Meghan Markle and Prince Harry close the 2023 Invictus Games.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped out in Düsseldorf, Germany on Saturday for the closing event of the sixth edition of the Invictus Games. Prince Harry, who served in the British Army for 10 years and served two tours of duty in Afghanistan, devised the Paralympics-style competition for injured, sick and wounded soldiers and veterans, with the first event held in 2014.
Harry (39) and Meghan (42) looked glamorous for this occasion. Harry was dressed in a black suit with a black shirt underneath, while Meghan wore a strapless green dress with delicate laser-cut floral detailing. At one point, the pair could be seen cheering and clapping as the US team took the stage as Bruce Springsteen’s hit “Born in the USA” played.
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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attended the closing ceremony of the 2023 Invictus Games.
Chris Jackson/Getty
As the ceremony drew to a close, Harry gave a short but emotional speech, first speaking in German about how Games competitors have inspired people around the world. “We have all witnessed the real impact sport has had on your recovery. But you will never truly know the effect your actions this week have had on millions of people around the world,” he said.
“You opened people’s hearts, through your vulnerability, through your resilience and your sheer ability. You showed us that joy can come from struggle.”
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Meghan Markle and Prince Harry attended the closing ceremony of the 2023 Invictus Games.
Chris Jackson/Getty
It’s been a busy week for the couple. Prince Harry kicked off the event solo by taking the stage at the opening ceremony and giving an inspirational speech. The Duke of Sussex asked those present to look at their current uniforms, noting that they may not be camouflage, that they are “part of the team again” and “surrounded by people who know what it means to serve, who have a good idea of what it takes to get here, who see and know you and who respect you through your shared experience.”
After Harry toured the competitions on Monday and Tuesday before reuniting with his wife for a party for family and friends on Tuesday night.
“It’s so special to be here and I’m so sorry I’m a little late to the party. Like many of you, we know it’s about family and friends and the community that Invictus created, that Fischer House created, so I had to spend a little more time to get our little ones home,” the Duchess of Sussex said in a speech, according to Hello!. “I get a milkshake, I go to school and then I landed a few hours ago. I am delighted that the first event I can organize with Invictus is here with you all.”
During the week, Meghan and Harry engaged in all sorts of sporting activities, from wheelchair basketball to swimming. They quickly posed for selfies with competitors and spectators, and the pair shared medals at several events.
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Friday was a special occasion: Prince Harry’s 39th birthday! At the sitting volleyball match between Poland and Germany, he was serenaded with a performance of the song “Happy Birthday”.
On the morning of his birthday, the Invictus Games organizers also sent Prince Harry some online wishes — along with a fun picture on social media.
They wrote: “From all of us in @InvictusGamesDEsincere HAPPY BIRTHDAY founder and patron @WeAreInvictus, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex. You have given hope, inspired millions and never cease to put a smile on people’s faces.”
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Despite stepping back from his royal roles in 2020, the Invictus Games is one project that Prince Harry has carried with him. The event also holds special significance for Meghan and Harry as a couple – they first appeared together in public at the event in 2017, when the Games were held in Toronto.
Meghan continued to support her husband’s event, accompanying him when the Invictus Games were held in Sydney in 2018 and again in The Hague last spring.
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Source: HIS Education