At the Invictus games’ opening ceremony, Harry and Meghan were intimately kissed on the stage. The emotional prince then addressed over 500 veteran veterans injured by the speech. He said he’d be proud if his son had their “character” as a father.
After Meghan, who had been introducing the Duke of Sussex on the Zuiderpark Stadium in The Hague (the Netherlands), was taken to the podium, PDA happened between the royal couple.
Meghan mentioned Harry’s ‘love & respect’ before speaking of their young children. She said she couldn’t be prouder to have a husband like that.
While the Duchess wore an elegant white top and black pants with a high waist and gold Cartier necklace to make a stylish appearance at the event, Harry chose a grey suit and an open-collared white blouse.
It comes after they spent the day meeting injured military veterans before hitching a ride on mini Land Rovers – driven by children – with their Netflix crew in tow to capture every moment.
Meghan shared with the crowd that Harry had worked late into the night and early in the morning to plan for the games. He founded them in 2014 and called him an ‘incredible.
She thanked the veterans for their service and said, “Now it’s my distinguished honor to present someone whom I believe you’ll enjoy hearing from.”
“He spent many nights planning these games so that they would be as enjoyable as possible for you all.
“I couldn’t love him and I respect him more, and I know that many of you feel exactly the same, because he is your veteran, having served two tours in Afghanistan and ten years military service. He also founded Invictus games and was the father of our little girls, Archie, and Lili.
“Please accept my extraordinary husband, Prince Harry the Duke of Sussex.”
Harry took to the podium and kissed Meghan, as he grabbed the microphone from her.
She smiled broadeningly as she returned her place and said, “Thanks my love.”
In his speech, he also mentioned Archie his son. He said that they had often discussed what Archie would like to be when he grew up.
Harry shared with the crowd that his son wanted to become an astronaut one day and a pilot another.
Harry mentioned his military career as a helicopter pilot.
Then he said that his son sometimes wanted to play Kwazii (a daring cat in the TV cartoon Octonauts).
Harry stated to his audience, “If your laughter is contagious, then it’s obvious that you have seen it.”
He said, “But I remind you that no matter your ambitions or goals in life, it is your character and what makes you proudest.”
Prince Harry, Meghan Markle and Duke and Duchess Sussex kissed during the Invictus Games opening ceremonies
During the Invictus Games’ opening ceremony in The Hague, Harry and Meghan took to the podium
After Prince Harry gives a speech, thousands listen to the Sussexes kiss and share a moment of intimacy with each other, they exchange a kiss.
Prince Harry looked emotional when Meghan brought him on stage
Meghan, who was introducing Prince Harry at the Saturday opening ceremony took the stage.
Meghan, Duchess Sussex makes an emotional speech to Zuiderpark’s Invictus Games Opening Ceremony
Harry made reference to his son Archie during his speech. They often spoke about their dreams for the future and discussed his childhood.
As Meghan delivers a speech, competitors and their families watch as she brings Harry onto the stage.
Harry grabs Meghan’s microphone before giving a speech during the Invictus Games opening ceremonies
Prince Harry spoke to 500 veteran veterans, telling them how proud he is to see his son grow up with their “character”.
Meghan looks as though she is wiping away tears after Harry’s speech
Harry and Meghan hug as they look on at the Invictus games’ opening ceremony.
Watching the Invictus games’ opening ceremony, Harry & Meghan are all smiling while Harry is still in shock.
Mark Rutte is the Prime Minister of The Netherlands and speaks at Invictus Games The Hague 2020 Opening Ceremony
Harry gives the gold medals for the Land Rover Driving Challenge winner to Harry during the Invictus Games’ opening ceremony in The Hague
Prince Harry presented medals at the Invictus Games Opening Ceremony
Prince Harry, Duke and Duchess Meghan attend the Invictus Games Opening Ceremony at Zuiderpark, The Hague
Meghan chose to wear a white top, with black trousers at the waist and simple jewelry in gold. Harry was more formal and went for a gray suit and open-collared white shirt.
Invictus Games competitors record Harry and Meghan’s entrance to the stadium at the opening ceremony
The opening ceremony for the Invictus Games at The Hague featured a flag parade
During the Invictus Game opening ceremony, Ricky Wilson from Kaiser Chiefs takes to the stage
The opening ceremonies of the Fifth Invictus Games were performed by the Kaiser Chiefs on Saturday Night
As 32 soldiers carried lighted blocks, the Kaiser Chiefs sang “Coming Home” as they performed it.
During the opening ceremony military volunteers carried blocks with photographs of Invictus Games participants during lighting.
An injured veteran is seen running with two running blades during an Invictus Games run. This picture was lit up in a special section of the opening ceremony.
Harry and Meghan in the seats of their respective chairs at Saturday’s opening ceremony for the Invictus games
Before taking the mic from Meghan, Harry gives a touching speech to the veterans competitors who were hurt.
Prince Harry and Meghan markle depart after the Invictus Games ceremony in The Hague
The opening ceremonies of Invictus Games are attended by wheelchair-bound team members from Ukraine.
Ukrainian athletes arrive at Zuiderpark to attend the Invictus Games Opening Ceremony. There they are met with standing ovations
Ukraine team receives standing ovation at the opening ceremonies of Invictus Games. The Netherlands PM also pays them an extra tribute
Ukraine team at Invictus Games Opening Ceremony
The Ukrainian team were met with a standing ovation and as they entered the Zuiderpark stadium for the opening ceremony of the Invictus Games on Saturday.
The competitors donned blue and yellow kits, representing the flag colors of their country. They waved as they took their places amid huge cheers. Loreen’s military band performed Euphoria through the rafters.
Under the Russian invasion, President Volodymyr Zilensky gave special permission to the team.
It was when Rutte paid tribute the Ukrainian team and said: ‘I’m sure you came here with mixed feelings, great concern for what is happening back at home.
“Some Invictus members cannot be present as they fight on the frontline.”
He also said: “We are thinking about those who have suffered the most. You have our support and we are there to help you. Together, we can prove that solidarity and unity will triumph over all conflict.
Hans Ploegmakers was an injured veteran who then performed the Dutch version on trumpet, followed by one minute of silence.
An empty yellow chair will be left at each sporting venue to honor fallen military personnel.
“You have as a community overcome great challenges. You are teaching and healing the world.
You are people who have the strength and resilience to overcome any challenge. The heart of Invictus is yours.
Harry and Meghan had previously walked hand-in-hand upon their arrival. After chatting with team members, they stopped for photos and a conversation before sitting down to listen to a speech delivered by Mark Rutte, Prime Minister of the Netherlands.
The biggest cheer of the evening came from Mr Rutte, who paid tribute to Ukraine’s team by telling them: “I am certain you are here with mixed emotions and great concern about what is going on back home.
“Some Invictus members cannot be present as they fight on the frontline.”
He also said: “We are thinking about those who have suffered the most. You have our support and we are there to help you. Together, we can prove that solidarity and unity will triumph over all conflict.
Hans Ploegmakers was an injured veteran who then performed the Dutch version on trumpet, followed by one minute of silence.
An empty yellow chair was to be placed in each sporting arena, so that fallen servicemen or women could be honored.
The colourful opening ceremony saw flags from each country carried on to the stage, to cheers.
As Afghanistan was currently run by the Taliban, the team paraded them through the stadium wearing a neutral flag.
Harry took the stage and presented the awards from the Land Rover Driving challenge. While Meghan watched from Meghan’s side, Meghan sat in Meghan’s passenger seat and the car went over the obstacle course.
While 32 military volunteers carried blocks of lighted candles to commemorate the 5th Invictus Game, The Kaiser Chiefs performed “Coming home” by the Kaiser Chiefs.
Harry and Meghan were welcomed to their home by the national teams after they had walked out in front of a military band. The Ukraine was given a standing ovation.
The Russian Invasion had granted President Volodymyr Zelesky special permission for the team to participate. They waved to cheering fans as the band covered Euphoria from Loreen and blasted through crowds.
Anneke van Giersbergen (Dutch singer-songwriter) and DI-RECT (Hague-based rock band), will be performing tonight.
The Games will run until next Friday and will see more than 500 competitors from 20 nations battle it out in events including archery, athletics, wheelchair basketball and sitting volleyball.
Harry founded the annual event. The first edition was held in London in 2014. It was followed in the USA, Canada, and Australia in 2014.
The 2020 Games had been scheduled to take place in The Hague. However, it was postponed to 2020 due to the outbreak of coronavirus.
Meghan holds Harry in her hands while the couple attends the Invictus games’ opening ceremony on Saturday night
After taking their seats at the Invictus Games’ opening ceremony, Harry and Meghan clap and cheer.
During the Invictus Games The Hague 2020 Open Ceremony, Meghan, Duchess and Prince Harry, Prince of Sussex, look on
After arriving at the Invictus Games’ opening ceremony, Harry and Meghan stopped by Team Netherlands to chat with their competitors
Prince Harry and a member the Netherlands team embrace at the Invictus Game’s opening ceremony
The couple, beaming and smiling together, hold hands during the cheers as they make their way to The Hague for Saturday’s wedding.
Prince Pieter-Christiaan (R), and Princess Margriet(R) from the Netherlands are expected to attend the Invictus Games’ opening ceremony in The Hague, April 16-2022
Dutch Princess Margriet (C), bumps into an Invictus athlete before the opening ceremony
Italy arrives at the venue as more than 30 musicians from the military live band perform on
Harry and Meghan smile as they pass competitors from Belgium and Poland on their way to the seats
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle (Duke and Duchess) of Sussex attend the Invictus Games opening ceremony in The Hague
Harry and Meghan walk to their seats, to loud applause. Competitors film the moment on smartphones.
The Ukrainian team was honored by Mr Rutte, which was one of the most rousing moments of the evening.
Mark Rutte (Dutch Prime Minister) greets athletes from the Dutch Invictus Team
Prince Harry presented the bronze medals for the Land Rover Driving Challenge winners during the Invictus Games’ opening ceremony
After receiving the Land Rover Challenge awards, Prince Harry leaves the podium.
Uninjured veteran appears onstage during Saturday’s opening ceremonies of the Invictus games
Australia’s team arrives at the Invictus Games 2020 opening ceremony – two years delayed by the Covid pandemic
As they make their way to the opening ceremony, members of the Polish Invictus Team wave and clap as they approach.
The Australian team can be seen entering Zuiderpark during the Invictus Games Open Ceremony on April 16th, 2022
During the opening ceremonies, a military band plays their drums while the national teams leave.
The Invictus Games opening ceremony at Zuiderpark saw the Dutch rock band Di-Rect performing.
Meghan rocks Cartier necklace worth almost £13,000 at opening ceremony of Invictus Games
Meghan Markle looked chic as she attended Saturday’s opening ceremony of The Invictus Games at The Hague.
The Duchess of Sussex, 40, dazzled in a Cartier necklace worth £12,800 and donned a stunning cream off the shoulder bodysuit as she beamed beside Prince Harry, 37.
This mother-of-2 paired the outfit with black straight-leg trousers. She also wore a pair black heels to elevate her height.
Amazing: Meghan Markle, the Invictus Games’ Day 1 Attendee in The Hague on Saturday was breathtaking.
Meghan wore a variety of diamond bracelets with matching earrings in silver, and opted for dewy makeup with pink lipstick and blush.
As she made her speech, the natural beauty pulled her hair back in a bun and then embraced Harry.
Their President Volodymyr Zelesky granted Ukrainian athletes special permission to flee war-torn Ukraine and participate in the competition.
Earlier today, Harry and Meghan’s Netflix film crew couldn’t let a good moment go to waste, as they frantically scampered after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex while they met injured military veterans and hitched a ride on mini Land Rovers on the first day of the Games.
The couple was all smiles when they changed their outfits for the second time at The Hague in Holland. Meghan donned a blue pant suit and black jeans for Harry, and Harry chose chinos and a black T shirt.
A large crowd of Americans called out to her and she smiled with wave and gesture while she was accompanied by other dignitaries down the middle of the course.
Watching Harry’s Land Rover drive through water obstacles during the Land Rover Driving Challenge, she then watched.
Harry and Meghan then saunter off in two miniature Land Rovers that were driven by their children.
The duke pumped his fists in the air as he was driven round the small course in the toy-style car by Scarlett Vroegop, the four-year-old daughter of a Dutch competitor at the Invictus Games.
As Meghan laughed and waved to fans, she was being driven by Mya Poirot (4 years), who is also the daughter a French competitor. While clutching a Canadian flag, Meghan smiled.
After taking photos, the couple posed with their family members and two child driver friends.
The couple drove away after chatting with others competitors in their Land Rover Defender.
Meghan will tomorrow give a reading of her children’s picture book The Bench before flying back to her £11million Californian mansion on Monday.
But it seems the royal couple couldn’t go anywhere without being followed by a Netflix camera crew filming their every move for an upcoming documentary with the streaming giant about the Games – including their meet-and-greet at the Zuiderpark.
Critics accused them of profiting from the Games and allowing Netflix (with whom they had signed a $100million contract) into their private meetings.
They may also be ‘exploiting Queen’ by claiming their secret Thursday trip to ‘clear air talks’ with Prince Charles, the old monarch, at Windsor Castle was intended to satisfy their American producers as well as’spin their’ side of the row.
They are the first time the couple has returned to Europe publicly since their bitter quits as working royalty and plunged Britain into financial crisis.
Harry and Meghan react to a driving test at Invictus Games on April 16, 2022
Harry and Meghan ride in their small Land Rovers for the Invictus Game’s first day on April 16, 2022.
Meghan seen in the Jaguar Land Rover Driving Challenge Day 1 of Invictus games, April 16-2022
Driving the Duke of Sussex during the Jaguar Land Rover Driving Challenge, Invictus Games April 16-2022
Prince Harry steps out of Land Rover following his participation in the Jaguar Land Rover Driving Challenge at the Invictus Games, The Hague, The Netherlands on Saturday, April 16, 2022
An Invictus Games team is filmed by a Netflix crew.
For a group shot at Invictus Games, Holland, April 16, 2022 the Duke and Duchess Of Sussex smile for an image.
Prince Harry and a British Athene are seen reaching out to touch a British Athlete at the Invictus games, April 16-2022
While clutching her Canadian flag and laughing as she drives in a Land Rover small, the duchess giggles.
Harry talks to a child driving a mini Land Rover during the Invictus Games at Zuiderpark, April 16, 2022
Meghan waved at people as she rode in a mini Land Rover around The Hague in April 16-2022.
Driving the Jaguar Land Rover Driving Challenge, at the Invictus games on April 16, 2022.
The Invictus Games saw the Duchess and the Duke of Sussex taking part in the Jaguar Land Rover Driving Challenge
Meghan holds Harry’s hand as they chat with competitors at The Hague Invictus Game, April 16, 2022
The Jaguar Land Rover Driving Challenge: April 16, 2022.
Meghan looked radiant as she shared a smile with her husband on the Invictus games’ first day in The Hague (April 16, 2022).
Land Rover Defender 110 was seen at the Jaguar Land Rover Driving Challenge, day one of Invictus Games
Harry waved from the passenger seat of the Jaguar Land Rover in the course of the driving challenge on April 16, 2022
The Duke and Duchess Of Sussex watch the Duke on the Jaguar Land Rover Driving Challenge
On the opening day of Invictus games, April 16-2022, Meghan and Harry are seen giving each other hugs.
Harry also gives a hug while Meghan beams at Zuiderpark in The Hague, Netherlands, April 16, 2022
Harry gives a hug and a kiss to a mother and child during the Invictus games, Holland, April 16-2022
Harry and Meghan at the Land Rover Challenge in Zuiderpark on April 16, 2022
The Jaguar Land Rover Driving Challenge is April 16-2022, attended by the Duke and Duchess Sussex
Meghan, smiling and laughing during the Invictus games in Holland on April 16th 2022
Harry can be seen listening intently to Meghan during the opening day of The Hague Games, April 16-2022
The Invictus Games, which take place in The Hague on Saturday April 16, 2022 will feature the Duke and Duchess of The Hague meeting their competitors
Harry and Meghan intently watch the Land Rover Driving Challenge at the Invictus Games, April 16, 2022
A Netflix crew are pictured following the royal couple at the Zuiderpark in The Hague, Holland, April 15, 2022
Harry and Meghan ‘told Queen Archie and Lilibet she would hug them ‘in near future’ during a’very cordial secret meeting… While William and Kate ski in Alps
She has yet to see her 11-month old great-granddaughter Lilibet. Lilibet was born after Her Majesty’s nickname in childhood. Archie, who is seventh in the line to the British crown, is now two years of age. Previous reports suggested the Queen was sad that she didn’t get to spend more quality time with him.
Reports claim that Prince Harry, Meghan Markle and the Queen have made a promise to her to hug Archie (and Lilibet) during a private meeting.
The Duchess and Duke of Sussex flew to Windsor today to make a peace offer to Her Majesty, Prince Charles and to visit The Hague for the Invictus games in The Netherlands. From California where they live, the couple flew to London.
The Mirror reports that senior royal sources described it as being’very cordial’, ‘incredibly warm and kind’.
According to reports, Harry and Meghan opened up the possibility of Meghan returning from America for Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Celebrations. They also told the Queen about their plans to come back to the States to spend more time with the children.
The news about Harry and Meghan’s marriage was announced after earlier reports that Harry and Meghan had been on vacation in France, along with their children. This coincided exactly as surprise visits occurred.
They were captured cuddling yesterday’s baby and Meghan comforted Harry as they waited outside to begin the Games.
The Games were first held in London, UK in 2014. It was there that Meghan and he made their first public appearance together as a couple. They attended it in Toronto, Canada in 2017. The Games at The Hague had been scheduled for 2020, but they were delayed by the pandemic.
Yesterday the duke and duchess made their first public appearance together in Europe since Megxit yesterday as they broke cover at the Invictus Games – with a Netflix film crew in tow – after their secret detour to Windsor to meet the Queen and Prince Charles.
Pictures of the Netflix crew stood out among the hundreds of photographers that covered Harry and Meghan’s arrival to the Zuiderpark, The Hague.
The couple have signed a multi-million pound deal with the streaming giant, and 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 Duches’s own company, Archewell Productions.
The happy couple entered the Zuiderpark in The Hague with their arms together. They were seen putting their hands on one another’s shoulders as they welcomed people to what was their first appearance together in Europe.
It was also reported last night that Meghan’s preferred make-up artist Daniel Martin arrived in The Hague before the Sussexes. He created Meghan’s natural look in 2018 for her wedding. In an Instagram post, he said “Are you ready?” A video of an advertisement for the Games was also recorded.
Yesterday the Mail published a story revealing that Harry and Meghan secretly flew into the UK from the United States on Wednesday. They then traveled to visit the Queen.
According to reports, the couple traveled from Los Angeles on Tuesday with their private guards. They arrived on Wednesday and spent the night at Frogmore Cottage.
While they were observed by other first-class passengers, news about their arrival on British soil was not made public until Thursday when locals and tourists spotted them while walking around Windsor.
Even though Harry is pursuing legal proceedings at the High Court, in which he claimed he feels unsafe bringing his family into the UK, they were able to fly back to London later the same day.
According to reports, the Sussexes met at least once with the Queen. They also had a meeting with Harry’s father Prince Charles who was visiting Windsor Thursday morning in order to replace the monarch at the annual Royal Mandy ceremony.
In the hopes of repairing relationships, both the Prince and Queen of Wales want to maintain good communication with Harry.
William and Kate didn’t meet up with each other, but they were away on skis with their kids.
The Sussexes then traveled on to The Netherlands. They were cheered upon arrival at the Games reception.
Yesterday, Come Back Alive Ukraine, a non-governmental organization that raises funds to support the Ukrainian army raised money and presented Harry with a calendar. He tweeted a picture of Harry looking serious as he was holding it.
Today’s Games Opening Ceremony (Sat) is expected to be attended by both the Sussexes and the Duke of Sussex, who will stay in the Netherlands during the whole week. The Sussexes’ spokesperson confirmed that Meghan will attend the opening ceremony of the International Competition earlier in the week.
Much has been said about security arrangements in place for the Sussexes before they arrive in the Netherlands.
They were cheered on as they marched to the reception.
Prince Harry receives a debriefing: Duke poses in BUDGIE SMUGGLERS that were given to him by the Australian Invictus Squad
He was posed sheepishly with the Invictus Australian squad’s skimpy budgiesmugglers
As Team Australia athletes presented the Duke of Sussex with swim shorts, the Duke of Sussex laughed. Photos from the reception were shared on Twitter by Aussie Invictus
He was pictured with the cute Australian Invictus team’s skimpy budgiesmugglers.
The Duke of Sussex laughed as athletes representing Team Australia presented him with a pair of swim briefs, as shown in photos from the reception shared by Aussie Invictus on Twitter.
Harry even appeared to stretch out his new green-and-yellow budgie smugglers, emblazoned with ‘Team Aus Down Under’ on the back, to make sure that they are the right size for him.
Team Australia said it wanted to keep up the ‘tradition of gifting stunning new budgie smugglers to the Duke’ – a nod to the 2018 Invictus Games, when Harry tried to wear similar briefs over his jeans.
Prince Harry wore the Budgie Smugglers under his jeans, and took a photo with Dylan Alcott (right), paralympian and Invictus Games competitor.
Before putting on his clothing, the royal examined his gifts and gave them some stretch.
Harry went back to the UK for his funeral after his grandfather’s death in April 2013. According to some reports, he had hoped to visit the UK with his family for the thanksgiving ceremony.
However, sources suggest that Harry’s legal position may have been compromised if he had visited the US. Harry sued the Home Office in High Court after being told that he won’t be able to get the same personal security while visiting Britain, even though he offered to cover all costs.
The couple have reportedly taken a private security team with them to The Netherlands and will be protected by in-country officials after being designated VVIPs – Very Very Important People – by the Dutch authorities, according to reports.
The Ministry of Justice and Security in the Netherlands stated that they do not comment on individual security measures and will only give general information. The general consensus is that appropriate security measures are taken in compliance with the threat assessment.
After critics accused them of “cashing in” on the Games, they allowed Netflix to enter private meetings with their $100 million deal.
They may also be ‘exploiting Queen Elizabeth’ by claiming their visit this week to top-secret air talks ‘clears the air negotiations’ with Prince Charles and the monarch was intended to please American producers.
The couple have signed a multi-million pound deal with the streaming giant, and 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.
It was suggested that Harry and Meghan met with Queen Elizabeth in secret last night. This may have been featured in the forthcoming documentary.
For the reception, Meghan wore a Valentino white suit with wide legs and a double-breasted jacket. The blazer is currently on sale for £2,100, with the matching trousers costing a further £1,100. Meghan carried a clutch bag which is also said to be from Valentino and is currently priced at £2,200. The couple arrived at The Hague’s Zuiderpark with one hand and the other as their first appearance together in Europe.
Yesterday the Mail published a story revealing that Harry and Meghan secretly flew into the UK from the United States on Wednesday. They then traveled to visit the Queen.
According to reports, the couple traveled from LA with their private guards Tuesday night and flew on a commercial airline. They arrived in Frogmore Cottage Wednesday afternoon.
According to reports, the Sussexes met at least once with the Queen, and they also had a meeting with Harry’s father Prince Charles who was visiting Windsor Thursday morning in order to replace the monarch at his annual Royal Mandy ceremony.
The Mirror reported that top royal officials described their encounter as very cordial and warm. Harry and Meghan apparently opened the door for Meghan to travel from the US in order to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and informed her about plans to go back so they could spend time together.
Although the Queen has not yet met her great-granddaughter Lilibet (11-months old), she was named for Her Majesty’s nickname in childhood. Archie – seventh in line to the British throne – is now two years old, and reports have previously hinted at the Queen’s sadness at not having the chance to spend more time with him.
News of Harry and Meghan’s promise came after it emerged earlier that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are currently away holidaying in the French Alps with their children – just as the surprise visit occurred.
William and Kate were spotted in Courcheval while their oldest son Prince George was learning to ski.
Robert Jobson, Royal correspondent said that it was important that Harry and Meghan did not meet with senior royals.
Their relationship seems to have hit rock bottom after Harry made the nuclear switch on his royal life. Harry’s wife was criticised for missing Prince Philip’s funeral service at Westminster Abbey last month.
MailOnline’s Tom Bower (the Sussexes’ acid-penned biographer) sensationally called the Sussexes the Royal Family’s worst translators’, and said that the couple ‘exploit an old, infirm woman to improve their credibility’.
A crew of cameras from Netflix will follow Harry and Meghan as they meet with the Ukraine team at Invictus Games in The Netherlands. This is for their documentary on the Paralympic Games.
However, critics claim that the royal couple is ‘cashing-in’ on the Games. They allowed Netflix, who they had signed a $100million contract with, to attend private meetings. Experts from the royal family believe that Netflix will portray the couple as a positive figure due to their VVIP status. This is in response to last year’s embarrassing interview with Oprah.
When asked about Harry and Meghan’s summit with Charles, Mr Bower stated: “I have no doubt it all was done for their Netflix document. Although the Queen was not protected by her advisers, she was exploited to the Royal Family’s greatest traducers. Meanwhile, the Sussexes plied an unwell, elderly woman in order to improve their reputation and boost their coffers.
According to Mr Jobson, the Mirror reported that the Royal Brothers could also break bread in the future and stop this war of the Wales’s. This drama is at risk of becoming a fictional soap-style drama like the one Meghan used. To be able to accomplish this, William (and his PR image consultants and advisors) will need to demonstrate that they can maintain their guidance at this delicate and early stage. This promising development wouldn’t have happened if it didn’t.
Others suggested that surprise meeting face-to-face with Queen Elizabeth, who turns 96 on Thursday, was a ‘olive branch” after significant tensions between the Sussexes, royals, and their families.
Ingrid Seward was Majesty Magazine’s editor-in chief. Oprah interview: They accused Oprah of racism against an unnamed senior monarch.
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 disputed the claims, claiming that he was left homeless by his son’s refusal to marry him. Harry’s memoirs are due out later in the year. He fears they will be used for settling scores.
Meghan will do a secret reading for her picture book The Bench at the Invictus Games, before returning to California.
Meghan Markle is set to stage a ‘secret reading’ of her debut book The Bench to children at the British Embassy tent at the Invictus Games tomorrow before jetting back to her luxurious £11million mansion in California, insiders have revealed.
The Duchess of Sussex last year proudly announced that she was inspired to write her £12.99 children’s pictured book after writing a poem for Prince Harry’s first Father’s Day in June 2019, the month after their now two-year-old son Archie was born.
Upon its release last year, The Bench topped the New York Times Bestsellers List for children’s picture books, but sold just 3,212 copies in the UK its first week – behind books by footballer Marcus Rashford and TV personality Richard Osman at the time.
Although early reviews of the book did not go well, one friend said that the storytelling and illustrations of the book gave her a glimpse into shared moments that can evoke warmth. It was described by another as being’soothing and loving’, though a touch schmaltzy.
One woman in London poses with The Bench by Meghan for children, June 8, 2021.
Harry and Meghan made their first public appearance together in Europe since Megxit yesterday as they broke cover at the Invictus Games – with a Netflix film crew in tow
According to insiders, Meghan will read the book secretly to the children in the British Embassy tent at Games Park in Holland. This is where the British Embassy are currently filming a Netflix documentary on the contest for wounded military veterans. It is not known if the reading will feature in the new programme, entitled Heart of Invictus.
Today the couple will be together. They will speak later on the stage during the opening ceremony. They The Hague event will feature speeches by the royal Dutch family and prime minister.
Although early reviews of The Bench weren’t all positive, one said that the book’s illustration and storytelling gave him snapshots of moments shared that bring out a deep feeling of warmth. It was described by another as being’soothing and loving’, but a bit too schmaltzy in some places.
Further review: “One wonders why any publisher thought it fit to publish this grammar defying set of poorly rhyming Cod homilies. Let alone that any child would want to see them. This is planet Sussex, for those who believe that raising children and establishing a family are all about branding.
One illustration in Meghan’s debut novel The Bench shows the whole Sussex family sitting in their Californian home garden.
Harry and Meghan smiling as they greet each other at the Invictus games in Holland on April 15, 2022
Harry can be seen feeding their rescued battery hen chickens – who also featured in the couple’s bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey earlier this year – with son Archie, two, with their two dogs, beagle Guy and black Labrador Pula, running around in the grounds. Meghan is seen in her vegetable patch, holding a baby and wearing a sling around the chest.
Another illustration depicts a father ginger with a beard, holding a baby under a tree and cradling him on his lap. It reads, “This is your bench where life will start, for you, our son, and our baby, our clan.”
Another illustration shows a father-son duo wearing pink tutus and performing ballet poses. It was accompanied by the words: “You will love him.” You’ll listen. He will listen to you.
Meghan also posted a photo of her son and father playing with dinosaur toys. She wrote, “When his life is in chaos, help him get order.”
The Bench features a father in a wheelchair. Along with the text, he fixes his son’s shoes. The text continues next to a father with his son, wearing turbans.
RICHARD KAY reports on the sad reunion of Meghan, Harry and the ‘brokenhearted’ Charles. This was the Queen’s first commandment and could decide the future of the Duke and Duchess as Royals
DAILY MAIL EDITOR AT LARGE, RICHARD KAY
It was only the weather that changed. A bright sun shone from a blue sky just as it did on that May morning almost four years ago when Prince Harry took his new bride home through cheering crowds to Windsor Castle in a horse drawn carriage. All else was different.
The couple retreated behind blacked out windows in a people carrier to make the short trip from Frogmore Cottage to their castle home.
Instead of thousands upon thousands of people cheering on the runners, there were only a few spectators who came to see the Maundy Thurday service at St George’s Chapel.
Ahead of Harry and Meghan were two meetings of sombre gravity that will almost certainly have determined their long-term status within the Royal Family – as future participants or as mere observers.
The Queen warmly accepted Harry’s offer to break his long flight between Los Angeles and the Hague, Holland where he was attending his Invictus Games. Harry also made a stopover in Windsor to visit his grandmother one year after they last met at Prince Philip’s funeral. It was a significant timing decision.
To the Queen, Easter’s promise of spiritual renewal and forgiveness – such an important time of year to her – represented an opportunity.
However, there were conditions: Harry had to first see his father before he could meet the Queen.
Prince Charles, Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess, of Sussex, during Trooping The Colour in London
The Queen, just like in Megxit’s crisis when she claimed that Prince Charles was responsible for the Sussexes’ exit from Britain, was once again showing that she has her own rules.
And since the Prince of Wales was also at Windsor – along with the Duchess of Cornwall – where he was standing in for his mother to distribute Maundy money to community figures, there were no logistical obstacles.
Today, all parties agreed that these meetings would be the first steps to reconciliation between Harry (and his family). It is understood that Harry and Meghan met Charles around at around 10am for 15 minutes.
A source claims that Camilla was present at the meeting halfway through.
Charles and Camilla returned to St George’s together. This was in many ways the most significant of both the meetings. Harry has been unable to speak with his father in the last few months.
In last year’s unfavorable interview with Oprah Winfrey, he heavily criticised Charles for not providing adequate support and accused him of cutting off his financial resources.
Charles said to be worried about Harry’s memoirs that will be published in late this year. He is concerned they could be used for settling more disputes.
He was therefore understandably nervous about Harry’s yesterday meeting.
Prince Harry, Meghan, Duchess and Duke of Sussex are present at a reception before the Invictus games begin
I was told by a long-standing friend that Harry loves him and is brokenhearted over everything. But he worries about history repeating with Harry, just like it happened with Princess Diana. However, he wants to continue speaking and keeps the door open. He still regrets what he did with Diana.
After saying farewell to Charles, Harry & Meghan went on to Meghan’s private apartment. According to my sources, the atmosphere there was less intense.
Although she was sometimes confused and upset by Harry’s deeds and words over the last two years, her grandson has become a favorite.
“He’s always made her laugh. She loves it about him,” a friend said.
“To this day, her eyes are lit up whenever Harry calls. This is no accident, therefore, Harry and Meghan’s social-media cheerleaders were unusually silent about both the content and format of their meetings.
According to my sources, ‘Not disclosing details can be seen as a means of restoring trust in the relationship.
It was not a last-minute visit. We also had to consider the Queen’s current bout of illness, in which she contracted Covid in February.
This was Meghan’s first visit to any royal in-laws since March 2020. Intriguingly it involved a fifth member of the Royal Family who was not present at either meeting – Princess Eugenie.
She is currently living with Jack Brooksbank, her husband and August in Frogmore Cottage.
She is Harry’s closest royal ally – she and Jack visited the Sussexes in California earlier this year – and is also close to the Queen.
Prince Andrew (center right) and Queen Elizabeth II, centre, are here for a Service of Thanksgiving in memory of Prince Philip.
But it was the absence of one other royal figure that was most keenly felt – Prince William, who is on a family skiing holiday.
His brother, the Duke of Cambridge, has always been his biggest critic. He has repeatedly been dismayed at bullying allegations against royal staff members and claims of racism and so a division has developed between them.
Harry has not seen him since they unveiled a bronze statue of his mother at Kensington Palace last July. Since then, contact has been irregular.
A friend of the Duke said that Harry doesn’t enjoy talking about Harry. “He said that it causes him headaches.
Their relationship is very fractured and has not even begun to heal. William is particularly concerned about Harry’s deal with Harry, as he fears for Kate and their marriage.
“He knows the necessity for reconciliation but he is worried about Harry threatening his father.
Royal Family at the 2020 Commonwealth Service, London. March 9, 2020.
According to reports, Harry and Meghan flew overnight from Los Angeles with British Airways. They arrived in Britain Wednesday. It is thought they did not bring their children, Archie, two, and ten month old Lilibet – who the Queen has still not met.
They were then driven to Frogmore and spent Wednesday night there before they went on to yesterday’s meetings.
After his failure to attend his grandfather’s memorial service last month – amid an ongoing legal row with the Home Office over the removal of his police protection – Harry’s offer to visit the Queen was being viewed as an olive branch.
It remains to be determined if this was an honest desire for a reconciliation.
“This is a difficult time for the Royal Family, and the Queen would very much like to move on from the past bitterness.
“Wouldn’t she love to be able to see Harry from the Buckingham Palace balcony at the Platinum Jubilee events?” But she also knows that there needs to be some reassurance from everyone for this to occur.
Not since the days of Diana’s collaboration first with writer Andrew Morton and then with Panorama have the royals been quite so destabilised. However, there’s a certain pragmatism within the Palace. Assistants acknowledge Harry had to take some pride in this week’s visit.
They will hope that Harry, Meghan, and their other highly destructive family issues, can be settled by the Courtiers.
They will only know if they succeed over time, and their confidence level is low.
EXCLUSIVE – Palace “trying to hide” inquiry into bullying allegations against Duchess Of Sussex. Only ‘four to five’ members of Meghan’s staff were interviewed as part Royal Household’s official investigation
Buckingham Palace has been accused of ‘trying to bury’ its inquiry into allegations that the Duchess of Sussex bullied her staff.
According to the Royal Household, only four or five former members of Sussexes’ teams were spoken to in the official investigation of these claims.
The couple would have had up to 25 working for them at times – many of whom could be considered potential witnesses.
However, no one has heard anything since the summer of last year from anyone involved in these allegations.
Just over a year since the inquiry was launched, royal officials have so far refused to divulge any of their findings – or even confirm whether the results of the investigation will be included in this year’s annual review, due to be published in June, as previously suggested.
According to one source, the Daily Mail was told by a person that this should have been an occasion for them to act right. It seems that they are going to stop doing the right thing.
The source added: ‘It has been a very difficult situation for all involved, but the Palace is a very powerful institution and there clearly seems to be a cultural problem of not handling bullying, particularly when you consider some of the allegations about the way Prince Andrew is said to have treated his staff over the years.’
Prince Harry and Meghan markle are at the Invictus Olympics in Toronto, Canada.
In the past, the prince has been accused of making unreasonable demands on staff over many decades. Buckingham Palace did not respond to the allegations last night.
But it is understood that senior officials believe it is unfair to accuse them of burying the inquiry and that they are all too aware that the public scrutiny of the issue will not vanish.
In March 2013, Palace aides announced that an internal investigation was being launched into allegations that Meghan’s behavior drove two of her personal assistants from the household, and that it ‘undermined’ the confidence of another.
According to reports, staff were left feeling traumatized and in tears.
Both the duchess and her legal staff strongly deny these allegations, describing them as a ‘calculated propaganda campaign’.
They claim that she was making these claims public in order to damage her reputation in advance of Oprah Winfrey’s explosive interview in which Oprah made explosive statements about the Royal Family.
The Royal Household then hired a legal firm to investigate these allegations. This was privately paid for by the Family.
The allegations centre on an email sent in October 2018, six months after Meghan and Harry married, by Kensington Palace’s then communications secretary, Jason Knauf.
Simon Case, Prince William’s former private secretary, was the subject of his letter.
He called Meghan’s behavior ‘totally inacceptable’ and said: “I’m concerned that Meghan was capable of bullying two PAs out the household over the past year.
The duchess is determined to have someone always in her sights [and]It is still my concern that there will not be any action.
This email was sent to the department of human resources. There have been other witnesses who also came forward with similar allegations. Lawyer for the duchess has refuted bullying claims.
Now, the inquiry is focused on what was done regarding the original complaint. The Mail has been informed that Mr Knauf has been spoken with.
One problem is the Palace’s inability to handle a formal bullying complaint made against one of its Royal members.
Sir Edward Young, Queen Elizabeth II’s private secretary
Family and so has no precedent on which to act. The government fears that Meghan’s lawyers would be able to ‘crawl all over’ officials if they were to probe the details of her claims.
The household settled for a “procedural” investigation. This involves looking at how the complaints were handled and whether any lessons can be learned.
Critics argue that this investigation is too narrow and they are unsure what it will achieve.
A little over one year later and with no evidence that the interviewees had heard anything for six months or more, critics accuse Sir Edward Young of concealing the report behind a wall of silence.
One source said to the Mail that no one knows if they are considering the results of their research or whether they are formally done with it.
‘They haven’t even spoken to everyone who was there at the time and will have witnessed what was said to be happening first hand. It seems as if they just want it to all disappear.
Christine Pratt of the National Bullying Helpline, a voluntary organization, stated that while Buckingham Palace originally planned to have an internal investigation by its HR department, it later decided to outsource this inquiry to an independent legal company.
This may have increased tensions between Sussexes, who are angry that they were not given an equal say.
Last year, when the Palace opened the inquiry, it stated that they would not tolerate bullying or harassment and were’very worried by these allegations.
But it also made clear the inquiry would be conducted privately – not least because some of those allegedly victimised are said to have suffered from a form of post-traumatic stress disorder – and that the full findings would never be made public.
During last year’s Oprah Winfrey interview, Prince Harry and Meghan Duchess Sussex
According to the company, if changes were needed to HR procedures it will publish them as part its annual publicly accessible review.
Buckingham Palace refused to speak on any aspects of this week’s investigation.
The Palace stated that it was concerned by the allegations made in The Times about bullying claims against the Duke and Duchess.
“Accordingly, our HR team will examine the circumstances described in the article. All staff, even those that have moved out of the home, are invited to attend to learn lessons.
“The Royal Household has had an effective Dignity at Work policy for many years. It does not condone bullying or harassment at work.
The investigation has not been opened to the Sussexes, despite their having written to Palace.
Jenny Afia (of Schillings), the lawyer of the duchess, stated previously to BBC that the claim contained’massive inaccuracies.
She stated that the allegations against Meghan of bullying were not consistent with her own experience and she was often used to disparage career women.
She added that the duchess denied the claims but did not ‘want to negate anyone’s personal experiences’.