The sixth Invictus Games commenced on the 9th September in Dusseldorf, Germany with its star-studded opening ceremony. Taking place at the MERKUR SPIEL-ARENA, the show featured a musical performance from Macklemore.
Following his performance, Macklemore teased on Instagram: “2,000 shares and me and Harry will drop our album. Please name the group”! Accompanied by an image of himself and the Duke of Sussex.
The Duke of Sussex addressed the competitors and fans at the opening ceremony, drawing inspiration from his own experience as a veteran.
“In your joy, in your happiness, in your achievement, we all benefit.”
Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex
Despite intense media scrutiny following their decision to step back from official Royal duties, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex proved this week why they’ll remain the Royal Family’s biggest mistake.
A light and breezy Harry was joined by an elegant Meghan on day four of the games and had fans swooning around the world.
Reunited at last; the dynamic-duo debunked any rumours of a marital rift and ‘irrelevance’, that have floated around the British Press cycle for the past few weeks – one Royal expert commenting:
“Ultimately when Meghan turns up press interest soars and there is more coverage, that’s the way it is. It’s the same with the Prince and Princess of Wales; when Kate turns up at an event with William it becomes a leading news story”.
Royal Commentator for Vanity Fair.
In high spirits, Harry and Meghan attended a wheelchair basketball match between Australia and Ukraine; they were seen laughing, joking and posing for pictures with fans!
The Duke of Sussex received a classic gift from the Australian Invictus team, an Invictus budgie smuggler!
Whilst recording her award-winning podcast, Archetypes, Meghan Markle revealed that she had recently discovered her 43% Nigerian heritage… Nobody was happier to hear this than the Nigerian team as they took her under their wing!
Harry joked to the Nigerian team:
“Now, I’m not saying we play favourites in our home, but since my wife discovered she’s of Nigerian descent, it’s likely to get a little bit more competitive this year,”
Prince Harry referencing Meghan’s heritage.
Following Meghan’s arrival, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex continued to attend a slew of competitions together; including the swimming finals.
The Duchess of Sussex was seen engaging with a crowd of young fans; in a sweet exchange Meghan was introduced to competitors’ family members.
The pair were captured sharing a sweet moment as they both sang along to Neil Diamond’s ‘Sweet Caroline’; whilst in the audience.
During the games, the couple took a time out to meet with NATO chiefs as they highlighted their global influence. This comes as Prince William is set to meet with the UN in New York, next week.
Later on the same day, Harry and Meghan could be seen sharing a loving embrace as they engaged with fans in the bleachers of the stadium.
The Duchess of Sussex took time out of her day to read to children at ‘the kids reading hour’, during day seven of the Invictus Games.
Sheer energy, laughs and smiles – Harry and Meghan wrapped up the 2023 Invictus Games with an emotional end. Harry addressed the competitors at the closing ceremony.
Perhaps referencing his estranged family, Harry tells competitors “I’m here to remind you that after all this, you don’t need to rely on a uniform… nor should you ever feel lost without one”. This comes after the Royal Family’s decision to strip Harry of the right to wear his military uniform, despite completing two tours of duty in Afghanistan. After Harry’s emotional address at the closing ceremony, the Duchess of Sussex was seen planting a gentle kiss on his shoulder for comfort!
The closing ceremony was no exception from the rest of the games, as musical performances from Rita Ora and Sam Ryder rocked the stadium.
Harry and Meghan were pictured backstage before the ceremony with Rita Ora and Sam Ryder.
Over in the United Kingdom, the Prince and Princess of Wales attended a primary school camping trip in Hereford. This trip was made after the Royal Family loudly snubbed Prince Harry’s 39th Birthday.
After a week of packed events, laughs and even some authentic German lager; it would seem that stuffy blazers are no match for the Sussexes’ stardom!
J.K Hunter 
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