Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are closing out the 2023 Invictus Games.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped out on Saturday in Düsseldorf, Germany, for the final event of the sixth edition of the Invictus Games. Prince Harry, who served in the British Army for 10 years and served two tours in Afghanistan, created the Paralympics-style competition for injured, sick and wounded service personnel and veterans, with the first event taking place in 2014.
Harry, 39, and Meghan, 42, looked glamorous for the occasion. Harry was clad in a black suit with a black dress shirt underneath, and Meghan wore a green strapless dress with delicate laser-cut flower details. At one point, the couple could be seen cheering and clapping as the U.S. team walked onto the stage as Bruce Springsteen’s hit “Born in the USA” played.
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As the ceremony drew to a close, Harry delivered a short, but emotional speech, first speaking in German about how the games’ competitors have inspired people around the world. “We’ve all witnessed the true impact sport has had on your recovery. But you will never truly know the impact your actions this week have had on millions of people around the world,” he said.
“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.”
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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 inspiring speech. The Duke of Sussex asked those in attendance to look at their current uniforms, noting that they may not be camouflage, they are “once again part of a team” and are “surrounded by people who know what it means to serve, who have a good idea of what it’s taken to get here, who see and know you, and who respect you through your shared experience.”
After Harry made his way around the competitions on Monday and Tuesday before reuniting with his wife at the Family & Friends party on Tuesday evening.
“It is so special to be here, and I’m so sorry that I was a little late for the party. Just like so many of you, we know this is about family and friends and the community that Invictus has created, that Fischer House has created, and so I had to just spend a little bit more time getting our little ones settled home,” the Duchess of Sussex said in a speech, according to Hello!. “Getting milk shakes, doing school drop off and then I just landed a couple of hours ago. I am thrilled that the first event that I can do with Invictus is here with all of you.”
Meghan and Harry took in all the sporting action during the week, from wheelchair basketball to swimming. They were quick to pose for selfies with competitors and spectators alike, and the couple handed out medals at several events.
Friday was an extra special occasion: Prince Harry’s 39th birthday! At the sitting volleyball game between Poland and Germany, he was serenaded with a rendition of “Happy Birthday.”
On the morning of his birthday, the Invictus Games organizers also sent Prince Harry some online wishes — complete with a fun social media picture.
They wrote, “From all of us at the @InvictusGamesDE, a heartfelt HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the founder and patron of @WeAreInvictus, Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex. You’ve given hope, inspired millions and never stop putting a smile on peoples faces.”
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Despite stepping back from their royal roles in 2020, the Invictus Games is one project that Prince Harry carried with him. The event also has extra special meaning to Meghan and Harry as a couple — they made their first public appearance together at the event in 2017, when the Games were held in Toronto.
Meghan was 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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