Prince Harry and Meghan Markle arrived to cheers and applause at the Invictus Games in the Netherlands on Friday – with their Netflix film crew in tow to capture every moment.
Crew members of the streaming giant made sure they stood out among the hundreds of photographers documenting the Sussexes’ arrival. The sound recordist, producer and cameraman wore maroon-coloured bibs that had numbers.
MailOnline has learned that Harry and Meghan attended the event on yellow carpet. However, MailOnline received a report from a source saying that Harry and Meghan decided not to go.
The local authorities granted them ‘VVIP status’, which gives them the highest level of protection. This will be interpreted as an attempt by Harry to explain his non-attendance last month at Prince Philip’s funeral service at Westminster Abbey.
After critics accused them of “cashing in” on the Games, they allowed Netflix to use their $100 million deal. In private meetings
Some fear they are also ‘exploiting the Queen’, saying their trip this week for top-secret ‘clear the air talks’ with the monarch and Prince Charles was to please their American producers.
A documentary about the Games – entitled Heart of Invictus – will be the first documentary series to be co-produced by Netflix with the Duke and Duchess’s own company, Archewell Productions.
Harry and Meghan were spotted with the Ukrainian team after their arrival at the Games. The tournament, which started in 2014, is held every year to honor injured veterans. However, it was forced to halt for two years due to the outbreak of the coronavirus virus pandemic.
Harry wore a navy blue suit and a white open-collared shirt. Meghan opted for a sleek white pantsuit with matching accessories, a matching handbag and a gold accessory.
Competitors waited more than an hour to see Beaming Meghan and gasped in admiration.
“She looks amazing and it is so pleasant to see her smiling so many times,” said one family member at the event.
They were cheered on as they marched to the reception.
Harry tenderly placed his hand on Meghan’s back as they stood chatting outside the reception tent, where they were joined by the Mayor of The Hague Jan Van Zanen.
Harry took his wife to the marquee and as he led her inside, a great cheer could be heard from all around.
When Team USA cheered Meghan, she flashed a bright smile and waved.
The couple made their way to the stage and tried their best in front of cheering guests. Harry then gave a brief speech, welcoming all the contestants. Meghan watched on.
One member of the Great Britain team said: ‘It was nice to see Harry and Meghan, but there were so many people inside it was hard to hear the speech.’
This was the couple’s first time outside the US since they separated from the royal family in 2020.
Prince Harry, Meghan and Duchess Of Sussex attended a reception prior to the Invictus Game’s start
Harry smiled broadly as he made his way to the reception tent, waving and smiling while he met dignitaries at the event.
All smiles. Meghan raised a hand of appreciation to veterans and servicemen for their applause as they appeared.
Meghan, Duchess Of Sussex, donned a white suit to a reception before the Invictus Games began today
Meghan reached out to Harry and Harry as they arrived for the event.
Meghan wore a white bag with gold chains and carried a handbag.
The admiration of competitors for Beaming Meghan was contagious. They had waited nearly an hour to witness her arrival in the evening sunlight.
The Netflix film crew joins Harry and Meghan in The Hague’s Zuiderpark on Friday
Netflix’s crew (pictured), stood out among the hundreds of photographers photographing their arrival. Sound recordist, cameraman and producer all wore maroon colored bibs with numbers.
Before a glittery reception, Harry & Meghan had a deep conversation on the yellow carpet.
They headed towards the yellow carpet at the Invictus Games venue in The Hague, Netherlands
The Mayor of The Hague Jan Van Zanen joined the couple and they spoke for several minutes.
Harry and Meghan at the Invictus Games in The Hague on the Yellow Carpet
The Mayor of The Hague Jan Van Zanen spoke to them before they entered the marquee to huge applause and cheers
Meghan wore a bright white jacket and trousers while Harry wore a suit with open neck shirt, as they head to the Invictus Games reception for competitors and families
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle arrive at Sportcampus Zuiderpark in The Hague (Netherlands) ahead of Invictus games 2022
Harry and Meghan are seen arriving at Sportcampus Zumiderpark, The Hague in the Netherlands ahead of InvictusGames 2022
Harry is seen in smart navy blue suits and can be seen looking earnest while holding a book. Meghan smiles further back.
Harry and Meghan had to spend about an hour at reception before heading to their private residence.
Meghan is due to fly back to California Monday. Harry will be there until the final games, where he’ll give a closing speech.
On Saturday, the couple will participate in a driving test and the closing ceremony at Zuiderpark.
Earlier today, Ukrainian Oleg Karpenko said: ‘You just look who is here with us The Prince himself with a calendar.
“The Invictus Games Ukraine Team will soon begin winning medals at these competitions. Proud.’
This calendar was created by Come Back Alive NGO, who is trying to raise funds for the Ukrainian Army in the midst of the Russian Invasion.
Tweeted the NGO: “The foundation presented Prince Harry his calendar, The Real Scale. The calendar was presented by our colleagues to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex at the Invictus Games Meeting in Hague.
It came hours after footage emerged of a blacked-out van and 4×4 leaving Windsor Castle on the same day Harry and Meghan snuck in for an incognito visit with Prince Charles and the Queen – sparking speculation they were on board.
Yesterday’s convoy was preceded by two motorcyclists from the police, who were possibly acting as security guards for the couple.
Harry has previously said that he won’t be returning to the UK until he is under full police protection.
The crew of Netflix filmmakers who were expected to follow Harry and Harry for their docu-series was not visible.
Meghan has a necklace bracelet wrapped around her left hand, and on her right finger. This highlights her rings.
Meghan paired her white suit pants, blazer, and handbag, with gold accessories like a watch and chain bracelet.
While they cheer and take photos of the couple upon their arrival, she gives them a friendly wave.
Harry points to the crowd cheering him on as he heads towards the reception.
An expanded view of the meeting revealed that the Royal engaged in deep conversation and was listening attentively to the guest.
Harry and Meghan photographed at Global Citizen Live in New York (USA), September 25, 2021
Two police motorcyclists were on the front of the van as it travelled down Windsor High Street. A four-by-4 behind was also present, possibly in a security escort.
MailOnline was informed by Tom Bower, Meghan’s acid-penned biographer, that he labelled the Sussexes “the Royal Family’s worst translators” and claimed the couple exploited an old woman in order to increase their credibility and bankroll.
Netflix sent a camera crew to follow Harry and Meghan when they met the Ukraine team for their documentary about the Paralympic-style games.
ROyal experts predict that Netflix will give the couple VVIP status, which they can use to show their support as they cope with the aftermath from last year’s embarrassing interview with Oprah.
When Mr Bower was asked about Harry’s and Meghan’s meeting with Charles and Queen, he said: “I don’t doubt that it was done to make their Netflix documentary.” While her advisors failed to safeguard her against being exploited the Royal Family’s worst transcribers, whilst the Sussexes exploited a sickly woman to improve their credibility and boost their coffers,
MailOnline reached out to representatives of Harry and Meghan in order for them to comment. Buckingham Palace did not comment on the video.
Other experts suggested that the surprise face-to-face meeting with the Queen, who will be 96 next Thursday and has experienced a series of health problems recently, was an ‘olive branch’ after considerable tension between the Sussexes and royal family.
Ingrid Seward was Majesty Magazine’s editor-in chief. Oprah interview: They accused Oprah of racism against an unnamed senior monarch.
Omid Scobie’s mouthpiece for Meghan and Harry used their visit to take a dig at palace officials. Yesterday served as another reminder about the source of all those unwanted and constant leaks. HMTQ is always fuss-free and I know it was appreciated by both of them.
Harry and his dad have only spoken rarely for the past two-years. Charles was heavily critical of Charles during last year’s Oprah interview, California. He accused Charles of failing to support him as well as allegedly cutting off the Duke financially.
Charles supporters dispute these claims and claim that Charles was made desolate after his rejection of his younger son. Harry’s memoirs are due out later in the year. He fears they will be used for settling scores.
A similar looking van was seen being used by a camera crew (circled) who followed the couple during a trip to New York in November last year, sparking speculation the visit was part of their Netflix show
Left: The van seen in Windsor yesterday and right: the van with the Sussexes today in America. While it’s unlikely that film crews would drive a van across Atlantic waters, there are similarities in the vehicles.
MailOnline spoke to Tom Bower, Meghan’s acid-penned biographer. He called them ‘the Royal Family’s worst traducers’, and said that the Sussexes were ‘exploiting an elderly, unwell women to improve their credibility and to raise their coffers.
To commemorate Halcyon Days’ 70th Anniversary, the Queen visits a Halcyon Days display in Windsor Castle’s White Drawing Room.
Meghan last saw the Queen at an awkward Commonwealth Day service on March 8, 2020 (pictured) but has claimed since to regularly speak to her on the phone and over video calls
Pictured on Thursday, July 10, 2018, at Buckingham Palace, London: The Queen, Harry, and Meghan
It was hilarious that Harry and Meghan (40), despite their best efforts to keep it secret, were seen walking up to Windsor Castle by an excited coach of churchgoers yesterday morning.
According to Miss Seward, it is an amazing opportunity to let the dust settle and give a helping hand. Harry and Meghan must have struggled to get to Windsor after everything has happened. Maundy Wednesday is an important day for the Queen because it’s about forgiveness. They are not grudges to her, she is not one for holding grudges. I’m sure that they would have been welcomed with open arms.
The Sun reports that a busload had witnessed the couple visit Windsor Castle. One tourist told the Sun they couldn’t believe what they saw when they realized who it was. They waved at us and we waved back. They were happy, relaxed and waved at everyone in the bus.
Meghan was last seen by the Queen on March 8th 2020 at an unorthodox Commonwealth Day service. However, she claims that since then she has spoken with her via phone and video.
Harry has not visited his grandmother in person in over a year since Prince Philip’s funeral in April. He flew briefly from their home in the US, but Harry was not able to see her. The Queen also hasn’t met Lilibet, their little girl. Their contact with each other would be limited due to Covid restrictions.
After being removed from his Metropolitan Police protection, the Duke has launched an High Court lawsuit against the Home Office.
The prince and the couple left Windsor on yesterday afternoon. They are expected to be in The Hague tomorrow to attend Invictus Games. This Paralympic-style competition for injured service personnel is open to all.
The story that Harry and Meghan had met the Duke & Duchess of Cambridge in 24 hours while they were on British soil is not true. Harry and William’s marriage has fallen apart since Harry turned the nuclear key on his royal lifestyle.
Harry sued the Home Office for losing his 24-hour taxpayer-funded police protection following his departure from the UK.
Since then, he has told the High Court he will pay the cost himself if he’s in the UK. He doesn’t believe his family is safe here as the US government-funded, civilian bodyguard team cannot carry weapons and won’t be updated with the latest intelligence.
Yesterday night, a spokesperson for the Duke of Sussex and Duchess confirmed they were in Windsor to meet the Queen.
The news comes as sources close to Harry and Meghan revealed that Harry will be awarded the VVIP status in the Netherlands. This will give them the highest-level local protection.
Charles Rae, Talk Radio’s royal commentator said that ‘the Netflix film crew will most definitely favorably capture Harry’ and Meghan’.
“It will appear as though they were still part of the royal family even though they’re private citizens. It will all be about showing people they are important. The Dutch authorities have granted them the status of a ‘VVIP. This will be a great use of that status.
Film crews are likely to ride in the same protected police armed motorcade as Harry and Meghan, to get to Zuiderpark where Saturday’s opening ceremony will be held.
The emotional meeting between Harry and Meghan with members of the Ukrainian Squad will be filmed. Their presence is also tinged by sadness over the deaths of four former coworkers who were killed defending their homeland.
One of five Zuiderpark entrances, in The Hague is where metal barriers have been placed to protect against a bomb attack by cars.
A bomb sweep was also conducted by police in preparation for the couple’s arrival. They will then meet their friends and relatives from the 500 participants.
Meghan will stay in California until Monday, when she will travel back to California. Harry, who founded the games, will remain until the end.
Their presence in Amsterdam has been a welcome surprise, unlike previous royal visits.
The couple’s absence from areas were publicized by fans as a sign of their affection.
Even at a nearby café at the entrance to the copper coloured stadium there was not much enthusiasm for the pair’s attendance.
Café servers were more concerned over the metal security barriers at the entrance putting off customers than the presence of Harry and Meghan.
One replied, “They have no meaning for us here. Our royal family is more important than ours. They are more concerned with the showbiz lifestyle.
On duty, a police officer stated they didn’t expect any large groups at the Zuiderpark main entrance.
Netflix will film the couple in the stadium and surrounding areas. This is to ensure that they are not allowed into the venue.
Photographing the couple with competitors is restricted to media that have been approved by Archewell. This includes members of the Ukrainian team, who received a standing ovation from other guests at the hotel.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle (pictured in 2018) are off to the Invictus Games in the Netherlands which start on Saturday
The Invictus games will take place at The Hague’s Sportcampus Zuiderpark.
Two days prior to the Games, security at Sportcampus Zuiderpark is being increased in The Hague
The Zuiderpark is patrolled by police, soldiers and security officers in The Hague.
The security team at Sportcampus Zuriderpark is ready for the Invictus Games, which begin on Saturday
The Zuiderpark is patrolled by police, soldiers and security officers in The Hague.
Meghan is making a comeback to the limelight with this visit. Previous high-profile appearances include an Oprah Winfrey interview as well as a poorly received appearance on Ellen DeGenres.
“Heart of Darkness” is a Netflix documentary series that was filmed in one week.
This is their first collaboration with Archewell Productions. It’s being produced by Joanna Natasegara and director Orlando von Einsiedel, who are Oscar winners.
Their work was responsible for the highly acclaimed documentary “White Helmets”, which focuses on first responders in the Syrian conflict.
Archwell stated that the series will “showcase powerful stories of hope and resilience from competitors as they journey towards Invictus Games”.
It is anticipated that the meeting between the royal couple of Ukraine and their team will be one of 20 countries’ most memorable moments during the week-long games.
After four of their members had died while defending the country, their arrival at Schiphol Airport was markedly emotional.
Sergey Smilin died while in military service, and Dmytro Oliynyk and Vladimir Motelchuk, former Invictus rivals, were killed by rocket strikes on March 29. Serhii Karajvan was also wounded in combat.
According to Invictus spokesperson, “They all were extremely active in international Invictus communities on the We Are Invictus platforms, participating in events throughout the year, such as the virtual London Marathon or online Rowing championships.”
Meghan and her husband are expected to arrive together in The Netherlands Friday. They will stay there for approximately four days.
At the Zuiderpark, The Hague’s opening ceremony on Saturday evening, a minute of silence will be observed in memory of those who died during the Ukraine conflict.
Meghan will make her first ever overseas trip after quitting the Royal Family in 2020 and moving from England to California.
The pandemic caused two delays to the event. It was only at the 2017 Toronto Games that the royal couple saw each other for the first times. They announced their engagement months later.
It is understood Harry and Meghan will not get an audience with King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima during their stay and will have to instead spend the night at a hotel in The Hague.
A stay of foreign royals is a tradition in the Netherlands, and a spokesperson for the Dutch Royal Family confirmed this.