Meghan Markle did her ‘own hair and make-up’ after landing in Germany and ‘got ready for’ Invictus Games in ‘less than an hour in German hotel room’

Meghan Markle did her own hair and make-up ahead of getting on stage and speaking at the Invictus Games, MailOnline can reveal.

The Duchess of Sussex, 42, flew from LA to meet her husband Prince Harry at the competition in Dusseldorf on Tuesday.

Speaking at her first Invictus Games engagement, she apologised for being late and explained she was spending time with their children, Prince Archie, four, and Princess Lilibet, two, at the couple’s Montecito mansion before jetting off.

Aides said Meghan did her own hair and make-up soon after arriving at her five star hotel in Dusseldorf and got ready for the event in just over an hour.

Looking glamorous with long and loose hair, the mother-of-two opted for loose waves which complemented her £112 Banana Republic shirt dress.

Meghan Markle did her own hair and make-up ahead of getting on stage and speaking at the Invictus Games

She then opted for a lowkey make-up look, with a creamy foundation and deep pink lip with thick eyelash extensions.

Meghan typically works with American make-up artist Daniel Martin, who did her make-up on her wedding day.

However, Mr Martin was celebrating his anniversary with husband Randall Stattler in Mexico.

Her go-to hair stylist, George Northwood, appeared to be working with Alexa Chung at the opening of the Vogue World Newsstand at Selfridges London so was also unavailable.

While a working member of the royal family Meghan would often do her own hair and make-up.

‘She just likes doing her own makeup. Meghan has her makeup done for some special occasions but likes to do it herself,’ a source told US weekly in 2019.

The event is being hosted by Dave Coker of the Fisher House Foundation, one of the main sponsors of the games.

Officials from the Invictus Games Foundation were also in attendance.

The Mayor of Dusseldorf Dr Stephan Keller was at the event where the Duke and Duchess of Sussex mingled with the families.

The two-hour event featured traditional German food and the evening will feature music and entertainment.

The Duchess of Sussex , 42, flew from LA to meet her husband Prince Harry at the competition in Dusseldorf on Tuesday

Aides said Meghan did her own hair and make-up soon after arriving at her five star hotel in Dusseldorf and got ready for the event in just over an hour

Meghan made a cute reference to her children Archie and Lillibet during her maiden speech at the games.

Acknowledging that she had missed the opening of the days games she told the audience she had to spend time with her two young children in Los Angeles – buying them milkshakes and taking the eldest on the school run before leaving for Germany.

 She also said she would one day want to bring her children to the event so they could experience it for themselves.

Meghan, who wore a black Banana Republic dress, Bottega Veneta belt and Aquazarra shoes, stood side by side with Harry, as she was cheered loudly when taking to the stage at a conference hall adjoining Dusseldorf airport.

She told the 1,600 guests: ‘It is so special to be here sorry I’m a little late to the party.

‘I had to spend a little more time getting our little ones settled at home and get them to drop off.

The Duchess of Sussex stunned in a black shirt dress with button detailing, a belt at the waist and a pleated skirt as she attended her first Invictus Games event in Dusseldorf this evening

The Duchess joined her husband Prince Harry at a private evening event hosted for Invictus athletes and their families

‘Three milkshakes and a school drop off and I just landed a couple of hours ago and I am thrilled that the first event I can do for Invictus is here with all of you. It is amazing and I hear it has got off to a good start so far.’

As the crowd cheered Harry beamed and clapped enthusiastically.

Meghan took an evening flight from Los Angeles and after a brief stopover in Heathrow flew on to Dusseldorf.

Meghan told the audience she had visited a Fisher House in Los Angeles a few weeks ago and was ‘moved’ by what she saw. The organisation helps veterans and their families and are one of the main sponsors of the Invictus Games.

 She said:’ They understand, as does my husband does in previous Invictus Games how much rehabilitation matters, not just a solitary experience but as a family.

‘I am very proud of the Invictus family that are here. ‘Like so many of you, you know this is about friends and family and the community of Invictus has created and Fisher house created.

Meghan said she had been sent some gifts and was wearing a bead bracelet she had received.

She held up her arm to loud cheers and said the initials of someone who was unable to make the game had been etched on them.

‘So many people at home are rooting for you. Thank you, and look forward to a fantastic week. I can’t wait until one day to bring our kids so they can experience how fantastic it is.’

Harry took over the microphone after his wife joked he was a ‘man of few words tonight’.

Harry welcomed the friends and family and pointed out competitors were likely resting after a day of competition.

 He urged those in the room to swap phone numbers and photos so they could connect as part of the healing process.