Meghan and Harry announce trip to Europe - but timing is bittersweet

02 August 2023 , 20:00

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Meghan and Harry announce trip to Europe - but timing is bittersweet

Meghan Markle will join her husband Prince Harry at this year's Invictus Games.

It has been announced that both the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be in attendance at the event in Düsseldorf in September. The contest, which is a Paralympic-style event for servicemen and women, was founded by the prince and will take place between September 9-16 - just one day after the first anniversary of the late Queen's death.

It will be the couple's first appearance together in public for a number of months, although on Wednesday they did release a video together on their Archewell Foundation website. The clip saw the duo congratulate the lucky members of the The Archewell Foundation on their award as members of the Youth Power Fund advisory committee.

Meghan Markle will attend the Invictus Games (Getty Images)

German newspaper Rheinische Post, reports Meghan is set to moderate a farewell show for families and competitors on the last day of the Games. It's said it will be a "very emotional" occasion, and claims Harry will give the closing speech. It's not yet clear whether the couple will bring their two children, Archie and Lilibet, with them, or if they will visit the UK while they're in Europe.

Meghan Markle will join her husband in Dusseldorf (Getty Images)

Harry and Meghan were both in attendance last year too, but it wasn't revealed whether this year would be any different. Last year, the couple visited the city for an official launch event for the contest. While there, they met with a number of officials and potential competitors, as well as members of the athletes' friends and family.

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In 2014, Harry played an instrumental role in bringing the Games to the UK. During that occasion, 300 competitors from 13 countries took part. It was the first of its kind and held in London. It's said a trip to the Warrior Games a year earlier was the inspiration behind the set up of the Games.

The contest also marked the first official time Harry and Meghan were spotted together. The duo made their first public appearance together at the event almost five years ago. It's thought Harry is now planning to film a series surrounding the contest for Netflix.

Speaking to Entertainment Tonight last month, a Netflix spokesperson said: "Our exciting journey with them [Harry and Meghan] isn't ending anytime soon. We're currently collaborating on numerous projects, including the much-anticipated documentary series Heart of Invictus."

Jamie Roberts