Meghan Markle and Prince Harry all smiles and hugs as Germans welcome royal pair

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex watching children on the basketball court at the Merkur Spiel-Arena during the Invictus Games in Dusseldorf, Germany

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex watching children on the basketball court at the Merkur Spiel-Arena during the Invictus Games in Dusseldorf, Germany

PA
Jack Walters

By Jack Walters


Published: 13/09/2023

- 14:07

Updated: 14/09/2023

- 08:08

The Duke and Duchess are in Dusseldorf for the latest edition of the Invictus Games

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry were all smiles and hugs as the pair received a warm reception at the Invictus Games in Dusseldorf earlier today.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex made their first joint appearance at the sporting event as they watched courtside at the Merkur Spiel-Arena.


Supporters gave the couple a rapturous reception, with members of the crowd giving them a standing ovation.

Meghan and Harry posed for selfies with fans during their visit.

Prince Harry standing courtside in Dusseldorf

Prince Harry standing courtside in Dusseldorf

PA

However, it was the Duchess who stole the show as her husband took a backward step.

The 42-year-old was mobbed by fans wanting to get a snap.

The mother-of-two also beamed with delight as she waved the crowd and punched the air.

Australians in the crowd were particularly happy as Meghan hugged supporters seated in her row.

Meghan Markle seated in a sea of Australian supporters

Meghan Markle seated in a sea of Australian supporters

PA

The Duchess bonded with Australian competitor Laura Reynell, 28, as the pair spoke about her beanie hat.

She said: "Meghan thought it was funny I was wearing the beanie and asked if I was cold. I told her I'm from Oz and always cold."

Reynell added: "She was so nice and was talking about her kids.

"She said the kids are excited about Invictus but they are a bit too young to understand."

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex watching children on the basketball court at the Merkur Spiel-Arena during the Invictus Games in Dusseldorf, Germany.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex watching children on the basketball court at the Merkur Spiel-Arena during the Invictus Games in Dusseldorf, Germany.

PA

The Duchess of Sussex was also given a warm welcome by a group of fans who started chanting her name.

Meghan and Harry presented medals to participants as Queen's 'We Are The Champions' was played throughout the arena.

Prince Harry was joined by his wife last night as Meghan needed to do the school run.

She said: "I'm sorry that I was a little late to the party.

"Just like so many of you this is about family and friends and the community that Invictus has created, that Fisher House has created, so I just had to spend a little bit more time at home getting our little ones settled, getting milkshakes, doing school drop off, and then I landed a couple of hours ago."

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