It's the romantic moment we've all been waiting for! A beaming Meghan is kissed by her Prince - a moment Harry knew would be photographed and wanted the world to see.
Over the past week, we have been privileged to witness a spectacle of inspiring competitors, fierce competition and incredible teamwork at the 2017 Invictus Games in Toronto. Tonight, the achievements of the week were celebrated at the games' closing ceremony.
Over the past week, we have been privileged to witness a spectacle of inspiring competitors, fierce competition and incredible teamwork at the 2017 Invictus Games in Toronto. Tonight, the achievements of the week were celebrated at the games' closing ceremony.
Meghan sat in the luxury box with her mother Doria. The two are incredibly close; it's a wonderful opportunity for Meghan to share the Invictus experience with her mother.
Rebecca English said Doria flew in from L.A. for the event and to spend time with Harry. The photo below demonstrates how much they enjoyed the evening...a picture is worth a thousand words.
Meghan's close friends Markus Anderson (who accompanied her to the opening ceremony) and stylist Jessica Mulroney were also in the box. Jessica is also a friend and style adviser for Sophie Gregoire-Trudeau who was also in attendance.
It seemed entirely fitting for Meghan to be there tonight. This week has given her a first real taste of royal life, seeing Prince Harry in action and witnessing first-hand how a member of the Royal family can use their role to help others. The appearance is not only a show of support, but again demonstrates the seriousness of the relationship.
Meghan's close friends Markus Anderson (who accompanied her to the opening ceremony) and stylist Jessica Mulroney were also in the box. Jessica is also a friend and style adviser for Sophie Gregoire-Trudeau who was also in attendance.
It seemed entirely fitting for Meghan to be there tonight. This week has given her a first real taste of royal life, seeing Prince Harry in action and witnessing first-hand how a member of the Royal family can use their role to help others. The appearance is not only a show of support, but again demonstrates the seriousness of the relationship.
During the opening ceremony, as Meghan watched on, Harry said: "In a world where so many have reasons to feel cynical and apathetic, I wanted to find a way for veterans to be a beacon of light, and show us all that we have a role to play; that we all win when we respect our friends, neighbours, and communities." We have seen that light shining brightly over the past week; Harry, the athletes, staff and volunteers should be immensely proud.
In an interview with The Sunday Times, Harry reflected on the success of the games: “I’m so pleased with how it’s gone,” he said. “It’s been on another level — it’s been amazing. What’s great is how many kids have been getting into it and showing their support. That’s who we wanted to reach. What people don’t see behind the scenes is that there’s been loads of Invictus things going on in schools across Canada too. Hopefully there’s now a real momentum for next year. We’re in really great place for Sydney.”
Enjoying the performances.
A video from Chris Ship.
Packed @AirCanadaCentre for closing ceremony @InvictusToronto #brucespringsteen #bryanadams #KellyClarkson and headline act: the competitors pic.twitter.com/Eo5R05TvmM— Chris Ship (@chrisshipitv) October 1, 2017
From there, Harry joined Meghan and Doria in the luxury box for a portion of the ceremony.
And this happened (yes, we're sharing that photo again :))
Meghan and Harry enjoyed several private moments.
They appeared very relaxed as they watched the event.
To mark the conclusion of the games, an array of international headline music artists assembled to celebrate the achievements and drive of the competitors. The ceremony has been described as a "celebration of spirit", featuring powerhouse musical performances, world dignitaries and inspirational stories as the games are now passed on to Sydney, Australia, host of the 2018 Invictus Games. Performers included Bruce Springsteen, Bryan Adams, Kelly Clarkson and Bachman & Turner.
"At the Invictus Games, it’s not just about the hurdles that competitors experienced during competition, but about overcoming the obstacles that life has presented them. The games are a remarkable opportunity for brothers and sisters in arms to join forces and demonstrate the true strength of their spirit. It is an absolute honour and privilege to perform for them at the closing ceremony as a send-off to a week of competition in Toronto."
Onlookers said they appeared to particularly enjoy a three song set by 'The Boss'.
A very special duet.
Amazing scenes at @InvictusToronto closing ceremony tonight including this duet between some guys called @bryanadams and #BruceSpringstein pic.twitter.com/bduFq0Jg8W— Rebecca English (@RE_DailyMail) October 1, 2017
Kelly Clarkson on stage.
Harry was loving every moment as he cheered on athletes.
Before his speech, Harry thanked and hugged Bruce Springsteen and Bryan Adams.
To close the week, the CN tower shone in Invictus yellow.
What a week it's been! Momentum certainly didn't slow down as the week progressed. Yesterday, Prince Harry was joined by former US President Barack Obama, and former US Vice President Joe Biden and his wife Dr Jill Biden, as they cheered on the Team USA wheelchair basketball team, all former US service personnel.
Talk quickly turned to Meghan. More from The Mirror:
'Student Hayley Stover, who found herself on the prince’s other side in the absence of LA-born actress Meghan, 36, told the Sunday People about the encounter.
“Obama asked about Meghan and Harry let him know she had been to watch the tennis with him,” said Hayley, 18. “He asked if she was enjoying the Games and Harry was really smiling as he said yes. He looked so happy. It was cute.'
A spokesman for Mr Obama said the former president wished to lend his support to American competitors "to once again express his gratitude for their service and his admiration for their courage and resilience".
A quick pre-match photo with @BarackObama @DrBiden @JoeBiden and the USA wheelchair basketball team at the @InvictusToronto pic.twitter.com/mWICFb6F9i— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) September 29, 2017
'Among those who met the Prince and Mr Obama were three small children who approached the pair shyly for a photograph. Otis Harding-Withers, six, was lifted onto Prince Harry's lap after saying hello, while Jakob Israel, eight, and his seven-year-old sister Grace posed in front of Mr Obama.
Jakob and Grace are the children of Jason Israel, who has served three tours in Afghanistan with the Canadian forces and and competed in the track events after suffering an operational stress injury.
The emotional mother Amanda Israel, said she had used the moment to thank Prince Harry for setting up the Games. "I told him: thank you for giving me my husband back," she said. It was the first time we could share and say thank you to him. The fact Barack Obama was with him as well, incredible. Grace has been talking about him all week."
Heather Harding, mother of Otis, said her son has simply walked over towards the Prince just as he and Mr Obama settled into their front row bleacher seats. "Harry asked me if it was ok and put him on his lap," she said. He was as lovely as I thought he would be.'
Throughout the week, reporters continually noted how much time Harry made for everyone - especially the families of competitors.
Harry's passion for the games and the athletes was evident in each event he attended.
Cheering on the teams in the wheelchair basketball final earlier today.
Harry gave an interview to CTV News, in which he said "the legacy for me is these individuals". You can view it here.
Afterwards, Harry joined friends and families from all participating teams for a group photo.
Surprise! Prince Harrry joins the friends and family of our #InvictusGamesToronto teams from all nations for a group photo. pic.twitter.com/696UKXvICe— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) September 30, 2017
Rebecca English reported:
I think you'll agree, Invictus has been a triumph again this year.
"Prince Harry was hugged by a little boy on behalf of his father as he took part in an impromptu photocall with the families of Invictus Games competitors. Majka Popiel, six, ran over to the royal at the end of the event in Nathan Phillips Square in Toronto and clung to his knees on Saturday. Majka's father, Mik Popiel, has been competing in the cycling events as part of the Canadian team. The soldier, who spent 22 years in the army, suffers from PTSD and other injuries. Asked why he hugged the prince, Majka said: 'I like him and wanted to say thanks for everything he has done for my dad. I felt very proud watching him."
I think you'll agree, Invictus has been a triumph again this year.
Well done, Harry! I have no doubt Her Majesty and the entire Royal family are enormously proud of everything the Prince has accomplished.
Back to tonight, Harry closed with an inspiring speech.
Meghan looked chic in a tan trench coat, skinny jeans, a v neck t-shirt and grey pumps.
The eagle-eyed team at Meghan's Mirror looked through numerous possibilities before determining Meghan's draped trench is from The Line's Spring 2016 Collection - she has favoured the brand in the past.
Meghan's jeans are by one of her favourite brands Everlane. The $68 High-Rise Skinny Jeans in indigo are described as "The perfect high-rise jean with a flattering crop. Made of premium Japanese denim with just a touch of stretch, this pair is designed with a holds-you-in high rise for a sleek fit."
For The Sunday Times, the always reliable Roya Nikkhah wrote:
Next year's Invictus Games in Sydney could well be Harry and Meghan's first official overseas tour as a married couple.
Royal watchers, I think we're in for quite a 2018!
'I want to start by saying thank you. Thank you to Michael Burns and his team, to all the amazing volunteers, to our friends and families, and to the people of Toronto. You have delivered the biggest Invictus Games yet, with the most incredible atmosphere, making our competitors feel like the stars they are. One week ago, I told you that you needed to be ready. But even I, could not have been ready for the scale of what we witnessed at these Games. I told you to be ready for some fierce competition. But I’m not sure any of us were ready for a group of men from Georgia - who until three years ago had never even played the game to battle all the way to gold in sitting volleyball.
I told you to be ready to see examples of determination, that would give you power in your own lives. But I’m not sure any of us were ready to see Mark Ormrod, with a medal round his neck, hoisting his son onto his shoulders, and capturing the imagination of the world. I told you to be ready to see the true meaning of teamwork. But who could have predicted how powerful it would be to see competitors from Ukraine, Denmark, Romania, and America, band together, to form Team Unconquered, and win a sitting volleyball game with people they just met. I told you to get ready to see role models that children would look up to. But who could have imagined that Randi Gavell, would compete on the track, on the court and in the pool, having battled back from emotional challenges, and while four and a half months pregnant. I think we all know who Randi’s little girl is going to look up to.
I told you to be ready to see lives change in front of your eyes. But I didn’t tell you that some of those lives, would be your own. I told you that anything is possible, if you have the will. But I didn’t tell you that when we saw triple amputee Mike Nicholson nail a 150 yard drive on the golf course, that our idea of what we thought was possible, would change forever. I told you, you would be inspired. But I didn’t say, that these games, might leave you questioning, if you are living to your own true potential. To the thousands who filled the stands this week, and the millions who watched at home, let me issue you a challenge. Don’t just move on from these games with happy memories. Instead, make an Invictus goal for yourselves. Let the examples of service and resilience that you have seen, inspire you to take action to improve something - big or small - in your life, for your family, or in your community. Let’s create a ripple effect of the Invictus spirit across our nations, that will be the real legacy of this extraordinary week.
As I did a week ago, I want to end by speaking directly to our competitors. Right now you’re on a high - at the summit of a mountain many of you thought was too high to climb. You have done it. This is the moment, right here, right now, shoulder to shoulder. You are Invictus. These Games are not about gold, silver or bronze medals. They never have been. They’re about the journey that you and your families have made to the start line. Now, going home, it might be tough, as the excitement fades, but you have faced much greater challenges before, it will be a breeze. As I have said many times, once you have served, you are always serving. On your return home, I want you to set a new Invictus goal.
Make a plan about how you are going to use the experience of this week, to help lift up all those around you. It might be something big, like starting a new project for young people. Or, it might be something small, like reconnecting with an old friend. It doesn’t matter how big or small your step is - just take it. Our world needs your dedication and passion like never before. And you never know, this may just be the missing piece of the puzzle to help you regain that satisfaction of serving others once again. And, I’d also ask for one more important favour. I bet you can all think of at least one person who would benefit from the Invictus Games, but has yet to find the motivation to make that first step.
When we gather in Sydney next year, I look forward to seeing familiar faces in competition. But, more than anything, I hope to meet those who have watched these games at home, who may still be struggling, but with your support will wear their nation’s flag on their chest once again as part of the 2018 Games. And I want to see those who have competed this year, back by their sides cheering them on, as others have done for you. The Invictus Games are not just for the already determined. These Games are for those who need it most. Please help us find them. It's gonna be Game On, Down Under. I’ll see you in Australia.'
Meghan looked chic in a tan trench coat, skinny jeans, a v neck t-shirt and grey pumps.
The eagle-eyed team at Meghan's Mirror looked through numerous possibilities before determining Meghan's draped trench is from The Line's Spring 2016 Collection - she has favoured the brand in the past.
Meghan's jeans are by one of her favourite brands Everlane. The $68 High-Rise Skinny Jeans in indigo are described as "The perfect high-rise jean with a flattering crop. Made of premium Japanese denim with just a touch of stretch, this pair is designed with a holds-you-in high rise for a sleek fit."
For The Sunday Times, the always reliable Roya Nikkhah wrote:
'The Invictus Games, which Harry considers his greatest achievement, have given him the balance of both. “They have definitely changed my life”, he said this week.
A friend of Harry’s said: “He has come good and grown up. He is the happiest, most settled and confident he’s ever been — with his position, with his work and personally. With Invictus, he’s become a bit of an icon with the military, which means everything to him — as does sharing it with someone he loves who clearly makes him very happy.”
Markle’s first official appearances by Harry’s side this week, meticulously planned by Kensington Palace, have also been a clear statement by the prince that she will be part of his future. Markle, 36, currently lives and works in Toronto, where she stars in the television drama Suits. But with an engagement announcement anticipated, it is thought she may soon quit her role and relocate to London.
The couple are expected to marry next summer, after the birth of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s third child in the spring.'
Next year's Invictus Games in Sydney could well be Harry and Meghan's first official overseas tour as a married couple.
Royal watchers, I think we're in for quite a 2018!
Embed from Getty Images
You can view a video (of the kiss) on the Mail Online. ITV also has a video here.