12 September 2023 , 19:00
729
0
has revealed why she arrived at the Invictus Games two days after Prince Harry - and it’s a very touching reason.
The Duchess of Sussex , September 12, to at the Invictus Games. arrived in Dusseldorf this afternoon and was spotted beaming as she headed to reunite with Prince Harry, who has been there
The couple made a rare joint appearance at the games - which were founded by Harry - and Meghan explained to the crowd why she hadn’t arrived alongside her husband.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle gave speeches at the Friends and Family party (Getty Images for the Invictus Ga)Many had expected the pair to arrive together - given this is one of Harry's main annual events - but like many busy parents, the couple had a very relatable reason that Meghan stayed behind.
"Hi everybody, it is so special to be here and I'm sorry that I was a little late to the party.
Oprah Winfrey snubs Harry and Meghan as expert claims 'the tide has turned'
"Just like so many of you, we know this is about family and friends and the community that Invictus has created and the Fisher House has created.
"I had to spend a little more time getting our little ones settled at home and get them to drop off.
"Three milkshakes and a school drop off and I just landed a couple of hours ago and I am thrilled that the first event I can do for Invictus is here with all of you. It is amazing and I hear it has got off to a good start so far."
Meghan Markle apologised to attendees at the Friends @ Home Event at the Invictus Games for being late (Getty Images for the Invictus Ga)"So a huge thank you for this amazing event that Fisher House has put on. I was really fortunate to go and visit one of the houses in Los Angeles just a couple of weeks ago and I was so moved by everything that they do because they understand, as you do, as my husband does in creating the Invictus Games, how much the value of rehabilitation matters, not just as a solitary experience, but as a family.
She went on to talk of gifts she had received, including one from the Canadian team. She explained that one of the members of Team Canada gave her a bracelet, saying: "And on that bracelet, they put the initials of one of the people who wasn't able to make it here tonight. And there's so many people that we know back home who are rooting for all of you and even if they can't be here with you they are with you in spirit.
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex meet friends and family members of competitors at the airport during day three of the Invictus Games (Getty Images for the Invictus Ga)"So thank you all, and thank you to this amazing band for the party. And we just look forward to such a fantastic week. Have the best time, we're going to be cheering for you, and we can't wait to one day be able to bring our kids along also so they can experience just how amazing this is. Thank you guys so, so much."
She then goes to hand the microphone to Prince Harry, who initially appears to shy away, commenting: "And my husband is a man of few words this evening, do you want to say anything?" Before the Duke takes the microphone.
He said: "You don't need to hear from me again. Most of you just want to eat food which is also fantastic. Most of the friends and family are here, I understand that most of the competitors are hopefully sleeping after a very long day. But this is your chance to connect with each other because everyone here is in a different phase of their healing process, whether it's as an individual or as a family. The fact of the matter is, everybody in this room has some form of a shared experience So use this moment to connect with each other swap photos swap numbers you can airdrop photos now... have a wonderful evening."