Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attended the opening ceremony of the Invictus Games, this Saturday, April 16 in the Netherlands. An event during which the couple exchanged a tender kiss on the stage.
This is the first public appearance of Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, together in Europe since their exile in the United States, more than two years ago. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex traveled to the Netherlands, after a whirlwind trip to the UK to visit Queen Elizabeth II. This Saturday, April 16, they participated in the opening ceremony of the Invictus Games, a competition that is particularly close to Prince Harry’s heart. It is Meghan Markle who first intervened on the stage. She paid a beautiful tribute to the son of Prince Charles before welcoming him and exchanging a tender kiss with him.
Meghan Markle highlighted the hard work of the father of her two children, Archie and Lilibet, to organize the competition, which has been canceled twice due to the Covid-19 pandemic. “He spent a lot of time preparing these games to make them as perfect as possible for everyone,” she said, as reported by The Express. She added: “I couldn’t love and respect him more, and I know you all feel the same way, as he is your comrade in arms, having served two tours in Afghanistan and ten years of military service. He is the founder of the Invictus Games and the father of our two little ones, Archie and Lili. Please welcome my incredible husband, Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex.” Upon arriving on stage, Prince Harry, who received a standing ovation from the audience, tenderly kissed his wife before she left the stage.
Prince Harry pays tribute to the Ukrainian Invictus Games team
The Duke of Sussex then took the floor. A speech during which he particularly welcomed the presence of the Ukrainian team whose country is currently affected by the war and recently lost one of theirs during this conflict. “We cannot stress enough the courage you have shown in choosing to come and being here tonight,” he said. He continued, “You told me when you decided to join us against all odds that you were coming to this world stage not only to show your strength, but to tell your truth. The truth about what is happening in your country.” Prince Harry concluded by reiterating his support for the Ukrainian people, “You know that we stand with you, that the world is united with you, and yet you deserve more. My hope is that this event creates the opportunity and [shows] how we, as a global community, can better support you.”
Photo credit: Chown Aaron/PA Photos/ABACA