Meghan Markle and Prince Harry reunited at a glittering Invictus Games hotel party last night, with the duchess taking center stage and giving an impromptu speech to hundreds of military veterans.
The Duke of Sussex, who was last pictured with his wife at a Beyoncé concert in California on September 1, faded into the background as Meghan discussed her parenting duties and praised competitors.
She spoke of receiving “a few gifts” from the Canadian team that attended the games in Düsseldorf, including a bracelet engraved with the initials of a former staff member who was unable to attend the event.
She acknowledged missing the opening days of the Games in Germany, saying she spent time with her children Prince Archie, four, and Princess Lilibet, two, at the couple’s Montecito villa before flying out.
Meghan talked about picking up milkshakes with the little ones and picking up her eldest from school in Los Angeles before hopping on a jet to the games.
Meghan Markle was at the center of a lavish party in the Düsseldorf hotel
It is the first time Harry and Meghan have been seen together at the Games
Meghan wore a black Banana Republic dress, a Bottega Veneta belt and Aquazarra shoes
Duchess of Sussex meets Glory Essien at the Invictus Games
Prince Harry, who launched the competition in 2014, took a back seat as Meghan took the spotlight
In an emotional speech to 1,600 friends and family members of the participants at the Düsseldorf hotel, the Duchess said: “I am really proud to be part of this Invictus family with all of you.” I am grateful for everyone who is here.
“We also got a few gifts from the Canadian team, we got a wristband and on that wristband they put the initials of one of the guys who didn’t make it here tonight.”
“I’m sorry I was a little late to the party,” she added. “Just like so many of you, this is about family and friends and the community that Invictus has created, that Fisher House has created, so I just had to spend a little bit more time at home, boarding our little ones, getting milkshakes and things to do. “I left school and then landed a few hours ago.”
A source close to the couple said Meghan did not read from a prepared speech but spoke extemporaneously.
Aides said Meghan, 42, did her own hair and makeup shortly after arriving at her five-star hotel in Düsseldorf and was ready for the event in just over an hour.
The event will be hosted by Dave Coker of the Fisher House Foundation, a major sponsor of the games.
Representatives from the Invictus Games Foundation were also present.
The mayor of Düsseldorf, Dr. Stephan Keller, was at the event where the Duke and Duchess of Sussex mingled with the families.
The two-hour event featured traditional German cuisine and in the evening there was music and entertainment.
Meghan was loudly cheered as she took the stage in a conference hall next to Düsseldorf Airport
Before taking the stage, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex met with friends and families of the attendees
Meghan and Harry pictured at the Invictus Games this evening
Prince Harry mostly faded into the background during his wife’s speech, but said a few words at the end when she handed him the microphone
Meghan hugs Glory Essien as she meets competitors, friends and families
During her acceptance speech at the Invictus Games, Meghan made a sweet nod to her children Archie and Lillibet
She also said that one day she would like to bring her children to the event so they can experience it for themselves.
Meghan, wearing a black Banana Republic dress, a Bottega Veneta belt and Aquazarra shoes, stood side by side with Harry as she took the stage in a conference hall next to Düsseldorf Airport to loud cheers.
She told the 1,600 guests: “It’s so special to be here. I’m sorry I’m a little late to the party.”
“I had to spend a little more time getting our little ones home and dropping them off.
“Three milkshakes and a school drop off and I just landed a few hours ago and I’m excited that the first event I can do for Invictus is here with you all.” “It’s great and I’ve heard it so far got off to a good start.”
As the crowd cheered, Harry beamed and clapped enthusiastically.
Meghan took an evening flight from Los Angeles and, after a short stopover at Heathrow, flew on to Düsseldorf.
Meghan told the audience that she visited a Fisher House in Los Angeles a few weeks ago and was “moved” by what she saw. The organization helps veterans and their families and is a major sponsor of the Invictus Games.
Meghan beamed as she gave her impromptu speech at the games this evening
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex meet with competitors and their friends and family
Harry took the microphone after his wife joked he was a “man of few words” tonight
In the speech, Meghan told the 1,600 guests: “It’s so special to be here. I’m sorry I’m a little late to the party.”
She said: “You understand, just as my husband did at previous Invictus Games, how important rehabilitation is, not just as an individual experience but as a family.”
“I am very proud of the Invictus family that is here.
“Like so many of you, you know this is about friends and family and creating the community of Invictus and Fisher House.”
Meghan said she received some gifts and was wearing a pearl bracelet she received.
She raised her arm to loud cheers and said the initials of someone who couldn’t make the game had been engraved on it.
“So many people at home are keeping their fingers crossed for you.” Thank you very much and we look forward to a fantastic week. I can’t wait to bring our kids one day so they can experience how amazing it is.”
Harry took the microphone after his wife joked that he was “a man of few words tonight.”
Harry greeted friends and family and noted that participants were likely resting after a day of competition.
He encouraged those in attendance to exchange phone numbers and photos so they could connect as part of the healing process.
Meghan pictured herself smiling as she posed for a photo with a beaming Glory Essien
Harry greeted friends and family and noted that participants were likely resting after a day of competition
The Duchess of Sussex is beaming after arriving at Düsseldorf Airport this afternoon
Before taking the stage, the couple met with a number of participants and family members of those participating in the Games.
They presented the Duke and Duchess with a number of gifts, including books, a bracelet and a medal, which Prince Harry told Meghan to keep and bring with them.
The books were gifted to the Duke by Jayson Hooker, husband of Ainsley Hooker, a competitor.
When he met Jayson, Harry joked to Meghan: “I grabbed them (the books) and went to grab his beard and he was weirdly okay with it,” and the group laughed.
Mari-liis Hull from Estonia also met the royal couple. Her husband competes in the 1500 and rowing. She thanked the Duchess for her support; To which she replied, “It’s so nice to meet you.”
Meghan then met Nigerian competitor Glory Essien, who exclaimed upon meeting the Duchess: “You are my Nigerian sister!”
Meghan squealed and hugged her tightly.
Harry revealed at the opening ceremony that his wife cheered for the African nation when he found out she is 43% Nigerian.
Prince Harry faded into the background, letting his wife take the spotlight as he stood next to her
Nigeria was the focus of this year’s Invictus Games as it is the first African country to ever compete.
When meeting Prince Harry and Meghan, Jenny Charles from the British team said:
“Without Harry, the Invictus Games wouldn’t exist and it was an honor to meet him and Meghan.” Training for the Games over the last six months has given my husband Charlie a sense of purpose and the whole family has seen such a change in him .
“The Games have given me my husband back.” As we chatted, Harry joked that, as a former Marine, it was no surprise that Charlie takes part in all the swimming events! Harry remembered him when he met him the other day and he wished him good luck in his events tomorrow. “It was a very special meeting that I will not forget.”