyball tournament on Feb 15.

Prince Harry had a Royal Family reunion on Saturday, Feb. 15, when he was joined by Prince Joachim and Princess Marie of Denmark at an Invictus Games event. However, the Duke of Sussex reportedly faced a security threat while attending a sitting volleyball game at the Vancouver Convention Centre.

As reported by the Express, "At one point, the duke reportedly had to be ushered out by his security after being mobbed by fans eager to take a selfie with him." GB News seemingly confirmed the report, revealing that Prince Harry's "security team intervened amid crowd safety concerns." The outlet continued, "His security guard had to step in and move people away who were getting too close to the prince."

Sadly, Prince Harry's attendance at the sitting volleyball competition was curtailed on account of his security team's concerns. As GB News reported, "The incident cut short Harry's planned interactions, preventing him from joining dozens of Team UK family and friends at the event."

Earlier this week, Team USA athletes spoke exclusively to senior royal editor Kristin Contino about the impact the Invictus Games has had on their lives. Lydia Figary—who medically retired from the Marine Corps after a parachute accident—told Marie Claire, "I feel like I kind of just was able to move right into something else." She explained that the Invictus Games had "made everything feel pretty seamless with my transition."

As for how it feels to be competing alongside other members of Team USA, Figary said, "It's just really cool to have a sisterhood from all different branches, all different ranks." She continued, "It doesn't matter. We're all just friends and we're on this journey together."

The 2025 Invictus Games, which are taking place in Whistler and Vancouver in Canada, have been extremely eventful for founder Prince Harry. While the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's two children—Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet—didn't attend the event, Prince Harry was joined by two royals at the sitting volleyball game on Feb. 15.

Prince Joachim and Princess Marie of Denmark spent time with Prince Harry during the volleyball tournament at the Vancouver Convention Centre. The Danish Royal Family's Instagram account said of the event, "The presence during the Invictus Games is part of the Prince and Princess's continued commitment to veterans, and their Royal Highnesses's wish to emphasize the importance of support and community for those who have served their country."

The Invictus Games, founded by Prince Harry in 2014, supports wounded, injured, and sick military service personnel by encouraging them to take part in a multitude of sporting events.

In an exclusive interview with Marie Claire's senior royal editor, Kristin Contino, Team USA competitor Lydia Figary discussed the importance of the Invictus Games. "We're all literally best friends," Figary said of Team USA. "It's just really cool to have a sisterhood from all different branches, all different ranks...It doesn't matter. We're all just friends and we're on this journey together."

Prince Harry also spoke with Contino about the power of the sporting event, saying, "What stands out most is the incredible sense of belonging and renewed purpose created in the lead-up to and during the Invictus Games." He continued, "Never underestimate the power of service, as this community gets to wear their nation's flag once more."

Duchess Meghan joined her husband at the Invictus Games for several days, but left early to return home to their children in Montecito. Following her return, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet made their debut on their mom's Instagram account.

In the Valentine's Day-themed Instagram Story, Archie and Lilibet could be seen helping Duchess Meghan prepare heart-shaped treats. The family's beagle, Mamma Mia, also made in a cameo in the sweet clip.

The word Invictus means "unconquerable" or "undefeated,” and nowhere was that spirit more evident than in Vancouver and Whistler, Canada during the 2025 Invictus Games this week. Founded by Prince Harry, the games give wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women the ability to not only compete in a range of sports, but a chance to connect with those facing similar challenges. It’s an opportunity that Team USA athlete Yen Soto tells Marie Claire is “a once-in-a lifetime experience.”

Speaking with Soto and her close friend (and fellow Team USA competitor) Lydia Figary, it’s apparent that the Invictus Games is about much more than sports. “We're all literally best friends,” Figary—who is representing the Marine Corps along with Soto—says of Team USA’s female contingent.

“It's just really cool to have a sisterhood from all different branches, all different ranks,” Figary continues. “It doesn't matter. We're all just friends and we're on this journey together.”

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Founder of the Invictus Games Foundation, tells Marie Claire that while meeting with athletes from around the world this week, he's been struck by the power of connection that Soto and Figary spoke about.

“What stands out most is the incredible sense of belonging and renewed purpose created in the lead-up to and during the Invictus Games,” the Duke of Sussex shares. "Never underestimate the power of service, as this community gets to wear their nation’s flag once more.”

Figary, who is medically retired from the Marine Corps after a parachute accident, says the Invictus Games also gave her a sense of purpose after leaving the military. "I feel like I kind of just was able to move right into something else," she says, adding that training for the games "made everything feel pretty seamless with my transition."

This year, more than 550 competitors from around the world have gathered in Vancouver and Whistler to celebrate the spirit of Invictus, including a team of 50 athletes from the United States. Soto—who has overcome significant knee injuries sustained during her military career—says she "never expected it to be so amazing."

Whether it's working on their impressive red, white, and blue nail designs or chatting with athletes from other countries about their shared experiences, Soto and Figary agree that the Invictus Games has given them a sense of community—especially in their male-dominated field. The 13 women of Team USA even have their own special group chat, which they say is their "safe space" to share photos and thoughts with each other.

"It's cool because being in the Marine Corps...I've never been around so many females, actually," Figary shares.

The Duke of Sussex echoes these sentiments with Marie Claire, noting, "Competitors also share that while they have unwavering support from family and friends, this journey connects them with others who have similar stories. The bonds built throughout this process turn teammates—as well as challengers—into lifelong friends."

As for the Sussexes, Soto shares she "was so excited to meet Meghan" during a Team USA breakfast, adding with a laugh, "I told her that I loved her in Suits and that I was more excited to see her than her husband."

The Marine Corps major continues that the duke and duchess "were both so genuine and so sweet and they just wanted to talk to all of us individually and personally. And it was just an amazing experience."

Figary adds that when it came to Meghan—who did everything from reading to Invictus families to trying out snow tubing in Canada—she "was so impressed by the way she looked at you in your eyes and actually cared about your story."

When it comes to female representation in the Invictus Games, Soto tells Marie Claire she found it inspiring watching women "competing and being able to grow from whatever issues or problems that they had during the military." She adds, "Even though we thought maybe this was...that this was it, this was the end, it's not."

When asked what she'd tell other women considering whether to compete in the games, Figary says not to hesitate. "Just being here and being in the community and building these relationships, it will seriously heal you."

Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet might have stayed home during the 2025 Invictus Games, but mom Meghan Markle made sure to bring them home "a taste of Canada."

The Duchess of Sussex shared a photo of the gifts she brought back for Archie, 5, and Lilibet, 3, in a photo on her Instagram Story Feb. 12—and gave fans a look at the Sussex family's lush backyard in the process. The duchess—who flew home from Vancouver to be with her kids on Feb. 11—captioned the picture, "A taste of Canada and The Invictus Games for our little ones! Cheering you on from home!"

The snapshot revealed a wooden cutting board covered with a variety of treats, including an Invictus Games logo macaron and chocolate, some coconut balls and what appears to be white chocolate fudge in the shape of a mountain. Of course, no trip to Canada would be complete without a visit to Tim Hortons, and a box of its Timbits (Canada's answer to Dunkin' Munchkins) sat on the tray.

Along with the sweet treats, two green jerseys reading "Archie" and "Lilibet" sat folded on the counter. The custom gifts were given to the couple from Team Nigeria during a USA vs Nigeria wheelchair basketball game on Feb. 9, and the Duke of Sussex posed with the shirts in a sweet photo.

Nigerian team manager Derrick Cobbinah told People that the duchess was especially thrilled about the gifts. "We did one for him and one for M and for the kids," he told the outlet. "They said they would be excited to have them. She was very, very excited."

Along with revealing the presents Archie and Lili received, the photo revealed a view of the Sussexes' backyard—which features white arches, a wooden patio set and plenty of greenery.

Expect more inside glimpses at the Duchess of Sussex's world when her new Netflix lifestyle show, With Love, Meghan, debuts next month.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have been highlighting the spirit of wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women during the 2025 Invictus Games this week. And while fans might be wondering why the Duchess of Sussex departed Vancouver on Feb. 11, there's a good reason why she headed back to California before the games were over.

The duchess—who shares Prince Archie, 5, and Princess Lilibet, 3, with Prince Harry—returned home to be with her children, who stayed back in Montecito during the games.

Marie Claire understands the Duchess of Sussex's schedule was always planned for her to leave the games early, while Prince Harry will remain in Canada through the entirety of the competition, which conclude on Sunday, Feb. 16.

Meghan and Harry officially opened the 2025 Invictus Games on Feb. 8, with the duchess referencing their "very sweet, excited children, who will cheer you on from California" while introducing Prince Harry.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have kept their children out of the spotlight while growing up in California, with Hello! royal editor Emily Nash pointing out that Archie and Lilibet "are able to live a much more private life than their cousins" in the U.K. during an episode of the mag's "A Right Royal Podcast."

As for their attendance at the Invictus Games, Nash added, "I don't see why they would put them in that arena at this point."

Before flying home to California, the Duchess of Sussex took part in a number of engagements with Invictus athletes and their families, and even tried her hand at snow tubing (with a little encouragement from Prince Harry). The next games are scheduled for 2027 in Birmingham, England, but until then, Prince Harry—who founded the Invictus Games and also serves as its foundation's founding patron—will be cheering on the athletes in Canada.

There's no better excuse to buy a luxe new winter coat than a trip to Whistler, Canada in February, and Meghan Markle showed off her slopeside style while attending the 2025 Invictus Games with Prince Harry.

The Duchess of Sussex turned to Mackage (namely, the designer outerwear brand's Calina down maxi coat) to bundle up against the Canadian chill on Monday, Feb. 10. Despite the frigid temperatures, she wore the ankle-length chevron-quilted jacket open for the opening ceremony in Whistler, revealing a solid black turtleneck and coordinating skinny jeans.

As noted by Marie Claire's fashion editors, this season's puffer coats have received a decidedly more stylish upgrade, and the duchess's Mackage design leans into the new aesthetic with a belted tie waist and slim silhouette.

Markle also showed off her snowy style last February during a "One Year to Go" event for the Invictus Games, and she brought back the same fur-trimmed Sorel boots she sported last February for Monday's trip to Whistler.

As shared by fashion blog What Meghan Wore, the Duchess of Sussex appeared to be wearing a slouchy black cashmere Hat Attack beanie she's worn previously, along with another high-end accessory. Markle kept her hands warm in the same pair of $815 Moncler gloves she wore during a 2024 ski vacation, although she took the black style off to reveal a gold pinky ring when taking the stage in Whistler.

The duchess has stayed cozy in a range of other stylish coats and sweaters since arriving in Vancouver on Saturday, Feb. 8, including an olive green DÔEN knit skirt set and a previously unidentified Givenchy coat that the royal first wore in 2018.

This year, the Invictus Games—founded by Prince Harry—is celebrating its first-ever winter games in Vancouver and Whistler, welcoming wounded, injured and sick veterans from around the world to compete in sports like skiing, wheelchair basketball and curling.

In Jan. 2025, Meghan Markle shared her most personal Instagram post yet. In an emotional message, the Duchess of Sussex revealed that her beloved rescue beagle, Guy, had died. At the Invictus Games 2025, which is taking place in Whistler and Vancouver, Prince Harry has revealed how their family is coping following the loss of Guy.

While attending a wheelchair curling event on Feb. 9, Harry met a 3-year-old black Labrador retriever named Thorn, who aids first responders in the Yukon. "Harry came right over and sat down right next to Thorn and kneeled down and started petting him and said how much he misses his dog," Ali Harper, who works with Thorn, told People. "And said thank you very much for what we do with Thorn."

Harper noted that Meghan had a "small interaction with Thorn as well," and that the couple took a photograph with the team. Clearly, the service dog had a huge impact on the couple.

Last month, Meghan paid tribute to Guy on Instagram, writing, "In 2015, I adopted a beagle from a dog rescue in Canada. He had been at a kill shelter in Kentucky and given a few days to live. I swooped him up...and fell in love." She continued, "They referred to him as 'the little guy' because he was so small and frail, so I named him 'Guy.' And he was the best guy any girl could have asked for."

Duchess Meghan also noted that Guy had been by her side for a multitude of important events in her life. "He was with me at Suits, when I got engaged, (and then married), when I became a mom...he was with me for everything: the quiet, the chaos, the calm, the comfort," she wrote.

The Duchess of Sussex revealed that Guy would feature in her forthcoming Netflix show, Love, Meghan. "Because many of you will now see Guy in this new series, I hope you'll come to understand why I am so devastated by his loss," she explained. "I think you may fall a little bit in love too...I have cried too many tears to count."

Meghan signed off by sharing her gratitude for the sweet pup, writing, "Thank you for so many years of unconditional love, my sweet Guy. You filled my life in ways you’ll never know."

Meghan Markle is currently in Canada with Prince Harry for the Invictus Games Whistler Vancouver 2025. While the Duke of Sussex has already been surprised with a Funko Pop of himself, Duchess Meghan has made a witty reference to the character she played on the TV show Suits.

Prior to marrying Prince Harry, the world knew Duchess Meghan as paralegal-turned-attorney Rachel Zane on Suits. Proving that she hasn't forgotten the popular television series, the Duchess of Sussex referenced her role during a breakfast with Team U.S.A. on Feb. 8.

Invictus Games competitor Leandra Moehring revealed to People that a group of female athletes shared their love of Suits with Duchess Meghan. "We told her we saw her on Suits," Moehring told the outlet. "And she's like, 'I'm sorry I'm not wearing a pencil skirt.'"

Moehring is set to take part in a number of categories at the Invictus Games, including skiing and indoor rowing. According to the accomplished athlete, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex "really took the time" meeting Team U.S.A.'s members at the breakfast. "And despite people who are trying to keep them on schedule, they just did not mind taking pictures at all," Moehring shared. "And it was just super neat...I loved them."

Bryce Ewing—who will compete in a number of sports, including snowboarding and swimming—was shocked by how "down to earth" the Sussexes seemed. "When Meghan looks at you, she really looks at you, and you feel it in your soul," Ewing told People. "She's really caring. She's very intuitive. She's so down to earth, and she looks like she really cares."

According to Ewing, the Sussexes seemed to be "so happy to be there," which is certainly in keeping with their other appearances at the Invictus Games 2025 so far.

Duchess Meghan's fashion choices at the Invictus Games have been just as iconic as Rachel Zane's on Suits. In fact, Meghan rewore a fan favorite coat, previously seen during her royal tour of Australia in 2018, which was finally identified as Givenchy.

A young fan scored the autograph of a lifetime from Prince Harry at the 2025 Invictus Games on Sunday, Feb. 9—and the item the Duke of Sussex signed couldn't have been more appropriate.

Prince Harry signed a mini-me version of himself during a wheelchair basketball event in Vancouver, Canada, beaming as a little boy and girl—both wearing Team USA family shirts—brought over one of the wildly popular Funko Pop figures that have immortalized everyone from Queen Elizabeth to Princess Diana in vinyl form.

The kids, per Town & Country, were the son and daughter of Team USA wheelchair basketball competitor Lucio Gaytan, who told the mag with a laugh, "I think they put him on the spot and they got a signature from him."

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry chatted with the brother/sister duo as they sat in the audience, with a video shared on Instagram Stories by Town & Country editor Emily Burack revealing the sweet interaction. A close-up photo of the Funko Pop box revealed that Harry had signed "To Lucious" at the top and "Harry" at the bottom in gold marker.

The duke and duchess chatted to Lucious and his sister at length, bursting into laughter at one point during the adorable moment.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex kicked off the 2025 Invictus Games on Saturday, Feb. 8, welcoming wounded, injured and sick veterans and service personnel from around the world to compete in Vancouver and Whistler.

Prince Harry, who founded the Invictus Games and serves as patron of the Invictus Games Foundation, was praised by the duchess during an impromptu speech ahead of the opening ceremony on Saturday. "We are just thrilled to be here, and I would be remiss if I didn't take the opportunity to introduce someone who means a lot to me. And I know he means quite a lot to all of you," Markle told the audience.

She continued that Invictus "means so much to him. You are his family, just as we are his family, and I hope you recognize how much of his heart he has poured into every single thing that has gotten all of you to this week, which is going to be spectacular. I just need you to know that."

The Duchess of Sussex also referenced their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, who are watching the games and cheering on their dad from home. "Archie will say, 'Papa, why are you on your phone?' And he's like, 'That's Invictus. I'm getting ready for Invictus,'" Markle said.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have only just launched the 2025 Invictus Games in Vancouver, but the couple have already attended a multitude of events. Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet aren't at the Invictus Games with their parents, but Duchess Meghan mentioned their "sweet, excited children" at a pre-opening ceremony event. Now, the Sussexes have taken part in a "story time" event for children at the Invictus Games, and Meghan wore a chic, olive green outfit for the occasion.

In a series of Instagram Stories, Duchess Meghan revealed that she was attending an event for children of competitors in the Invictus Games. Meghan captioned a short video clip showing her arriving at the event with Prince Harry, writing, "Walking into a very important meeting." The Duchess of Sussex could be seen wearing a camel trench coat with olive green pumps.

Once inside the children's event, Meghan conducted "storytime." While speaking to a roomful of kids, whose parents are likely competing in this year's Invictus Games, the Duchess of Sussex wore an olive green sweater with shoulder button detailing, with a matching skirt. Meghan's sweater appears to be the forest green "Emmalyn" sweater from a past season by California-based, all-female collective DÔEN, as identified by @royalbritishfashion and @meghansclosetchronicles.

Prior to the official launch of the Invictus Games Whistler and Vancouver 2025, Meghan delivered a speech honoring husband Prince Harry. The Duchess of Sussex said (via Hello! magazine), "I was not planning on speaking tonight, and we just arrived, I don't know, a couple of hours ago, and I touched Canadian soil and I went, 'Oh, it feels like home." She continued, "We are just thrilled to be here, and I would be remiss if I didn't take the opportunity to introduce someone who means a lot to me. And I know he means quite a lot to all of you."

Meghan also revealed just how excited Harry was to be launching the Invictus Games 2025. "You will see him at the Games," she told the crowd. "You will see him...cheering you on." She continued, "He's in it with you, and you'll see him through all of those moments. He'll be there with you."

After kissing Prince Harry on stage at a pre-launch event, Meghan Markle accompanied her husband throughout the first day of the Invictus Games 2025. Having worn a sleek, chocolate brown, A.L.C. "Willow" pleated dress to her first engagement, Duchess Meghan wore two very different coats to subsequent events in Vancouver, Canada.

Royal fans were delighted to have a 6-year-old mystery finally solved when Meghan and Harry attended a National Hockey League game at Rogers Arena. To watch the Vancouver Canucks play, Meghan rewore a coat she debuted upon her arrival in Australia for her 2018 royal tour alongside Prince Harry.

The chic burgundy and black wool coat had previously gone unidentified, but was revealed to be from Givenchy by Town & Country editor Emily Burack and Instagram account @meghansclosetchronicles.

Duchess Meghan also wore a black turtleneck sweater and black suede boots, both from Valentino, with a pair of black skinny jeans.

Prior to attending the hockey game, Meghan and Harry launched the Invictus Games 2025 at the event's opening ceremony. A plethora of famous musicians performed at the event, including Katy Perry and Coldplay.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle watched from the stands, with the Duchess of Sussex beaming with pride at her husband. Harry, of course, founded the Invictus Games in 2014, as a way to encourage injured service people to take part in sporting events. Duchess Meghan could be seen filming her husband during the ceremony, leaning her head on his shoulder, and kissing him. The couple also met contenders and their families backstage.

To launch this year's Invictus Games, Meghan wore Sentaler's Baby Alpaca Long Wide-Collar Wrap Coat in ivory.

In his speech at the opening ceremony of the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025, Prince Harry said, "Beyond any differences, here at the Invictus Games we are grounded in mutual respect, competing fiercely, but believing in one another. Supporting one another. And rooting for one another."

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry made quite the entrance at the Invictus Games 2025 in Vancouver, Canada. Duchess Meghan gave an impromptu speech at a pre-opening ceremony event, and then kissed her husband on stage. While the Duchess of Sussex mentioned her two children—Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet—the little royals remained at home in California. According to royal experts, there's a very simple reason why the Sussexes decided to travel without their young kids.

In the latest episode of Hello! magazine's "A Right Royal Podcast," hosts Emmy Griffiths and Andrea Caamano spoke with royal editor Emily Nash and ITV's royal journalist Lizzie Robinson about Meghan and Harry's children. "Given the fact that the children are able to live a much more private life than their cousins...for example, because their roles are different," Nash explained, "I don't see why they would put them in that arena at this point."

Robinson agreed with Nash, saying, "They have sort of kept the children incredibly private. I know we saw snippets of them in the Netflix docuseries, but really, the children have lived an incredibly private life." She continued, "I think the next Invictus Games will be interesting, because it's in Birmingham in 2027. Meghan does usually go with Harry to the Invictus Games. Will she come to the U.K.? Because she hasn't...for a very long time."

In her unexpected speech at the Invictus Games 2025 event, Meghan mentioned Archie and Lilibet. "So it is my entire pleasure and complete honor to introduce to this stage my husband, the father of our very sweet, excited children, who will cheer you on from California," the Duchess of Sussex told the crowd. Despite not being in attendance at this year's Games, Archie and Lilibet certainly seem to be proud of their parents.

Duchess Meghan also revealed the adoration she has for Prince Harry, saying, "We are just thrilled to be here, and I would be remiss if I didn't take the opportunity to introduce someone who means a lot to me. And I know he means quite a lot to all of you." She continued, "You will see him at the Games...He's in it with you, and you'll see him through all of those moments. He'll be there with you."

Meghan Markle has joined Prince Harry in Canada to help launch the Invictus Games 2025, which is taking place in Vancouver and Whistler. At an event ahead of the Invictus Games opening ceremony, Duchess Meghan gave an impromptu speech to the crowd, in which she praised her husband. She also referenced their two children—Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet—and kissed Harry before leaving the stage.

In a video of the speech shared by X user @Uggladiator, Meghan could be heard introducing Prince Harry, saying (via Hello! magazine), "I was not planning on speaking tonight, and we just arrived, I don't know, a couple of hours ago, and I touched Canadian soil and I went, 'Oh, it feels like home." She continued, "We are just thrilled to be here, and I would be remiss if I didn't take the opportunity to introduce someone who means a lot to me. And I know he means quite a lot to all of you."

Explaining just how important the Invictus Games is to Prince Harry, Meghan told attendees, "You will see him at the Games. You will see him...cheering you on." The Duchess of Sussex continued, "He's in it with you, and you'll see him through all of those moments. He'll be there with you."

For the occasion, Meghan wore A.L.C.'s "Willow" Pleated Midi Dress in the color chocolate, which is available to shop for $795. The Duchess of Sussex also wore Princess Diana's $26,000 Tank Française watch (per @meghansclosetchronicles).

"What you won't have seen is all of the moments that have happened in the lead-up to these Games, all of the moments where, as you know, with families, the big rush in the morning—getting ready for school, packing the lunch boxes, making breakfast," Meghan revealed. "My husband's in all of that with us, and then he'll be on his phone, and Archie will say, 'Papa, why are you on your phone?' And he's like, 'That's Invictus. I'm getting ready for Invictus.'"

Duchess Meghan shared that Invictus Games is a huge priority for her husband, saying in her speech, "It means so much to him. You are his family, just as we are his family, and I hope you recognize how much of his heart he has poured into every single thing that has gotten all of you to this week, which is going to be spectacular. I just need you to know that."

Before leaving the stage, Meghan referenced their own family, saying, "I need you to know how much it means to him and how much each of you means to him. So it is my entire pleasure and complete honor to introduce to this stage my husband, the father of our very sweet, excited children, who will cheer you on from California." Meghan then turned to Harry, and the pair kissed in front of the crowd. Even though Archie and Lilibet are at home in Montecito, it's adorable to hear them mentioned at the Invictus Games.

Prince Harry is currently preparing for the 2025 Invictus Games, which are set to take place in Vancouver and Whistler in Canada this month. And according to a new report, the Duke of Sussex has extended a special invitation to an unexpected royal couple, who have agreed to join him for the event.

Prince Joachim and Princess Marie of Denmark are set to join Prince Harry at the Invictus Games on February 15, the Daily Mail has reported. The Danish royals will arrive one day prior to the sporting event's closing ceremony. It will reportedly be Prince Joachim and Princess Marie's first time attending the Invictus Games, which encourages wounded, injured, and sick military service personnel to take part in a multitude of sporting events.

It's also been reported that Harry's wife, Meghan Markle, will attend the Invictus Games, in what InStyle are calling "a rare joint public appearance."

In a statement on the official Invictus Games website, Prince Harry said of this year's event, "The Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 will offer a global platform to expand the range and profile of winter adaptive sports. With deep respect, I'm also pleased to share that the Games in Canada will be held in partnership with the First Nations, in the spirit of truth and reconciliation with Indigenous communities."

Meanwhile, the Express previously suggested that Meghan and Harry's two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, may also attend the 2025 Invictus Games. "It was important for the Sussexes to appear together at such a worthwhile event," a source claimed. "The Invictus Games is a Sussex initiative and something they want their children to continue once they get older."

While the 2025 Invictus Games are about to get underway in Canada, the event will take place in Birmingham, U.K. in 2027 following an intense bidding war with the United States.

Prince Harry getting tattooed by Jelly Roll wasn't exactly on my 2024 bingo card, but on Tuesday, Nov. 19, the Invictus Games Foundation released a new video showing just that—and fans can't get enough of the hilarious clip.

Back in September, the Duke of Sussex was spotted leaving NYC tattoo parlor East Side Ink, prompting many to wonder what the royal was up to during his visit for UN Climate Week. Well, now we know exactly what went down inside.

"The most 🤯 inking of a deal in Invictus Games history. Watch when Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex meets @jellyroll615 @eastsideinktattoo," the Invictus Games's post read. "Don’t miss this duo reuniting in Vancouver #IG25 Closing Ceremony Feb 16."

In the video, Prince Harry sits in a tattoo chair as he awaits Jelly Roll, who pops in and says, "I'm such a fan, dude!" The country star adds that he "could not believe it when they called and said Prince Harry wanted to get a tattoo today, and he wanted me to give him his first tattoo."

The duke looks on in confusion, asking the singer why he's wearing a glove, to which Jelly Roll replies, "We're giving you a tattoo about the Invictus Games."

The duke replies, "Uh, no, I came here to ask you to do the Invictus Games. There's no tattoo in this. I can't get a tattoo!"

However, Jelly Roll didn't take no for an answer. In the video, the star says he'll "play the Invictus Games"—which will take place in Vancouver and Whistler, Canada in February 2025—only if Harry allows him to do the tattoo, claiming it was "that easy of a deal."

"Screw it. Let's go. Let's do it," Harry says, adding, "I was thinking my lower back or my ass." This prompted Jelly Roll to bust out laughing, claiming, "Nobody wants to see your ass, Harry."

The country star insists that the design "is for the world" and should be on Harry's neck, going on to lean in with a tattoo needle before admitting he's "practically" done this before.

"You wouldn't want nobody else doing this but me," Jelly Roll quips.

The final result? The Invictus Games "I AM" logo, but with a twist. On Harry's neck it reads I AM, but instead of saying Invictus underneath, it says...Jelly Roll. "Oh, shit!" Harry exclaims as the clip ends.

"This is so funny 😂Love it!!! LET'S GO INVICTUSGAMES2025!!!!!👏👏" one fan commented, while another added, "😂 too good. Have you done this before? Practically… pretty much."

Of course, the tattoo isn't real—Prince Harry has been seen on numerous occasions since the video was filmed and most certainly doesn't sport a Jelly Roll tat. But fans loved the spirit behind the video, in any case.

Prince Harry doesn't show his face on social media very often, but he made an exception this week in a new video to promote the 2025 Invictus Games.

The Duke of Sussex, who is a veteran and former captain in the British Army founded the Invictus Games Foundation in 2014, after a visit to the U.S. Warrior Games in 2013 inspired him to "create the international Invictus Games to celebrate the unconquered human spirit, and shine a spotlight on these men and women who served," according to the Foundation's website.

The Invictus Games have always been close to Harry's heart, so it's no surprise he lent his famous face to the new promotional video, shared on Thursday (September 5) on X by the official account for the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025.

The video, which is narrated by Major (Retired) Patrick Lévis, a former Team Canada competitor who competed at the Invictus Games in The Hague, Netherlands in 2022, includes personal pics and clips from past Invictus Games.

"Sport has the ability to heal, to change lives and to save lives. For so many of these competitors, getting to the start line can be one of the hardest moments of their life. But at the Games, their lives are changed," Harry says in the video. "Watching these magical moments happen and sport being the facilitator of that is very, very special for all of us to witness."

One of the magical moments included in the video: The aww-worthy moment at the 2022 Invictus Games when Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, hugging Team U.K. athlete Lisa Johnston in celebration after she won gold in shot put.

The video invites fans to visit the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025's website to pre-register for tickets and ends with a personal message from Harry, saying, "We can't wait to see you" (with a heart-melting smile that will absolutely make you want to buy those tickets, for the record).

Harry has never shied away about sharing his passion for the Invictus Games and the inspiring athletes who compete in them. Earlier this year, Harry spoke to ABC News' Will Reeve about his passion for being hands-on with the annual event during a tour of the site of the 2025 Invictus Games in Whistler, British Columbia.

"I've always had a life of service, and then I get my fix being part of, being with these guys," Harry said. "There’s no version of me coming here, watching them and not getting involved myself."

This echoes what Harry told People in 2022 when speaking about the Invictus Games, when he explained, "I truly believe that we are at our best when we’re in service to others, and Invictus is all about upholding that value."

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made an important stop on their high-profile trip to Colombia to pay a special visit to a group of athletes.

On Friday, Aug. 16, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex visited the Centro de Rehabilitación Inclusiva, touring the swimming pool, rock climbing gym and rehabilitation areas while meeting Colombia's Invictus Games team.

Prince Harry—who founded the paralympic-style sporting event in 2014 to honor and support of wounded, injured, or sick veterans—even joined in on the action by way of a volleyball match.

The royal was joined by Vice President Fancia Márquez's partner, Rafael Yerney Pinillo, while Márquez and Markle cheered the pair on, People reports.

“It’s amazing to see how many people can come together to form one team,” Prince Harry said while touring the facility and speaking to athletes about their favorite exercise routines and what workouts they do to maintain their strength and stamina.

“They are all so incredible to watch," Markle added, equally taken aback by the athletes.

The royal couple also toured the center's art hall, People reports, which featured work created by Invictus athletes.

According to the outlet, the Duchess of Sussex was "gifted a painting, hand-knitted animals, a beaded necklace and matching earrings from some of the artists."

Meanwhile, Prince Harry was gifted a "special commemorative plaque from the Ministry of National Defense Veterans," People reports.

While presenting the award to the Duke, an athlete read a moving statement honoring the royal for creating "opportunities for recovery."

“In recognition and gratitude for your dedication and invaluable opportunities for recovery through sports and the Invictus Games for Colombian wounded, injured and sick Armed Forces and Police Personnel, serving or veterans," the athlete said.

Earlier this year, Prince Harry traveled across the pond to celebrate the 10th anniversary of his beloved Invictus Games, and despite ongoing security threats that almost kept him back in the United States.

At the time, according to a previous report from People, the Duke of Sussex extended invites to several members of the royal family, including his father, King Charles, and his brother, Prince William.

Instead, members of the royal family were ordered to attend the first garden party of the season, which was held just miles away from Prince Harry's service honoring a decade of the Invictus Games.

“King Charles ordered all working royals—including Princess Anne and Prince Edward, and excluding Prince William and Kate Middleton—to attend a garden party for 5,000 people at Buckingham Palace taking place at the same time [as Harry’s event],” veteran royal correspondent Tom Sykes of The Daily Beast reported.

Currently, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are in the middle of a whirlwind Colombia tour, which has to date included a trip to a local school to interact with kindergarteners (and practice a little Spanish!) and a panel discussion highlighting the importance of online personal safety.

It’s not a secret that Prince Harry’s relationship with his father, King Charles, and older brother, Prince William, is contentious. But his cousins, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie? Well, Harry is thought to be particularly close to the York sisters (the daughters of the Duke and Duchess of York, Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson). Yet, that said, neither showed up to support Harry at the 10-year anniversary celebration of the Invictus Games earlier this month—in fact, not a single member of the royal family turned up at St. Paul’s Cathedral for the Service of Thanksgiving. Harry—who was in the U.K. without his wife, Meghan Markle, who stayed behind in California with their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet—did, thankfully, have family on hand, in the form of his late mother Princess Diana’s siblings, who turned up to support their nephew.

Back to Beatrice and Eugenie—there may be a couple of reasons why they weren’t on hand to support Harry. The first is simply based on location: Beatrice was in New York City on Monday, May 6, so maybe she wasn’t yet back in the U.K. by May 8, or maybe she was jet-lagged. Eugenie, for her part, splits her time between the U.K. and Portugal, so, who knows, maybe she was in the latter on May 8. They could have also had other commitments, familial or otherwise—both are married with two kids each.

But then, there’s the other side of the coin—Marie Claire previously reported that the King required working royals to be at the garden party he threw simultaneously at Buckingham Palace, held just miles away but a world apart from Harry’s event at St. Paul’s at the same time. Beatrice and Eugenie aren’t working royals (and weren’t at the garden party), but, in light of Charles reportedly considering bringing Eugenie and, especially, Beatrice on as his slimmed down monarchy has become perhaps a bit too slim, OK reports that the York sisters wouldn’t attend Harry’s Invictus Games event without the King’s permission. OK reports that “the sisters didn’t want to send out a divisive message by attending,” and royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams told GB News that Beatrice and Eugenie “would not have been expected to be there because that would have been a sign of a split in the royal family,” he said. “You would have had royals there, some there and not others—that would have been seized on.” 

Fitzwilliams did clarify that Beatrice and Eugenie still maintain a “close relationship with Harry,” but added “If you had any members of the royal family going, it would have been perceived as a split,” he said. “There would have been no way Beatrice and Eugenie would have attended an event like that without the King’s consent.”

Though no Windsors were there, the Spencers came out in support—and body language expert Judi James said that Harry was comfortable around Diana’s siblings, including Earl Charles Spencer and Lady Jane Fellowes. “Harry clearly looks excited and delighted to be seeing his mother’s family again here,” she said. “His cheeks are rounded, his face red and shiny, and his eye-smile involves crinkling to signal authentic pleasure and affection.”

In particular, when talking to his uncle—Diana’s only brother—“Harry’s body language here is a blend of excited, free child and fond adult,” James said. “He looks relaxed and socially ‘safe,’ as though able to express his emotions as well as be more playful.”

In addition to supporting Harry when no members of the royal family did at the May 8 Invictus Games event, Diana’s sisters Lady Jane and Lady Sarah McCorquodale flew to California for Lili’s christening back in March 2023. No royals were present for that occasion, either.

No one from the royal family was in attendance last night at Prince Harry’s Service of Thanksgiving at St. Paul’s Cathedral celebrating 10 years of the Invictus Games—but it wasn’t because they weren’t invited.

People reports that Harry extended invitations to several royal family members—including his father, King Charles, his brother, Prince William, and his sister-in-law, Princess Kate—to the anniversary celebration in London, but none turned up. With Kate, it’s understandable—she hasn’t been seen publicly since her March 22 announcement that she is battling cancer. Yesterday William conducted investitures at Windsor Castle, and Charles hosted the first garden party of the season at Buckingham Palace, which was attended by Queen Camilla, Princess Anne, Prince Edward, Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, Prince Richard, and Birgitte, the Duchess of Gloucester. (According to People, “Garden parties have been held since the 1860s as a way for the monarch to recognize community members for their public service.” Just in case you were wondering.) And apparently, according to Page Six, the King ordered all working royals to attend the party—held just miles away from Harry’s service. 

“King Charles ordered all working royals—including Princess Anne and Prince Edward, and excluding Prince William and Kate Middleton—to attend a garden party for 5,000 people at Buckingham Palace taking place at the same time [as Harry’s event],” veteran royal correspondent Tom Sykes of The Daily Beast reported.

Of the relationship between the King and Harry, “Charles has made it quite clear he ready to be friendly and supportive to Harry in his capacity as a private person, as his dad, but he’s not going to throw the weight of the institution behind Invictus again,” a former courtier told Sykes. “This all seems very logical inside the Palace bubble, but the trouble is that people who don’t particularly care about such things, who are dimly aware that the royals spend their days visiting community centers and opening supermarkets, are going to wonder why they are boycotting this terrific charity that is headed by the King’s son.”

The Invictus Games were founded in 2014 as an international multi-sport event for wounded, sick, and injured servicemen and servicewomen, both those still actively serving and veterans. Arguably, it has become the work of Harry’s life and the project he is most passionate about outside of his family.

The former courtier said that many people think the royal family’s absence from Harry’s event is a “classic example” of them “cutting off their nose to spite their face”: “Invictus is clearly exactly the kind of organization the royal family should be supporting,” they said. “If a bridge is ever going to be built [between Harry and the royal family], Invictus is the bridgehead to build it from, and they should get on and do it.”

Though no members of the royal family were present at the Service of Thanksgiving (and Harry’s wife, Meghan Markle, is also not in the U.K.), the siblings of Harry’s mother, the late Princess Diana, came out last night to support their nephew and ensure that he would have family on site, after all.

When Princess Diana’s brother Charles Spencer eulogized his sister at her funeral at Westminster Abbey on September 6, 1997, he made a pledge to her regarding her beloved sons, Prince William and Prince Harry: “I pledge that we, your blood family, will do all we can to continue the imaginative way in which you were steering these two exceptional young men so that their souls are not simply immersed by duty and tradition, but can sing openly, as you planned,” he said, as the world watched. “We fully respect the heritage into which they have both been born and will always respect and encourage them in their royal role but we, like you, recognize the need for them to experience as many different aspects of life as possible to arm them spiritually and emotionally for the years ahead. I know you would have expected nothing less from us.”

As King Charles attended a garden party roughly three miles away this evening, his younger son, Prince Harry, was at St. Paul’s Cathedral—interestingly, the location of Charles and Diana’s wedding in 1981—to celebrate 10 years of the Invictus Games, Harry’s passion project and the work of his life. The King turned down the opportunity to meet with Harry while his son was in the U.K., citing a busy schedule, Harry’s spokesperson confirmed yesterday; no members of the royal family turned up to Harry’s Service of Thanksgiving.

But then, the Spencer family swooped in. Diana was one of four Spencer siblings—she had two older sisters, Sarah and Jane, and a younger brother, Charles. Hello reports that Jane (now Lady Jane Fellowes) and Charles (more formally, Earl Charles Spencer) were in attendance at Harry’s service, and arrived together “with the pair sharing a smile,” the outlet reports. Sarah (now Lady Sarah McCorquodale) was also in attendance, Hello reports. 

When Harry arrived at St. Paul’s, he too was smiling and “waving at cheering members of the crowd that had amassed,” Hello reports. Inside, 1,000 people gathered for the ceremony, and “Harry was clearly buoyed by the show of support from Charles, Lady Sarah, and Lady Jane,” the publication added.

Speaking to Hello about Harry’s attendance at the service, David Wiseman, a former competitor in the Games, said “We wouldn’t be here without Prince Harry, would we? We wouldn’t be here without his initial vision, without his drive, without his influence, without his ability to convene this international community of those who have served and continue to serve. And he’s so passionate about serving that community. He’s one of us—he’s part of this community, and we’re incredibly proud to have him as part of it. We’re delighted he’s here to help us celebrate the past 10 years, and to look forward to the next 10 years.” 

Harry founded the Games in 2014 as a multi-sport event for injured or sick service personnel, both veterans and those still actively serving. With no members of the royal family there and his wife, Meghan Markle, back at home in the U.S., “fans had been worried Harry would be at the service alone,” The Mirror reports—but should feel hopeful that Harry did, indeed, have family there, after all. (Somewhere, surely, Diana is smiling.)

Of the Games, Harry said this week “Sometimes you…look back and go, ‘Look at what we’ve done,’” he said. “But also, given the state of the world, there is so much more to do, and I think a lot of uncertainty—but what we’ve created is a global community.” When asked about the future of the Games, Harry confirmed they would continue so long as they “serve their purpose,” he said.

Harry will next join up with Meghan in Nigeria, where they will discuss possible future opportunities for the country to host a future iteration of the Games.

The Invictus Games—arguably the work of Prince Harry’s life and certainly one of his foremost passion projects—turns 10 years old this year. (For those who may not be aware of the work the Games does, it is a multi-sport event for wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and servicewomen, both veterans and those actively serving. Highly recommend watching Harry’s Heart of Invictus on Netflix for a deeper dive into the incredible work this organization does.) To celebrate the decade since the Games were founded in 2014, Harry was due to attend a 10-year celebration event on May 8 at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London (interestingly, the location where his parents, Prince Charles and Princess Diana, married in 1981). The Mirror reported recently that Harry “is certain to attend”—but now, because of ever-persistent security concerns, his plans might be thwarted.

The Mirror now reports that Harry “is said to be considering canceling his upcoming trip to the U.K.” over said concerns “after losing his security battle against the U.K. Home Office earlier this year.” Harry was due to give a speech at the event, but now “it appears he could instead appear via video link or a pre-recorded message,” the outlet writes.

Harry is said to be appealing the High Court decision and is reportedly “extremely disappointed” with the security plans for when he visits the U.K.

“Whenever Harry travels to the U.K., his trips are always dependent on how secure he is,” a source told The Daily Express. “Before deciding whether to attend the Invictus Games anniversary event, his security team must be sure that St. Paul’s is adequately protected by the Metropolitan Police, and his own security needs are met while he’s in London.” 

They added “Harry wants to spend more time in the U.K. with his family, but there’s no way he can do that while a question mark hangs over his security detail.”

Back in February, Harry lost a legal battle against the Home Office and Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (shortened to RAVEC) at the High Court. Harry had been trying to overturn a ruling which saw his security status downgraded after he stepped back as a working royal, “as he cited concerns over his safety and that of his wife and two young children,” The Mirror reports. Harry’s legal team previously claimed he was “singled out” and treated “less favorably” by RAVEC. “The claimant’s consistent position has been, and remains, that he should be given state security in light of the threats [and] risks he faces,” Harry’s lawyer Shaheed Fatima KC said.

Former head of royal protection Dai Davies said that, despite security concerns, Harry will still return to the U.K.: “He won’t be put off,” Davies said, per The Mirror. “His Chief of Protection appears to be an ex-Sergeant in royalty protection and is obviously highly trained. The other thing is, even if he [Harry] doesn’t have armed protection, he will get the liaison structure that would go with it.” 

Davies added that RAVEC will ensure Harry is protected and won’t leave him exposed—and that Harry has been protected while visiting the U.K. since he stepped back from being a working member of the royal family in 2020. “In other words, as far as it’s humanly possible, if RAVEC decided through intelligence—and they get the best intelligence there is—after this furor over his protection, you can rest assured they have gone over it,” Davies added. “They have stood by it, the government has stood by it, and the Home Office. It’s nothing personal, and as a former professional, I would apply those principles of, ‘Is it necessary and does the intelligence warrant it?’ Every time he’s been here of late, to see his father or royalty, he’s had royalty protection.”

The source speaking to The Daily Express said of Harry’s potential visit next month “Discussions with the relevant departments are ongoing. Harry won’t attend if his team feels like his security might be compromised in any way.” 

The U.K. has put in a bid to host the 2027 Invictus Games—and, depending on who you ask, this could be the moment of reunification between Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and the rest of the royal family, or further proof of its divisiveness.

“Meghan Markle and Prince Harry could return to the U.K. if Britain hosts the Invictus Games—offering the royals a chance to reunite for the first time in years,” Tatler writes. But even before that, Harry is expected to be in his home country next month to mark the Invictus Games’ tenth anniversary since its formation in 2014; he is scheduled to speak at St. Paul’s Cathedral (interestingly, where his parents, Prince Charles and Princess Diana, married in 1981) on May 8. Meghan is also “listed as a guest” for the event, and The Daily Express reports that “Both Harry and Meghan are listed as guests and a speech has been scheduled, but there is still a question mark over whether Meghan will make an appearance,” a source said. “Her name has been penciled in as a TBC [to be confirmed].” 

Harry founded the Invictus Games in 2014 as a multi-sport event for wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and servicewomen, both veterans and those actively serving. When Harry launched the Games 10 years ago—the last time it was held in the U.K.—King Charles (then Prince Charles) and the Prince and Princess of Wales (then the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge) were on hand with Harry for the opening ceremony.

But much has changed in the decade since, and, according to The Telegraph, Harry and Meghan have noted that the royal family haven’t publicly supported the Games in a number of years, despite its growing stature. Since 2014, the Games have traveled to Orlando, Florida in 2016; Toronto, Canada (where Harry and Meghan made their public debut as a couple in 2017); Sydney, Australia in 2018; The Hague, Netherlands in 2022; and, most recently, Dusseldorf, Germany, last September. The Games will next be in Vancouver and Whistler, Canada in 2025. Since the Games’ iteration, it has become a popular global sports competition, which 22 countries and more than 500 athletes have been involved with.

But The Daily Mail reports that the royal family could be put in a “difficult position” if Birmingham wins the Invictus Games bid for 2027, adding that it could cause tension. “It is an incredibly important piece of work for Prince Harry and one of his last remaining legacies from when he was a full-time working royal—and one which he feels very proud of,” the outlet reports. “The Games also allow him to reconnect with fellow military veterans.” 

The royal family would have to decide how much it will support Harry and the Games, and Harry and Meghan will have to decide whether they are comfortable bringing their kids, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, after losing police protection in the U.K.

Though William and Kate were key figures in establishing the Games and were reportedly “delighted that it has been a success,” The Daily Mail reports that “Given current disagreements in the royal family, it is perhaps not likely that the Waleses will watch the games with the Sussexes.” 

The U.K. is currently up against Washington, D.C.—interestingly, the capital of Harry’s new home country, the U.S.—to host the Games, and the U.K. government has pledged 26 million pounds towards the campaign. Veterans minister Johnny Mercer co-hosted a symposium in London to get further private funding to help with the U.K.’s bid to host the Games in Birmingham in three years’ time, and said of the Games that “The vision the Duke of Sussex had to see that a decade ago had almost single-handedly transformed the lives of thousands of veterans, not only in the U.K. but globally, with up to 22 nations now involved in this incredible legacy. So yes, I want the Games.”

Mercer commended the power of the Invictus Games and of sport to transform the lives of those injured by service in both body and mind. “I want the Games because you actually have to be there to feel that incredible transformative power of the Invictus Games in these people’s lives being built,” he said.

It remains to be seen whether the U.K. or the U.S. will win the bid for 2027, but we’ll, of course, keep you posted as we learn more.

If you’ve been through it yourself, you get it—frightening health news changes everything inside a family structure. For Prince Harry, learning that his father King Charles had been diagnosed with a still undisclosed type of cancer following a routine corrective prostate procedure prompted a transatlantic flight to see Charles for under an hour—and, apparently, an increased desire to return to his native U.K. more often than he has since he and Meghan Markle relocated to the U.S., her home state of California specifically, four years ago.

Though neither are in the U.K. with much frequency, Meghan has returned much less often than her husband since their step back as working members of the royal family in January 2020. Now, apparently, as a 10-year celebration of his Invictus Games looms, Harry is reportedly “putting pressure” on Meghan to attend the event with him, and this pressure is causing tension in their marriage, a royal expert claims.

Harry founded the Invictus Games—which support wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and servicewomen, both veterans and those still serving—in 2014. The Games have become a cornerstone of Harry’s life’s work, and many of Harry and Meghan’s relationship milestones have occurred at the Games, including their public debut as a couple at the 2017 Games in Toronto. Right around the 2018 Games in Sydney Meghan announced her pregnancy with Prince Archie, and she has joined him—and dazzled attendees and the media alike—at the 2022 Games in The Hague, Netherlands, the 2023 Games in Dusseldorf, Germany, and, last month, the One Year to Go celebration of the Games’ forthcoming iteration in Vancouver and Whistler, Canada, set for 2025.

Royal expert and author Tom Quinn told The Mirror that Harry is pressuring Meghan to accompany him at the event, but that Meghan may not be eager to return to the U.K., as it has been reported that she “never felt at home” there. Royal author Omid Scobie—who has written extensively about the Sussexes—wrote in his 2023 book Endgame that Meghan “never wants to set foot again in England.” But, according to Quinn, Harry won’t accept a refusal.

“The Invictus Games—it’s one of the few areas of Harry’s life where he feels on firm ground,” Quinn said. “There’s no doubt that helping disabled soldiers is a good thing, and it’s something that Harry has tried to do without it becoming all about him, so it’s good for brand Sussex, but only if Meghan is also there. So he is definitely putting pressure on her to join him.”

Quinn added that “This is causing huge tension in the couple’s relationship. Omid Scobie’s book Endgame tells us that Meghan never wants to visit the U.K. again, but she now realizes, with the Games coming up and her father-in-law seriously ill, that you should never say never.”

Harry himself said, in an interview last month with Good Morning America following his father’s diagnosis, that he loves his family, was grateful to be able to jump on a plane as soon as he could to go see his father following the news of his diagnosis breaking, and that “I’ve got other trips planned that will take me through the U.K., or back to the U.K., and so I’ll stop in and see my family as much as I can.”

He also added in the same Good Morning America interview that the Games—as well as recent health scares—have helped him continually realize the importance of family: “Throughout all of these families, I see it on a day-to-day basis—again, the strength of the family unit coming together,” he said. “So, yeah, I think any illness, any sickness, brings families together. I see it time and time again, and that makes me very happy.” 

And, although Harry may be pressuring Meghan to return to the U.K. with him, all seems well in the Sussex marriage, regardless. Speaking on the “Something to Talk About” podcast, Scobie addressed persistent rumors of trouble in the Sussex marriage, saying that sources close to Harry and Meghan told him that the couple “continue to be happy and in a good place.”

The reports about tension between Prince William and Prince Harry aren't dying down anytime soon. Adding fire to the flame is speculation that William was jealous of how successful Harry's Invictus Games are. Yes, you're reading that right—royal commentators are claiming William was jealous of a charitable initiative.

British journalist Robert Jobson, who has written two books about the late Princess Diana, shared that opinion during an ABC News interview for the special Prince Harry's Mission: Life, Family and Invictus Games. "I think there was a degree of jealousy about how well it had gone," Jobson said of the Games (via People). "I do think that William was surprised how much this had been such a success and how much money was being thrown into it and how many governments were getting involved."

Harry first started the Invictus Games in 2014 as a way to support England's veterans and active soldiers. The sporting event features competitions for wounded servicepeople. While Harry started it as a working royal, he continued to work with the Invictus Games Foundation after stepping back from royal life, People notes. Jobson called it Harry's "number one passion project"—unsurprising, as Harry is a veteran himself.

As for the reported rift between the brothers, it's been speculated on for years—and King Charles' cancer diagnosis may not have brought them closer together. After Harry flew to the U.K. to visit his sick father, royal broadcaster Helena Chard told Fox News that William "knows his brother well and certainly won't allow him to breeze back into the family as he doesn't trust him." The Daily Mail also reported that while Harry wanted to see his brother during the trip to England, William wasn't having it.

But even if the brothers aren't thick as thieves at the moment, it doesn't necessarily mean William is jealous of Harry's initiatives to support military veterans. Of everything to be jealous of, charity just isn't it.

While other celebrities spent the past few days ushering in fashion week and Valentine's Day with outfits to match, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry had other plans in mind. For their first joint appearance of the year, the duo cozied up together in Canada.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex went to British Columbia to celebrate "One Year to Go" until the 2025 Invictus Games—the first Winter Games iteration of the sporting event. Over the course of the three-day visit to Vancouver and Whistler, the royals are participating in a number of events and meeting with members of the Participating Nations Winter Training Camp ahead of next year's competition. Along the way, Markle is bringing her laid-back yet polished style to the Canadian ski slopes, giving a lesson in winter layering with several must-have coats.

Markle was first spotted tackling the frigid weather on February 14, bundling up in the now sold-out quilted cream puffer coat from Calvin Klein. Underneath, she layered a matching knit sweater from Co with white Frame jeans. The podcaster went practical on the accessories front, sporting a black Burberry beanie, Sorel snow boots, and Blenders sunglasses.

Later that evening, Markle toured the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, a First Nations museum and art gallery, changing into a sleek black Dôen coat and straight-leg trousers.

The Sussexes began the second day of their trip on February 15th, visiting the Mount Currie Community Centre located on the territory of the Lil'wat Nation. There, Markle cheered on her husband during the center's inclusive wheelchair basketball game in a dark wool coat—reportedly the same one she wore to New York City in 2021. She also had on a blue striped oxford top, dark-washed skinny jeans, and her trusty pair of Le Le Chameau Jameson boots.

Markle changed outfits upon her return to the Invictus Games training camp. For her afternoon appearance, the Duchess of Sussex wore a navy Hermès puffer coat and dark La Ligne jeans. She finished her outfit for the rest of the day in Kamik boots, leather gloves, plus an Aritzia beanie and scarf.

Markle may have saved her best coats for last. For her final engagements, she wore two coats by Canadian outerwear brand Sentaler.

First, the Duchess of Sussex wrapped up in the label's cream maxi trench coat for an evening dinner. The following morning, she wore a belted cape coat to take in an adaptive curling training session as part of the Invictus Games programming. She paired the cape with luxurious winter accessories including long leather gloves and knee-high black boots.

The Duchess of Sussex's coats this week were as much a continuation of a meaningful styling pattern as winter outerwear inspiration. Meghan Markle deliberately wears designers based in the countries she's visiting, or who have connections to her destination, when she travels on official visits. In this case, a handful of the labels she wore this week paid homage to her hosts. Both Sentaler and Aritzia are Canadian-founded and headquartered in the country.

This post was updated on Saturday, February 17.

Prince Harry's Invictus Games are one of his most successful projects to date, and see teams of injured and ill servicepeople from around the world compete in athletic events every year—this since their inception in 2014.

We already know that the Games were inspired by Harry's experience at the Warrior Games in the U.S., which he attended in 2013, but what you might not know is how quickly the Duke of Sussex moved once he'd had the idea to recreate his version of the Games.

When he attended the U.S. event for the first time, he knew immediately what he wanted to do.

"The morning after, we were sitting in a hotel in Colorado, reflecting on what we’d just seen," Harry's friend and director of the Invictus Games Foundation David Wiseman told Hello!'s A Right Royal Podcast.

"We were sitting down at breakfast, it wasn’t a meeting or anything like that, and Harry said, 'Look, this is absolutely brilliant, what we’ve seen here is absolutely brilliant. What we need to do is internationalize this.

"We need to invite allies and nations from all over the world, we’re going to put it in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, it needs to be on the BBC, this is going to be massive, we’ll have a closing concert.' He could see it before anyone else could."

While those who were at this famous breakfast agreed this was a great idea, they hadn't quite realized just how serious Harry was about all this.

"We didn’t realize the time frame that he made in mind," Wiseman continued.

"Bearing in mind that was May 2013, we went back to the Warrior Games that afternoon, and he stood on stage at the podium, and I think it had been written in his speech, that vision to say, 'Look, we’d like to do this,' I think he’d added his own note that said 'next year.'

"He went rogue! We were like, 'What? Next year?' For a long time, there were three or four of us at the Royal Foundation managing this project. September 2014, we were there, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, it might have been by the skin of our teeth but we were there! It was massive and we pulled that all together from May 2013 to September 2014."

Hello! notes that Jill Biden attended that first year, and the Foo Fighters performed at the closing concert.

Attending the inspiring Warrior Games in June in San Diego, Harry told the crowd, "My spirit is renewed, so thank you, every single one of you."

This year's Invictus Games took place in Düsseldorf, Germany, back in September.

In between leaving Dusseldorf, Germany and the Invictus Games and arriving back home in the U.S., reports are surfacing that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stopped off for a romantic getaway in Portugal, where Harry’s cousin Princess Eugenie, her husband Jack Brooksbank, and their two sons live part of the time. (Per People, despite drama with other family members, Harry and Eugenie are “still the best of friends and talk constantly.”)

Portuguese magazine Nova Gente reported that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex traveled to the village of Melides, close to Lisbon, and that Eugenie invited the couple to visit; the magazine said the couple’s children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, didn’t join them (not surprising, since they weren’t with them in Dusseldorf), and that the visit was a “mega secret” operation, calling the visit “a lightning trip,” per The Mirror.

It's not clear exactly when Harry and Meghan arrived in Portugal, but we know the Invictus Games ended on Saturday, September 16. Per The Daily Express, Nova Gente reports that Harry and Meghan “stayed in our country until September 20. That morning they left for London from Lisbon’s Humberto Delgado Airport on a British Airways flight. Accompanied by two bodyguards, they were the last to board BA flight 501 at 11 a.m. bound for London Heathrow Airport. The couple reached the plane in a white van carrying just them and their bodyguards.” The magazine said that as Harry and Meghan boarded the flight, they were “smiling slightly,” and that Meghan had her hair tied up in a long ponytail and was dressed in all black. After arriving in London, they continued on to Los Angeles “without leaving the airport [Heathrow],” The Daily Express reports.

Not surprisingly, the sweater blazer from J.Crew that Meghan Markle wore to the Invictus Games last week—you know, the one that crashed the brand’s website—sold out. Good news, though? It’s back and available for pre-order now.

Meghan paired the J.Crew Giselle V-Neck Sweater Blazer—which retails for just $158—with shorts from Staud and slingbacks from Chanel. The piece Meghan wore is a white button-front knit with black contrast trim, and while J.Crew offers other colorways (brown, black, red, and khaki), Meghan’s exact look is coming back in stock. Estimated ship dates are set to be either December or January 2024, depending on what size you select.

Meghan wore another piece from J.Crew later that same day—the brand’s Cashmere Crewneck Sweater Shell in black, which is still available. She paired this top with black Frame skinny jeans and Hermés sneakers. (To shop all of Meghan’s looks from the Invictus Games—and to see all of her outfits in one place—click here.)

J.Crew seems to have taken notice of Meghan’s sartorial influence, as it changed the description of the sweater blazer on its website to reflect what Meghan was doing while wearing it (taking in athletic competitions in Dusseldorf, Germany alongside husband Prince Harry, who founded the Games in 2014). The product description reads that it’s “the perfect polished layer for the office, coffee dates…and sporting events”; prior to Meghan’s appearance in the piece, the description ran without the added “sporting events” suggestion.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle proved their marriage is just fine, thank you very much, at the Invictus Games in Dusseldorf, Germany this past week. If their sweet PDA and adoring looks at one another weren’t enough proof, The Mirror reports that their sartorial choices at the Games—i.e., that their outfits were coordinated at nearly every turn—conveyed a sense of “harmony” but yet, at the same time, also showed their “individuality.”

Complementary outfits were a theme throughout the entire five days that Meghan joined Harry at the Games (the Games kicked off on September 9, Meghan arrived on September 12, and the Games ended on September 16), but it wasn’t too matchy-matchy; the couple “at times wore somewhat contrasting outfits,” The Mirror reports, and it wasn’t overdone. The Prince and Princess of Wales also employed coordinating outfits while they were in Boston late last year for The Earthshot Prize Awards, using their clothes as a sign of unity; it is not uncommon, public relations expert Mayah Riaz said, as “celebrity couples coordinating their outfits has been a longstanding trend in the entertainment industry.”

Riaz, speaking to The Mirror, said that “it can be seen as a way for couples to visually demonstrate their unity and present a harmonious front to the public. Meghan and Prince Harry are no exception to this phenomenon at the Invictus Games.”

The synced looks “suggest that Meghan and Prince Harry are unified at the moment and are presenting a sense of harmony between them,” she said. “When a couple is seen sporting similar looks, it can create a visual representation of their togetherness and shared values. It sends a message that they are on the same page and support each other in public and private.”

When Harry and Meghan shook it up and wore outfits that weren’t coordinated, Riaz said that “On the other hand, contrasting outfits may suggest that there is a level of individuality within their relationship, allowing each of them to express their personal style and preferences. This can be seen as a healthy sign of independence.”

Yet, Riaz importantly points out, “It is important to note that fashion choices should not be solely relied upon to gauge the state of a relationship,” she said. “While coordinating outfits can provide some insight into a couple’s dynamic, it should not be the sole basis for determining their level of harmony or disharmony. Relationships are multifaceted and complex, and fashion choices are just one aspect of a couple’s overall public persona.”

Of Harry and Meghan’s Invictus Games fashion, Riaz said the pair “have often embraced a casual and relaxed style that aligns with the nature of the event,” she said. “Their clothing choices during the Invictus Games may reflect their desire to connect with the participants and show support for the cause. By dressing in a manner that is approachable and relatable, they create a sense of camaraderie and solidarity with the athletes and attendees.”

Now let’s put those “marriage in trouble” rumors to rest.

Excitement over the J.Crew sweater blazer Meghan Markle wore to the Invictus Games this week literally crashed the brand’s site shortly after she was seen wearing it, as Marie Claire reported on earlier this week (hint: you can shop the look in that post!)—and it seems the company is taking notice of Meghan’s impact.

Per The Independent, J.Crew has changed the description for its Giselle V-Neck Sweater Blazer to reflect what Meghan was doing when seen in the look—she was at her husband Prince Harry’s Invictus Games, watching a competition in Dusseldorf, Germany for the Games’ sixth iteration. That being said, the item’s description online now reads that it’s “the perfect polished layer for the office, coffee dates…and sporting events,” apparently reflecting where Meghan wore the piece. Per The Independent, the product description previously ran without the added “sporting events” suggestion. The Sweater Blazer is currently available in several colors on J.Crew's website, or you can pre-order Meghan's exact version. Better yet, you can buy both the sweater and the linen shorts in a matching other other than white and cream: a mid-toned brown. 

In addition to the sweater blazer, Meghan’s look that day also included a pair of Staud linen shorts, a black tank top, and Chanel slingback flats. The Independent reports that “fans praised the effortlessly chic look online” and, shortly after Meghan’s appearance that day, the J.Crew website went down. The brand confirmed the site was down, but cited the reason as “planned maintenance.” *insert shrug emoji here*

“Social media users hailed Meghan’s sartorial influence after J.Crew’s website crashed, as one person listed other accessories and items of clothing that quickly sold out after the duchess was seen wearing them,” The Independent reports.

Meghan wore another piece from J.Crew later that same day, wearing a black sweatervest from the brand. (To shop all of the pieces of Meghan’s wardrobe this week that aren’t sold out, at least as of press time last night, click here.)

And let’s not forget, shall we, why Meghan was there in the first place: this year’s Invictus Games saw a total of 550 sick, wounded, and injured former and current military personnel from across 22 countries—including first-time participants Nigeria, Colombia, and Israel—compete in the Games.

Shop Meghan Markle's Sweater-Blazer

Shop Meghan Markle's Linen Shorts

Before we talk fashion, let’s talk about what really matters here: the Invictus Games, which were founded in 2014 as a multi-sport event for wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and servicewomen, both those currently serving and veterans. This iteration of the Games—which ran from Saturday, September 9 to today—is its sixth iteration; before this, the Games were held in London, Orlando, Toronto, Sydney, and The Hague.

This year’s Games were in Dusseldorf, Germany, and Harry was there the entire time, arriving the day before the Games kicked off. Meghan, who missed the first part of the Games because she was home in California with the couple’s children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, arrived on Tuesday evening. In addition to a slew of athletic competitions, Meghan also celebrated Harry on his thirty-ninth birthday, which was yesterday.

We so rarely see the couple out this much—five days in a row!—so, if you will, allow us to wax poetic already about Meghan’s fashion. While there is much that matters more than fashion, Meghan did important work while looking fantastic the entire time. We celebrate it all.

Tuesday, September 12

Just a couple of hours after arriving in Dusseldorf—after a nearly 24-hour travel day that spanned multiple time zones—Meghan appeared onstage with Harry for a rare joint speech, addressing Invictus Games competitors and their families and friends. She explained her delayed arrival, saying that she was with the couple’s children, Archie and Lili, back home in California. For the event, she wore a shirtdress from Banana Republic, a woven leather belt by Bottega Veneta, and Aquazzura pumps. (By the way, Meghan is said to have done her own hair and makeup for the entire Games, and only worn vintage pieces or rewears.)

Wednesday, September 13

When did she sleep? Meghan was up and at it on Wednesday, joining Harry for a basketball game and wearing a J.Crew sweater, Staud shorts, and cap-toed Chanel slingbacks. (You can shop Tuesday night and Wednesday’s looks here.) 

Later in the day, Meghan went to a swimming competition wearing J.Crew again (this time, a cashmere shell), black Frame skinny jeans, and Hermés sneakers.

Thursday, September 14

For a meeting with NATO representatives on Thursday, Meghan went monochrome in a brown silk L’Agence blouse, khaki-colored Gabriela Hearst trousers, and Manolo Blahnik pumps. She added to the look with Miu Miu sunglasses. Read more about this look here. 

Later in the day, while attending a volleyball match, Meghan wore a Ralph Lauren cable knit vest paired with white Frame jeans and Aquazzura flats. Later that night, for Harry’s birthday dinner, she kept on the Frame jeans but switched up her blouse, this time opting for a shirt from Doen—in the “Monaco Stripe” colorway—and Manolo Blahnik flats.

Friday, September 15

On Friday, Meghan wore a belted romper from Zara beneath a Celine blazer, woven leather Saint Laurent sandals, and Krewe sunglasses. For the sitting volleyball final later that day, Meghan wore a two-tone denim dress by Carolina Herrera, paired with Dior pumps. To round out the day’s third look, Meghan attended a Team Canada reception in a Totome Wool-Blend Turtleneck Midi Dress and Dior Essence pumps.

Saturday, September 16

Meghan was busy today, taking part in medal ceremonies and reading to a group of children, all ahead of the Games’ closing ceremony this evening. For the first part of the day, Meghan wore across the board Cuyana—the brand’s Silk Classic Trench and its Silk Paperbag Pant, paired with nude Aquazzura pumps.

For the Games’ closing ceremony, Meghan wore a stunning teal dress from Cult Gaia, which she wore with her Aquazzura pumps from earlier today to truly put an exclamation point on a brilliant week.

Today was the final day of the Invictus Games 2023, held in Dusseldorf, Germany; the Games kicked off a week ago, and since then we’ve heard about endless inspirational stories from competitors, seen a masterclass in fashion from one Meghan Markle, celebrated Prince Harry’s thirty-ninth birthday, and watched a lot of athletic competitions. We’ve also learned a couple of interesting anecdotes from the mouths of Harry and Meghan themselves, including a hobby that Meghan hopes her two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, will take part in (and it’s also one beloved by members of the royal family).

In a conversation with Bridget Bridge, the wife of an Invictus Games 2025 board member, Meghan said she really wanted Archie and Lili to learn this skill: “Meghan said that she really wanted her children to learn to ski, and that maybe Whistler was the ideal place,” Bridget told The Mirror. (The 2025 Games will be held in Whistler and Vancouver, Canada.) “She said she didn’t ski, so we told her they must come and learn.”

Bridge’s husband Keith chatted with Harry, who talked about a much different subject—Harry’s favorite sandwich. (There is a Canada tie in, though.) “We are from Victoria in British Columbia,” Keith said. “Harry was telling us about the best sandwich he’d ever had, which was in Deep Cove. He said when you cut it in half, it looked like a piece of art. He said they were looking forward to going back and that it was a very special place for them.” 

Harry and Meghan do have a deep history in Canada. Meghan filmed her hit show, Suits, in Toronto, and it’s where she was living when she met Harry in 2016, so the couple spent ample time there in the early days of their relationship. In fact, it was in Toronto and at the 2017 Invictus Games when they made their public debut as a couple; in late 2019 and early 2020, the now family of three (Archie was born in May 2019) retreated to Canada before eventually settling in the U.S. in the early part of 2020.

Though the 2023 Games were still ongoing (albeit coming to a close), the 2025 Games were on the minds of many. As The Mirror reports, “Harry seemed quite chipper about the location, elaborating to officials that both he and Meghan loved Vancouver Island during a visit in 2019.”

“He spoke about how peaceful and healing Canada is, and a little less hot than it has been here this week,” said Paul Ledwell, deputy minister of veteran’s affairs in Canada. “The 2025 Games will be the first time they come back to our country. They were speaking about how much they love Canada and said they couldn’t wait to come back. We will welcome them—they will be coming home.”

At tonight’s closing ceremony, Meghan didn’t speak (but did proudly look on, wearing a stunning dress from Cult Gaia), and Harry said “We’ve all witnessed the true impact sport has had on your recovery,” he said, per The Mirror. “But you will never truly 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, through your resilience, and your sheer abilities. You have shown us that joy can emerge from struggle.” Harry appeared to nearly become emotional as he delivered his remarks.

Perhaps alluding to his own feelings about not being allowed to wear his uniform after stepping back as a working member of the royal family in 2020, Harry said, per The Sun, “For many of you, the uniform you’ve been wearing this past week will give you a new story to tell. And for others, it may give your old uniform new meaning. But I’m here to remind you that, after all of this, you don’t need to rely on a uniform, nor should you feel lost without one. Because everything you need is already within you.” After being denied requests to don his uniform—Harry is a veteran and served 10 years in the Army, including two tours of duty in Afghanistan—he was finally permitted to wear his uniform and medals for a vigil honoring the late Queen Elizabeth before her funeral last September.

Rita Ora and Eurovision star Sam Ryder performed at the closing ceremony; in addition to Harry, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier also spoke.

Of the Games, Harry said to Invictus Games competitors “We may have provided the platform, but you provided the magic. And don’t you ever forget that.” 

While Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been very out front this week as both are at the Invictus Games in Dusseldorf, Germany (and we love it and wish there was an Invictus Games every month—if, for nothing else, Meghan’s fashion), Kieran Elsby, director of Media PR Global, said that the Sussexes “value their private moments together” as a couple. Elsby predicted that, while Harry and Meghan hosted about a dozen aides and staffers for a birthday dinner for Harry on Thursday night, that on Friday night—Harry’s actual thirty-ninth birthday—the couple would enjoy a more intimate meal together.

“A romantic dinner is a common choice for couples, and Meghan and Harry certainly value their private moments together,” Elsby told The Mirror. “However, given their busy schedules, they might choose to defer the grand celebration until their return to the U.S., potentially involving their [children Prince] Archie and [Princess] Lilibet in the festivities to create a heartwarming family moment.”

The couple are keen gift givers, Elsby said, and believed that this birthday would be no different: “Meghan has demonstrated her knack for thoughtful and imaginative gift-giving in the past,” he said. “She could opt for something profoundly personal, like a heartfelt letter, or select a gift related to one of Harry’s passions or hobbies. Or, perhaps, she might orchestrate a surprise getaway or a unique experience.”

Harry arrived in Dusseldorf on Friday, September 8, after an engagement in the U.K. and after paying his respects to his late grandmother, Queen Elizabeth, on the one-year anniversary of her passing. The sixth iteration of the Games kicked off on Saturday, and Meghan joined her husband on Tuesday evening. After watching many competitions the past few days, the Games closed this evening, and the seventh Invictus Games will take place in Whistler and Vancouver, Canada in 2025.

There have been 100 stories of empowerment and encouragement emerging from this year’s Invictus Games in Dusseldorf, Germany, but here’s one that touched this writer’s heart: German volleyball player Tino Wesser broke his leg after slipping on a wet court, rendering him unable to compete in the remainder of the Games.

Per Hello, Meghan Markle—who has been at the Games alongside husband Prince Harry since Tuesday evening—“displayed her kindness” when she comforted Wesser; following the match, Meghan “was seen rushing through the Merkur Spiel Arena to personally offer words of comfort to the former soldier,” the outlet reports.

“Meghan was told about Tino’s accident and how upset he was that he could no longer compete,” a member of Team Germany said. “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.”

Meghan also bonded with Team Nigeria this week, who gave her the nickname “Amira Ngozi Lolo.” Per Hello, “Amira is a warrior princess from a legend, Ngozi means ‘blessed,’ and Lolo is ‘royal wife,’” the outlet reports.

Meghan arrived in Dusseldorf Tuesday evening and gave a rare joint speech alongside Harry; on Wednesday and Thursday, Meghan watched competition at the Games before taking Harry and about a dozen others out to dinner in Dusseldorf celebrating Harry’s birthday the next day. On Friday, Harry’s actual birthday, he was serenaded by the crowd during competition with Meghan at his side. The Games close today after one week of competition. While in Dusseldorf, Meghan is said to be doing her own hair and makeup and wearing only “vintage” outfits or rewears.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have looked more in love than ever at this year’s Invictus Games in Dusseldorf, Germany—and, body language expert Judi James told The Mirror, Meghan isn’t just the woman Harry loves, but the woman who boosts Harry’s confidence.

Harry spent the first four days of the Games solo, as Meghan stayed back in their home base of Montecito, California with their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. She joined her husband on Tuesday evening, where they gave a joint speech (a rarity for the couple) to competitors in the Games, their families, and their friends; during the speech, James said “Harry clearly looked happy to be part of a double act again, but it was Meghan subtly performing the more romantic togetherness signals, linking her hand into his arm to stand close and then even sliding a step closer when he stepped away. Harry held out his hand to clasp hers as he left the stage, but there were no emphatic PDAs.”

On Wednesday, “Harry’s appearance with Meghan the next day made him look like a different man, though,” James said. “They entered the stadium like A-list celebrities and, towing Meghan by one hand, Harry’s chest looked splayed in a signal of confidence and machismo.”

She continued “Harry then seemed immersed in both the competitions and in joining in and enjoying the double act with his wife. Meghan’s constant flattery and approval signals made them look like they did in the early days of their relationship and Harry seems to have relaxed and grown in confidence as a result of all the small back touches, hand holding, and adoring face gazes.”

Meghan continued to join Harry watching competition at the Games on Thursday and Friday, in addition to celebrating the Duke of Sussex’s thirty-ninth birthday yesterday. “Harry’s confidence signals have increased with Meghan out there,” James told The Daily Express.

Meghan uses two subtle gestures to comfort her husband, James said: Meghan “is using the kind of back and arm touches and the adoring face gazing rituals complete with beaming smiles of approval and support that she did in the early days of their relationship,” she said, adding that their body language mimics their first Invictus Games appearance together in 2017, when they debuted their relationship to the world.

And Harry isn’t the only one benefiting from the body language, James said. Meghan’s body language at the Games “signals one strong message: that she is loved by her husband, Harry,” James told OK. “While Harry leans in to chat, her responses suggest he is whispering romantic sweet nothings in her ear. She pauses mid-clap to clasp her ands in a ‘praying’ pose of rapt attention, and her features soften to suggest the look of love.”

Prince Harry has been in Dusseldorf, Germany all week, celebrating wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and servicewomen—both veterans and those currently serving—at the sixth iteration of the Invictus Games, which were founded in 2014. But it was Harry who was celebrated Thursday night and Friday, as the Duke of Sussex marked his thirty-ninth birthday yesterday alongside wife Meghan Markle and his Invictus family—and we’ve got details on the celebrations.

Harry, Meghan, members of their Archewell staff (Archewell, for those that may not know, is the nonprofit founded by Harry and Meghan in 2020 after their step back as working members of the royal family), their security team, and two British publicists (in all, about a dozen people) went out Thursday night for a “family-style” German meal at the Schumacher Brewery in Dusseldorf, The Telegraph reports. The group—which took up two tables—eschewed the VIP area and dined in the public part of the restaurant, ordering wiener schnitzel, bratwurst, red cabbage, and mashed potato, and washing it all down with pints of the brewery’s “really good” Schumacher Alt. (The beer is also reportedly being served at the Games.) 

Harry and Meghan were “in joyful spirits” and “everyone was incredibly friendly,” a source speaking to The Telegraph reported. Harry and Meghan even posed for photographs with members of the restaurant’s staff.

Schumacher Brewery’s owner Thea Ungermann said she had “goosebumps” when Harry and Meghan walked in: “Prince Harry was so lovely and gave me a hug,” she said. Ungermann also added that Harry footed the bill for the party and left a “big tip” before he and Meghan headed back to their hotel just before midnight and Harry’s official birthday, September 15. 

The Daily Mail reports that, at the brewery, Harry drank “six small beers” while Meghan had one. Harry “was having a very jolly time,” Ungermann told the outlet. “Meghan was lovely.” Meghan—who is reportedly doing her own hair and makeup on this trip and is either wearing “vintage” outfits or rewears—wore the white skinny jeans she wore to watch competition earlier in the day Thursday. She paired it with a red and white pinstriped shirt and nude ballet flats. Harry, for his part, wore dark jeans and a grey top to his birthday dinner. The couple “were very relaxed,” Ungermann said. “Harry and Meghan sat next to each other during the meal.”

During the meal, Harry was presented with a white chocolate cake by staff at the restaurant and was served by head waiter Frank Wackers, who has worked at the establishment for nearly four decades. “They were very happy,” he said. “He is a lovely man, and they were so nice.”

Wackers joked that Harry’s bodyguard asked what the beer was like, and “He said that he would kill me if the beer was bad, but I know he was joking.” As the birthday cake came out, the Sussex party and staff sang “Happy Birthday” to the Duke, but the group apparently waited until they got back to the hotel to actually nip in to the dessert.

“They drank local beer and ate family style dishes to experience a true German meal,” a source close to Harry told The Daily Mail. “Everyone was incredibly friendly, especially the waiters pictured in the photograph online. They did not dine in a private space and were in joyful spirits, toasting and laughing with the team.” Of the dinner, a source told Hello “It had a very joyful family meal feel. It’s the first night that Harry and Meghan have eaten outside of the hotel restaurant, so it was a great experience. They always eat with their team, but tonight was a special evening.” 

Then on Friday—Harry’s actual birthday—competitors and spectators at the sitting volleyball game between Poland and Germany serenaded Harry with a rendition of “Happy Birthday,” People reports. Harry “clearly enjoyed the affectionate welcome from the crowd, giving a thumbs up” as Meghan “leaned into him with a smile.”

Per Page Six, Harry was chatting with people in the stands at Merkur Spiel Arena when an announcer surprised him and asked those in attendance to join in on celebrating Harry’s big day. “At first, the prince appeared unaware that he was getting a shoutout until his wife playfully grabbed his shoulders to clue him in on the surprise,” the outlet reported. “Harry was then spotted blushing as he smiled, appearing touched by the outpouring of love.” 

“Is there anybody here celebrating their own special occasion today?” the announcer said, per The Mirror. “Anyone’s birthday? Oh, I think it is someone’s birthday. A certain Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex—39 today. Happy birthday! Let’s sing along.” Per The Sun, the crowd then serenaded him in both English and German. Harry then went down to the court, “where he fist-bumped the Games’ mascot before being given a cake,” The Sun reports. “It featured a miniature figure with ginger hair.” The Daily Express further explains Harry’s second birthday cake: “The cake was themed on the event and included a figurine of the Duke, a dumbbell, and a ball, all seemingly made of icing,” the outlet reports. “Prince Harry had a cheeky grin on his face as the cake was revealed.”

The party Friday continued with more beer; Page Six reports that Harry and Meghan “could be seen taking turns drinking out of a clear pint while watching a volleyball finals match from the stands.”

Harry’s birthday this year is a hard right turn from last year, where, just one week prior, his beloved grandmother Queen Elizabeth died on September 8 at 96 years old. Harry and Meghan were already in the U.K. for engagements, and September 15, 2022, was in the mourning period for Her late Majesty, whose funeral was four days later on September 19. Last year wasn’t the first time Harry was in deep mourning around his birthday—his mother, Princess Diana, died on August 31, 1997, at just 36 years old, and her funeral was on September 6, just nine days before Harry turned 13.

Another day, another Meghan Markle outfit that we feel the sudden urge to buy. The Duchess has been in Germany this week supporting her husband, Price Harry, at the Invictus Games—and has been sporting plenty of envy-inducing ensembles. This most recent one comprises a Banana Republic pleated cotton poplin shirtdress, the ideal wear-everywhere look. The dress is still in stock to shop and is currently on sale.

Markle donned the Banana Republic dress while giving a joint speech with Prince Harry at the games on September 12th. Markle swapped out the fabric belt with with another  sleek black woven leather belt and a slew of gold and pearl bracelets. 

It's just one of several classic outfits the Duchess wore on this trip. Known for her monochromatic style and minimal sensibilities, Markle donned a brown silk blouse from L'AGENCE on another daytime outing alongside her husband. 

There are so many reasons to love this look. Hers is the perfect example of a great fall dress, for one. Secondly, the shirtdress silhouette is timeless, and it's one that she's worn time and time again over her years in the spotlight. Thirdly, it proves that a good belt is a worthwhile accessory. The best part? Her dress is currently on mega sale, as are many other shirt dresses on Banana Republic's website. Keep scrolling to shop her exact dress in white while you still can, plus several different similar versions to help you emulate Markle's look this fall and winter. 

Shop Other Banana Republic Shirt Dresses

Meghan Markle has once again reminded us that we should all be sticking to the classics in our closet. While in Germany supporting her husband, Prince Harry, at the Invictus Games, Markle wore the best transitional fall ensemble—a silk blouse and coordinating trousers. The pieces that the California native wears are prone to selling out as soon as she's photographed in them, but this is not one of those times. The piece is still available to shop and is well worth the investment. 

The silk shirt in question is the Dani Blouse by celebrity and editor-adored California-based brand L'AGENCE. Markle wore the top—made from 100 percent silk, comes in a multitude of neutral and jewel-toned hues, and features an easy three-quarter length sleeve—in a mid-toned brown shade called "Fawn." Sticking to her signature monochromatic style, she teamed the button-down shirt with a pair of straight-leg linen trousers in a similar hue. She finished the ensemble with a coordinating pair of pointed-toe heels from Manolo Blahnik and a classic gold Cartier Tank watch. 

Markle is in Germany this week supporting her husband at the sixth-annual Invictus Games, a sporting event the Duke founded in 2014. After arriving late to the games this year, Markle has kept her looks on the classic side of things thus far. She has opted for fall outfit essentials like cream-colored blazers, little black dresses, and button-downs like the one from L'AGENCE. 

But she's not the only A-lister who has donned L'AGENCE lately. Celebrities like Taylor Swift, Olivia Culpo, and Lili Reinhart are all brand fans. Reinhart has previously worn the Dani Blouse, except she opted for a bright pink colorway rather than Markle's brown hue. 

Ahead, shop The Dani Blouse in "Fawn" and several other wearable colorways. Few other pieces can seamlessly fit in your wardrobe to the office or on a day off, like the perfect silk blouse, and this one is a significant investment to buy ahead of the fall season. 

Shop Other L'AGENCE Pieces

A body language expert says that Meghan Markle wanted to show the closeness between herself and her husband, Prince Harry, as both appeared onstage for a rare joint speech at an Invictus Games event last night, per The Daily Mail.

Meghan touched down in Dusseldorf, Germany—where the sixth iteration of the Games, founded in 2014, are being held—late yesterday afternoon and did her own hair and makeup before getting onstage alongside Harry just a couple of hours after her arrival in the city. Last night’s event was a private event for Invictus Games competitors and their families and friends and, body language expert Judi James said, her mannerisms suggested “excitement and energy.” During her off-the-cuff speech, Meghan mentioned that she was a few days late to the Games, which kicked off last Saturday, because she was in Montecito, California—where she and her family now call home—looking after her two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

“Meghan walked onstage alone and seemed surprised to find Harry wasn’t behind or beside her,” James said of Meghan’s appearance onstage last night. “A small hair preen suggested she needed him there, and she looked back to seek him out, suggesting it was important to her that they appear side-by-side together. When Harry did join her, it was Meghan stepping to stand close beside him, linking her hand into his arm in a gesture of attachment and fondness while he performed a solo gesture by rubbing his hands and grinning at the audience. After talking about their ‘little ones’ and after Harry’s beam of pride in response, he steps away from Meghan slightly, performing a small cough. Meghan subtly steps sideways towards him, though, again showing a desire for established, continual closeness. She adopts a mirrored pose with one leg out to signal like-mindedness, too.”

James continued “The Duchess also references ‘my husband’ with affection, putting a hand out towards Harry in a loving reference. When Meghan finishes her speech, she literally hands over to Harry, throwing both hands out to signal it’s his turn to speak. Meghan moves in closer to Harry as he speaks, performing a face-gaze that looks flattering and adoring.”

An aide said Meghan did her own hair and makeup inside her Dusseldorf hotel room in about an hour, per The Daily Mail. The outlet also reported that Meghan’s usual makeup artist, Daniel Martin, was celebrating his anniversary with husband Randall Stattler in Mexico so was unavailable; her go-to hair stylist, George Northwood, appeared to be working with Alexa Chung at the opening of the Vogue World Newsstand at Selfridges London, so was also not onsite. “While a working member of the royal family, Meghan would often do her own hair and makeup,” the outlet reports. A source told Us Weekly back in 2019—before the couple’s step back from being working members of the royal family in January 2020—“She just likes doing her own makeup. Meghan has her makeup done for some special occasions but likes to do it herself.”

The Daily Express cited fans as impressed with Meghan’s “straight to work” attitude after a long day of travel, which began at 6 p.m. California time on Monday, September 11, when she arrived at LAX. After a brief 90-minute layover at London’s Heathrow Airport, Meghan flew into Dusseldorf, arriving at the hotel around 4:40 p.m. Tuesday, September 12. Within a couple of hours, she had done her own hair and makeup and was onstage addressing some 1,600 guests at the reception, which lasted two hours. Then today, Meghan was at competition alongside Harry. “Massive respect to Meghan,” one fan wrote, per The Daily Express. “12-13 hour flight from LA, with a change in London. One hour after arrival @WeAreInvictus she is changed and looking fabulous.” Another added “She is such a team player because I would have been dead on my feet after that long flight and then attending a reception that same evening.”

Meghan Markle has arrived! After touching down in Dusseldorf, Germany late yesterday afternoon—and almost immediately going straight to work, delivering a speech alongside husband Prince Harry for Invictus Games competitors and their families and friends—Meghan joined Harry in the stands for Wednesday’s competitions at the Games, wearing a pair of shorts from Staud and a J.Crew sweater. Demand for the Giselle V-Neck Sweater Blazer was so high that it, at least temporarily, crashed the brand’s site. (Both the shorts and the sweater cost less than $200.) She paired the look with two-tone Chanel ballet flats, which are a little pricier at $1,350.

Her dress from last night’s speech is also affordable: It’s the Banana Republic Factory dress, and it retails for just $70 right now (it was originally $140).

Per The Daily Mail, Meghan was given a “rock star welcome” as she arrived for her first day of watching competition: “Crowds leapt to their feet to cheer and applaud the Duchess of Sussex, who seemed taken aback by the rapturous welcome and took her seat in the Merkur Spiel Arena,” the outlet reports. Meghan “beamed with delight and waved to the crowd and punched her hands in the air.”

After competition ended, Harry and Meghan were “swamped by fans who wanted to have their photo taken with them”; speaking to Australian competitor Laura Reynell, Meghan spoke about her two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, who remain behind at their home in California. “She was so nice and was talking about her kids,” Reynell said. “She said the kids are excited about Invictus, but they are a bit too young to understand.”

Not only is Meghan Markle in Dusseldorf, Germany—home of the sixth iteration of the Invictus Games, founded by her husband, Prince Harry—but, just a few hours after her arrival, she took the stage to give a joint speech alongside Harry, per The Mirror. The joint speech—a rarity for the couple—honed in on the importance of “coming together,” the outlet reports.

The pair spoke in front of about 1,600 Invictus Games competitors and their families and friends, and Meghan spoke without notes and thanked all of the attendees for their support. Wearing a Banana Republic dress and a Bottega Veneta belt, The Mirror reports she “styled her own hair and did her own makeup for the event.”

Meghan said it was very “special” to be in Germany with them, adding “I’m really, really proud to be part of this Invictus family with all of you. I’m grateful for all of you that are here.” Harry too thanked those who are taking part in the Games—after applauding his wife, he said “First, to the friends and family that are here, I understand that a lot of the competitors are hopefully sleeping after a very long day. But this is your chance to connect with each other, because everyone here is in a different phase of their healing process, whether as an individual or as a family. The fact of the matter is, everybody in this room has some form of a shared experience, so use this moment to connect with each other. Swap photos, swap numbers.”

The “relaxed and informal” private reception with Invictus Games competitors and their family and friends was also attended by the mayor of Dusseldorf and included music, entertainment, and traditional German food, The Mirror reports.

Meghan—who said in her speech “I’m sorry that I was a little late to the party,” referencing her arrival on day four of the Games—said of her reason for not being there from the beginning “I just had to spend a little more time getting our little ones settled at home, putting milkshakes for their school drop-off, and then I just landed a couple hours ago and I am thrilled that the first event that I can do for Invictus is here with all of you. It is amazing and I hear the week so far has gotten off to a good start, is that right?”

She added that she and Harry “can’t wait to one day be able to bring our kids along also so they can experience just how amazing this is.”