The 2017 Invictus Games kicked off in style tonight with a fantastic opening ceremony. As hoped for, Meghan is in the audience supporting Prince Harry.
Meghan has called Tornoto her home and has spent much of her time there over the past six years when Suits is filming in the Canadian city. For Harry, he has poured so much work, thought and time into ensuring the Invictus Games is a continued success. During a meeting with Governor General David Johnson he described Toronto as a "home from home". No doubt, Meghan's incredibly proud of everything he has achieved, and Harry's delighted for her to have the opportunity to see it first hand.
The appearance comes a mere two weeks after Meghan's Vanity Fair interview, in which she told the publication: "I can tell you that at the end of the day I think it’s really simple...We’re two people who are really happy and in love." Many observers predicted the interview was a precursor to the Games - introducing Meghan on her own terms.
Meghan enjoying the ceremony.
We had hoped to see the couple sitting together, but I expect that will come at a later date during the games. The focus tonight is rightly very firmly on the competitors. Where did Meghan sit? Royal Central has the exact seating details.
Meghan sat with her close friend Markus Anderson, who reportedly introduced her to Harry.
Prince Harry sat beside First Lady Melania Trump and Governor General David Johnson.
The Opening Ceremony is a two-hour event designed to welcome and honour competitors and their families from seventeen competing nations. The show featured hundreds of cast members, including men and women from the Canadian Armed Forces, in stunning performances, masterfully combined with the pageantry of elements such as the Parade of Nations and the raising of the official flag.
The Tenors performed "under the sky" as the conclusion of the National Flag Tour was celebrated.
The Invictus bracelets were programmed to light up with the music according to Royal Central. Below, we see Meghan admiring hers.
The 48th Highlanders of Canada & the 400th Squadron Mass Pipes and Drums performed the “Glendaruel Highlanders” & “The Atholl Highlanders”.
There was a memorable moment when CEO of the Invictus Games 2017 Michael Burns addressed the audience and paid a heartfelt tribute to Harry for making it all possible. It was very special, as you'll see. Harry's expression says it all.
High profile performers included Alessia Cara, Sarah McLachlan and Laura Wright.
The Invictus Games are an international sporting event for wounded, ill and injured servicemen and women, both currently serving and veterans. The Games use the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding of, and respect for, those who serve their country. The word Invictus is Latin for unconquerable. It embodies the fighting spirit of the wounded, injured and ill service personnel and what these tenacious men and women can achieve, post-injury.
The first Invictus Games took place in March 2014 at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London, United Kingdom. The 2014 opening ceremony was attended by Prince Harry, Prime Minister David Cameron, Prince Charles, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Prince William, and Frederik, Crown Prince of Denmark. The event also included a recorded message from former First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama. The second games were held in Orlando, Florida in 2016. This year the games move to Toronto - a place where Harry has been spending quite a bit of his free time over the past year. Below, the games mascot VIMY :)
More on the choice of location:
"I AM the master of my fate. I AM the captain of my soul," are the last two lines of the Invictus poem by William Ernest Henley.
The Games are a true shining example of the power a member of the Royal family has to take on a project they are passionate about and not only see it reach its fruition, but help thousands in the process.
Since Harry arrived in Toronto on Friday, he's been working tirelessly to promote the Games and meet as many involved as possible. From participants and their families...
To excited members of the public...
....and the Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (Meghan has met the PM several times through her work as a counsellor with One Young World). The PM said: "The Invictus Games are a unique and powerful way to honour those who have sacrificed so much on behalf of their country. They represent the best and deserve our gratitude forever. Over the next eight days, the Invictus Games will put the spotlight on the strength and resilience that characterised their service. Sophie and I wish every competitor the best of luck."
There were lighthearted moments on the eve of the game.
And Harry was taken for a spin by the daughter of one of the competitors :)
Meghan looked effortlessly chic tonight. The amazing HeavenQRF identified Meghan's jacket as the bordeaux Mackage Baya Leather Jacket. The $690 piece is described as "This supple leather Mackage moto jacket has a classic moto feel, with exposed zips at the pockets, cuff gussets, and placket. Fold-over collar and notched lapels. Snap-flap ticket pocket." It's available at ShopBop. It's also available in black at Nordstrom.
It very much looks like Meghan's v neck midi dress is the Artizia Wilfred Beaune Dress in 'truffle'. The $185 piece is made with a beautiful chiffon and features a wrap silhouette. It's interesting to see a touch of sartorial diplomacy from Meghan - both Mackage and Artizia are Canadian brands.
Meghan carried a matching clutch.
And a look at tonight's jewellery.
The games run for the next week, I suspect we'll see the couple on at least a couple of occasions :)
Meghan has called Tornoto her home and has spent much of her time there over the past six years when Suits is filming in the Canadian city. For Harry, he has poured so much work, thought and time into ensuring the Invictus Games is a continued success. During a meeting with Governor General David Johnson he described Toronto as a "home from home". No doubt, Meghan's incredibly proud of everything he has achieved, and Harry's delighted for her to have the opportunity to see it first hand.
The appearance comes a mere two weeks after Meghan's Vanity Fair interview, in which she told the publication: "I can tell you that at the end of the day I think it’s really simple...We’re two people who are really happy and in love." Many observers predicted the interview was a precursor to the Games - introducing Meghan on her own terms.
Meghan enjoying the ceremony.
We had hoped to see the couple sitting together, but I expect that will come at a later date during the games. The focus tonight is rightly very firmly on the competitors. Where did Meghan sit? Royal Central has the exact seating details.
 |
| Royal Central |
Meghan sat with her close friend Markus Anderson, who reportedly introduced her to Harry.
Prince Harry sat beside First Lady Melania Trump and Governor General David Johnson.
The Opening Ceremony is a two-hour event designed to welcome and honour competitors and their families from seventeen competing nations. The show featured hundreds of cast members, including men and women from the Canadian Armed Forces, in stunning performances, masterfully combined with the pageantry of elements such as the Parade of Nations and the raising of the official flag.
The Tenors performed "under the sky" as the conclusion of the National Flag Tour was celebrated.
The Invictus bracelets were programmed to light up with the music according to Royal Central. Below, we see Meghan admiring hers.
The 48th Highlanders of Canada & the 400th Squadron Mass Pipes and Drums performed the “Glendaruel Highlanders” & “The Atholl Highlanders”.
Ontario-born actor and comedian Mike Myers spoke about the beauty of Canada.
There was a memorable moment when CEO of the Invictus Games 2017 Michael Burns addressed the audience and paid a heartfelt tribute to Harry for making it all possible. It was very special, as you'll see. Harry's expression says it all.
High profile performers included Alessia Cara, Sarah McLachlan and Laura Wright.
There wasn't a dry eye in the house when Captain Trevor Greene, a retired soldier, who was terribly injured in Afghanistan, spoke about the importance of family. "I had a choice to make. I could either give up, or believe in myself. I chose to believe in myself."
During an inspiring speech, 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."
The text of Harry's moving speech:
Reporters said Meghan watched "intently" as Harry spoke.
Meghan left after Harry's speech accompanied by protection officers. Very interesting (and perhaps telling of an engagement) to see she has Scotland Yard protection.
Are you familiar with Invictus? What are the games about? How is Harry involved? Following his ten years of service with the British Army, which saw him rise to the rank of captain and undertake two tours of Afghanistan, Prince Harry was determined to create an expanded international version following his inspirational visit to the Warrior Games in Colorado in 2013. There, he saw how the power of sport could help wounded members of the armed forces physically, psychologically and socially.
During an inspiring speech, 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."
Watch Prince Harry's speech at the Opening Ceremony of @InvictusToronto. pic.twitter.com/dnqciONxFq— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) September 24, 2017
The text of Harry's moving speech:
'Hello Toronto, bonsoir le Canada. Merci beaucoup pour votre hospitalité. Trevor and his family are what Invictus is all about. Invictus is about the dedication of the men and women who served their countries, confronted hardship, and refused to be defined by their injuries. Invictus is about the families and friends who faced the shock of learning that their loved ones had been injured or fallen ill - and then rallied to support them on their journey of recovery. And above all, Invictus is about the example to the world that all service men and women - injured or not - provide about the importance of service and duty.
The true scale of this example was brought home to me when I left Afghanistan after my first deployment there in 2008. As I was waiting to board the plane, the coffin of a Danish soldier was loaded on by his friends. Once on the flight, I was confronted with three British soldiers, all in induced comas, with missing limbs, and wrapped in plastic. The way I viewed service and sacrifice changed forever.
And the direction of my life changed with it. I knew that it was my responsibility to use the great platform that I have to help the world understand and be inspired by the spirit of those who wear the uniform. 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. That's why we created Invictus. Not only to help veterans recover from their physical and mental wounds; but also to inspire people to follow their example of resilience, optimism, and service in their own lives. We made a great start in London in 2014.
We took it to the next level in Orlando last year. And over the next week - in this year as we celebrate Canada's 150th anniversary - Toronto is going to put on a games that draws the attention of the world. More competitors, more sports, more nations, more friends, more families and more people watching at home than ever before. With the people in this arena tonight - and those watching across Canada and around the world - we have the biggest crowd Invictus has ever enjoyed.
In the days ahead, I know many of you will be experiencing Invictus for the first time. I hope you're ready. I hope you're ready for some fierce competition. I hope you're ready to see the meaning of teamwork that proves anything is possible when we work together. I hope you're ready to see courage and determination that will inspire you to power through the challenges in your own life. I hope you're ready to see role models in action that any parent will want their children to look up to. And I hope you're ready to see lives change in front of your eyes.
Before I close I want to speak directly to the competitors. For the next week, we entrust you with the Invictus spirit. You have all come such a long way. Some of you have cheated death and come back stronger than before. Some of you have overcome emotional challenges that until very recent years would have seen you written off and ignored. And now you are here. On the world stage. Flags on your chests. Representing your countries again. Supporting your teammates. And looking up into the stands, and into the eyes of your friends and families. You are all winners. Please don't forget to love every second of it.
Don’t forget about our friends who didn’t come home from the battlefield. Don’t forget those at home who still need our support. And don't forget that you are proving to the world that anything is possible. You are Invictus. Let's get started.'
Reporters said Meghan watched "intently" as Harry spoke.
Meghan left after Harry's speech accompanied by protection officers. Very interesting (and perhaps telling of an engagement) to see she has Scotland Yard protection.
 |
| Rebecca English Twitter Feed |
Are you familiar with Invictus? What are the games about? How is Harry involved? Following his ten years of service with the British Army, which saw him rise to the rank of captain and undertake two tours of Afghanistan, Prince Harry was determined to create an expanded international version following his inspirational visit to the Warrior Games in Colorado in 2013. There, he saw how the power of sport could help wounded members of the armed forces physically, psychologically and socially.
The Invictus Games are an international sporting event for wounded, ill and injured servicemen and women, both currently serving and veterans. The Games use the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding of, and respect for, those who serve their country. The word Invictus is Latin for unconquerable. It embodies the fighting spirit of the wounded, injured and ill service personnel and what these tenacious men and women can achieve, post-injury.
The first Invictus Games took place in March 2014 at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London, United Kingdom. The 2014 opening ceremony was attended by Prince Harry, Prime Minister David Cameron, Prince Charles, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Prince William, and Frederik, Crown Prince of Denmark. The event also included a recorded message from former First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama. The second games were held in Orlando, Florida in 2016. This year the games move to Toronto - a place where Harry has been spending quite a bit of his free time over the past year. Below, the games mascot VIMY :)
More on the choice of location:
'Hosting the Games in Canada in 2017, the year the country celebrates the 150th anniversary of its Confederation, will provide a unique opportunity for Canadians to commemorate the ill, wounded and injured soldiers, along with their families.
Canadians actively look for ways to express their gratitude toward its military personnel, and the Invictus Games will provide an ideal forum for what we know will be an unprecedented outpouring of support.'
"I AM the master of my fate. I AM the captain of my soul," are the last two lines of the Invictus poem by William Ernest Henley.
The Games are a true shining example of the power a member of the Royal family has to take on a project they are passionate about and not only see it reach its fruition, but help thousands in the process.
Since Harry arrived in Toronto on Friday, he's been working tirelessly to promote the Games and meet as many involved as possible. From participants and their families...
To excited members of the public...
What a warm welcome for Prince Harry! Thank you so much Toronto! pic.twitter.com/LUU5A7ITxx— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) September 23, 2017
....and the Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (Meghan has met the PM several times through her work as a counsellor with One Young World). The PM said: "The Invictus Games are a unique and powerful way to honour those who have sacrificed so much on behalf of their country. They represent the best and deserve our gratitude forever. Over the next eight days, the Invictus Games will put the spotlight on the strength and resilience that characterised their service. Sophie and I wish every competitor the best of luck."
There were lighthearted moments on the eve of the game.
The moment a sleeping member of Team Australia Kris Lane got a royal wake up call from Prince Harry at @InvictusToronto pic.twitter.com/1LEapdmURm— Chris Ship (@chrisshipitv) September 22, 2017
And Harry was taken for a spin by the daughter of one of the competitors :)
Prince Harry taken for a spin by the daughter of one of the #InvictusGames competitors pic.twitter.com/iPfGTGLIgX— Hannah Furness (@Hannah_Furness) September 23, 2017
Meghan looked effortlessly chic tonight. The amazing HeavenQRF identified Meghan's jacket as the bordeaux Mackage Baya Leather Jacket. The $690 piece is described as "This supple leather Mackage moto jacket has a classic moto feel, with exposed zips at the pockets, cuff gussets, and placket. Fold-over collar and notched lapels. Snap-flap ticket pocket." It's available at ShopBop. It's also available in black at Nordstrom.
It very much looks like Meghan's v neck midi dress is the Artizia Wilfred Beaune Dress in 'truffle'. The $185 piece is made with a beautiful chiffon and features a wrap silhouette. It's interesting to see a touch of sartorial diplomacy from Meghan - both Mackage and Artizia are Canadian brands.
Meghan carried a matching clutch.
And a look at tonight's jewellery.
The games run for the next week, I suspect we'll see the couple on at least a couple of occasions :)