Meghan Markle tells veterans she is missing Archie and Lili

The Duchess of Sussex has told how she is missing her two young children Archie and Lili while attending the Invictus Games.

Meghan made the confession as she sat in of a reading to a group of 12 children in a private event held in the Zuiderpark on the second day of the event.

She told British army veteran James Stride that she had wanted to attend the reading as it meant she was around children, and they reminded her of her own back home in California.

‘Meghan was quite chatty and told me she was missing her children,’ said James, one of the GB competitors in the games being held in The Hague.

‘She said she wanted to be with children as she was missing her own.’

The couple’s first trip to Europe is understood to be the longest they have been apart from Archie, three and ten month old Lili.

They have stayed behind at the couple’s £11m home in Montecito, California while the couple travelled to the Netherlands.

James, 37, read from the book ‘Hairy Maclary’ to the group of children in a tent hosted by the British Embassy in the Netherlands.

James said: ‘Meghan told me she was familiar with the book and one that she read to her own children. She was very friendly, and the book was well known by her family.’

With temperatures in the 60s Meghan had ditched her white wool coat that she wore to attend an athletics event for a pin-striped blazer.

She was accompanied by her burly security guard who kept an eye of the Duchess as she happily posed for selfies with fans.

Two other security guards wearing sweatshirts with the name of their company ‘First Line’ also watched from a distance as Meghan was swamped by well-wishers.

She happily posed for two selfies from women who had waited until she left the reading.

It had been expected that Meghan would read extracts from her own book ‘The Bench’ to a group of GB competitor’s children.

But instead the book was chosen by 19-year veteran Stride as it was a favourite of his as a child.

After the reading he handed a copy of the book to Meghan and confessed the had cheekily signed his name inside and presented it as a gift.

James, who served in the Royal Electrical Mechanical Engineers, said he had previously met Prince Harry in 2007 when they both served in Afghanistan.

He said: ‘I was a vehicle engineer and Harry came in with his vehicle. I did meet him, but I don’t suppose he remembers me.’

James, who competes in the rowing and power lifting has the ‘I am Invictus’ logo tattooed on his leg, added: ‘I think they are both fantastic and they do so much to promote the games.’

The British Council are stating readings twice a day at the tent with a selection of more than a dozen books readers choose from – but not a copy of Meghan’s book ‘The Bench’.

Meanwhile, a veteran friend of Harry said the The Duke of Sussex is ‘back with his own people’ when he is at the Invictus Games.

Harry and Meghan watched the action next to Jaco Van Gass – a Paralympian gold medallist and former Invictus competitor who suffered life-changing injuries with the British Army.

Mr Van Gass left his home in South Africa to pursue a military career 16 years ago, but was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade in Afghanistan in 2009 while serving with the Parachute Regiment and lost his left arm at the elbow.

He met Harry in 2011 when the duke joined the record-breaking team of wounded soldiers he was part of that trekked unsupported to the North Pole.

The 35-year-old said it was ‘amazing’ to see Harry and Meghan, adding that it was ‘wonderful’ to catch up with them and they were ‘friendly as ever’.

He said Harry told him he is having a ‘really, really good time’.

Mr Van Gass said: ‘Invictus is his family, basically.

‘There’s so many familiar faces that he’s not seen in a while, and again to all the nations, just to catch up with them again.

‘He’s back with his own people, he’s back in an environment that he’s so natural in and that he cares about.

‘I think that’s the most important thing – this great depth of care that he has for the games.

‘He’s just very down to earth, humble, and he’s just true to his word, he’s a very nice guy.

‘It’s amazing to think of his profile and who he is and how relaxed you can be around him.’

Mr Van Gass said he also spoke briefly with Meghan.

‘She’s having a good time,’ he said. ‘She’s in really good form and really enjoying all the events and seeing… it’s so inspirational.

‘Even just the people on the volleyball court at the moment, you see all kinds of different injuries, and just seeing them being active, smiles on their faces, comradery, all the teams are very friendly with each other.’

Following her side swipe at the royals in her speech where she referred to ‘service’ Meghan looked very relaxed on Sunday morning when the couple arrived at the games.

Harry wore a fleece emblazoned with the Invictus Logo and sand-coloured chinos and shoes.

All the bodyguards – two of whom are believed to be with the Dutch Royal Protection squad officers – stood in a protective circle around the entrance.

Two others who wore Invictus jackets are believed to be from the couple’s private security firm.

With few people around, the bodyguards were at ease and allowed spectators walking past to take photographs.

When one of the Invictus volunteers asked Harry if he could take a selfie, the Prince said: ‘I’ve not got time now and will do one of the way out’.

The couple watched the opening hour of the athletics before attending the volleyball event.

The afternoon session saw Prince Harry attend an indoor archery contest, while Meghan was seen at a book reading.

The couple are being followed by a Netflix film crew making a docu-series as part of their company Archewell’s £100m deal with the streaming giant.

A team of 30 have been assigned to follow the couple around to gather material for what is expected to be a three-part series.

One of the organisers said the Netflix team arrived in six people carriers with caseloads of equipment.

The film crew have been given maroon bibs to help them stand out from the dozens of photographers covering the games and given exclusive access to the couple with behind close door meeting with the athletes.

Filming has already taken place with Harry and Meghan meeting members of the Ukrainian squad who have received repeated standing ovations from other competitors.

Both Harry and Meghan paid tribute to courage of the competitors.      

EXCLUSIVE ‘VVIPs’ Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are flanked by FIVE bodyguards as they warmly embrace competitors at the Invictus Games while being filmed by Netflix crew amid UK security row

• Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have been seen arriving at day two of the Invictus Games in the Netherlands
• The Sussexes are being protected by a security team of five body guards during the event at The Hague 
• Harry and Meghan have been given very very important person status and protection from the local police 
• Harry was seen embracing a former Royal Engineer in the Army who lost both his legs in Helmand in 2011 

ByPaul Thompsonand Stephen Wynn-davies For Mailonlineand Kate Mansey Assistant Editor For The Mail On Sunday

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry arrived at the Invictus Games today flanked by five bodyguards as they warmly embraced the competitors while being filmed by a Netflix crew amid a UK security row. 

The Sussexes are being protected at the games by a security team, with a burly bodyguard seen travelling in their Land Rover as Harry drove himself to the athletics arena at the Zuiderpark in The Hague.

Meghan sat in the front seat while four bodyguards travelled behind in another Land Rover.

They leapt from the vehicle when Harry pulled over on to a grass verge outside the athletes’ entrance and formed a protective shield around the couple.

All five security guards had earpieces but there was no visible sign of any firearms among them.

Harry and Meghan have been given VVIP (very very important person) status and protected by local police and members of the Dutch royal protection unit.

Harry was absent from the Duke of Edinburgh’s memorial service in London last month amid a claim against the Home Office after being told he would no longer be given the same degree of personal protective security when visiting from the US, despite offering to pay for it himself. However, in a secret visit on Thursday, he and Meghan arrived in the UK and had short meetings with Prince Charles and Camilla, and with the Queen.

On Saturday, Meghan Markle made a subtle dig at the royal family after telling competitors at the Invictus Games they know what ‘service’ is, after taking a previous potshot at the Queen over the use of the word during the Megxit row.

On Sunday morning, Meghan swapped the glamour of her off the shoulder white gown at the opening ceremony for a more casual look with jeans, a white wrap around coat and a pair brown suede stiletto shoes.

The couple chatted briefly to staff assembled at the entrance as the guards looked on.

Harry was seen embracing Dave Henson, a former Royal Engineer Search Adviser in the Army who lost both of his legs when he stood on EID in Helmand in 2011. 

Later on Sunday, Prince Harry attended an indoor archery event on his own while Meghan returned to the private house they have been staying in during the games.

Meghan is expected to fly back to California on Easter Monday and sources said Harry is unlikely to make an appearance at the Zuiderpark where the games are being held.

He will be in The Hague until the closing ceremony on Friday night where he will give a short speech with the King of the Netherlands Willen-Alexander also in attendance. 

Following her side swipe at the royals in her speech where she referred to ‘service’ Meghan looked very relaxed on Sunday morning when the couple arrived at the games.

Harry wore a fleece emblazoned with the Invictus Logo and sand-coloured chinos and shoes.

All the bodyguards – two of whom are believed to be with the Dutch Royal Protection squad officers – stood in a protective circle around the entrance.

Two others who wore Invictus jackets are believed to be from the couple’s private security firm.

With few people around, the bodyguards were at ease and allowed spectators walking past to take photographs.

When one of the Invictus volunteers asked Harry if he could take a selfie, the Prince said:’ I’ve not got time now and will do one of the way out’.

The couple watched the opening hour of the athletics before attending the volleyball event.

The afternoon session saw Prince Harry attend an indoor archery contest, while Meghan was seen at a book reading.

The couple are being followed by a Netflix film crew making a docu-series as part of their company Archewell’s £100m deal with the streaming giant.

A team of 30 have been assigned to follow the couple around to gather material for what is expected to be a three-part series.

One of the organisers said the Netflix team arrived in six people carriers with caseloads of equipment.

The film crew have been given maroon bibs to help them stand out from the dozens of photographers covering the games and given exclusive access to the couple with behind close door meeting with the athletes.

Filming has already taken place with Harry and Meghan meeting members of the Ukranian squad who have received repeated standing ovations from other competitors.

Both Harry and Meghan paid tribute to courage of the competitors.      

Prince Harry showed his playful side as he did a ‘high five’ with two young fans waiting to catch a glimpse of the Invictus Games founder.

He pretended to wince in pain after the young children slapped his hand as he leaned out of the driver’s side window of his Land Rover defender.

Meghan smiled from the passenger seat as Harry laughed and shook his hand in mock pain.

The two young fans were later identified as cub reporters for a new digital outlet that aims to give children a voice.

Harry was interviewed by the pair – in the presence of Netflix cameras – and touchingly kneeling down to give them a hug.

The encounter was revealed in a tweet by one of the writers on the De Kindercorrespondent Tako Rietveld.

Harry is said to have told the children as part of the interview ‘I wish all children can grow up in a personal world.’

Harry and Meghan have personalised their appearance at the games in The Hague by making reference to their young children, Archie and Lili.

Meghan mentioned the pair in her emotional speech where she introduced her ‘incredible’ husband to the 5,000 strong audience at the copper coloured indoor arena at the Zuiderpark in The Hague.

Harry also revealed a touching detail that his son Archie had told him he wanted to be a pilot or an astronaut when he grows up.

He also added that Archie also said he might want to be Kwazii, a cat from the carton series called The Octonauts.

Meghan is accompanying her husband today as she visits three events on the second day of the games.

She is expected to fly back to California on Monday to be reunited with her children.

Sources said it is the longest she has been apart from Archie and Lili since their birth.

The couple flew to London for a secret ‘clear the air’ meeting with Prince Charles and the Queen on Thursday.

By the time she returns to their £11m home in Montecito, California, she would have been away for almost a week. 

The Duchess of Sussex has told how she is missing her two young children Archie and Lili while she is away at the Invictus Games.

Meghan made the confession as she sat in of a reading to a group of 12 children in a private event held in the Zuiderpark on the second day of the event.

She told British army veteran James Stride that she had wanted to attend the reading as it meant she was around children, and they reminded her of her own back home in California.

‘Meghan was quite chatty and told me she was missing her children,’ said James, one of the GB competitors in the games being held in The Hague.

‘She said she wanted to be with children as she was missing her own.’

The couple’s first trip to Europe is understood to be the longest they have been apart from Archie, three and ten month old Lili.

They have stayed at home in Montecito, California while the couple travelled to the Netherlands.

James, 37, read from the book Hairy’ Maclary ‘ to the group of children in a tent hosted by the British Embassy in the Netherlands.

James said:’ Meghan told me she was familiar with the book and one that she read to her own children. She was very friendly, and the book was well known by her family.’

With temperatures in the 60s Meghan had ditched her white wool coat that she wore to attend an athletics event for a pin striped blazer.

She was accompanied by her burly security guard who kept an eye of the Duchess as she happily posed for ‘selfies’ with fans.

Two other security guard wearing sweatshirts with the name of their company ‘First Line’ also watched from a distance as Meghan was swamped by well-wishers.

She happily posed for two selfies from women who had waited until she left the reading.

It had been expected that Meghan would read extracts from her own book ‘The Bench’ to a group of GB competitor’s children.

But instead the book was chosen by 19-year veteran Stride as it was a favourite of his as a child.

After the reading he handed a copy of the book to Meghan and confessed the had cheekily signed his name inside and presented it as a gift.

James, who served in the Royal Electrical Mechanical Engineers, said he had previously met Prince Harry in 2007 when they both served in Afghanistan.

He said:’ I was a vehicle engineer and Harry came in with his vehicle. I did meet him, but I don’t suppose he remembers me.

James, who competes in the rowing and power lifting has the ‘I am Invictus’ logo tattooed on his leg, added: ‘I think they are both fantastic and they do so much to promote the games.’

The British Council are stating readings twice a day at the tent with a selection of more than a dozen books readers choose from – but not a copy of Meghan’s book ‘The Bench’

Speaking at the Opening Ceremony for the Games in The Hague, the Duchess of Sussex said: ‘Thank you so much for your service and thank you to all the family and friends that are here who have been supporting you along the way. Because this is service, this is dedication and this is the In­victus family.’

When Meghan and Harry stepped back from royal life, the Queen said the pair would not ‘continue with the responsibilities and duties that come with a life of public service’.

In a terse response, Harry and Meghan said at the time: ‘We can all live a life of service. Service is ­universal.’

The term clearly struck a chord as the Duchess made reference to the duty of the injured veterans as the couple put on a loved-up display and kissed in front of the crowds and the Netflix cameras following them in the Netherlands.  

Meanwhile, friends of Prince Charles fear Harry and Meghan’s plans to return to Britain with their children for the Platinum Jubilee weekend could overshadow the commemoration of the Queen’s 70-year reign.

Their daughter Lilibet, named after the Queen’s childhood nickname, has never met her extended family in Britain, and their son Archie, who is three next month, has not been to the UK since November 2019.

The Queen is said to be hoping the Sussexes will return to the UK with their children, but a source close to Charles said there were concerns that a visit coinciding with the Jubilee weekend in early June – when Lilibet will turn one – will distract attention from his mother’s milestone, by creating a ‘circus’. 

Harry, who is writing a memoir scheduled for publication later this year, greeted his father with a kiss at Windsor on Thursday, but insiders described the meeting as ‘frosty’. They had been scheduled to meet at 10am, but Charles was left waiting when Harry and Meghan were delayed.

It meant father and son had only 15 minutes together before Charles had to leave to prepare for the Maundy Thursday Service at nearby St George’s Chapel. The Duchess of Cornwall was left holding the fort.

A source told The Mail on Sunday that Camilla had not initially been keen to take part, considering it best for father and son to have time together, but when it became clear that Meghan would be joining the meeting, she agreed to attend.

It was the first time Charles and Camilla had come face-to-face with the Duchess of Sussex since she accused an unnamed senior member of the Royal Family of racism during her interview with Oprah Winfrey. 

In response to that allegation and others in the programme, the Queen issued a statement in which she said that ‘recollections may vary’. 

The source said: ‘Given the background, Charles and Camilla were understandably nervous about the whole meeting and a bit worried that they might be hijacked. There’s a lot of trust that now needs to be built up.

‘I’m sure concerns about the book Harry is writing may have played some part and Camilla felt she needed to be there, not only to support Charles, but also to hear everything that was said to ensure that recollections of what was said would not vary this time.’

Harry was last in the UK to unveil a statue of his mother Princess Diana at Kensington Palace last summer. Before that, he attended the funeral of his grandfather, the Duke of Edinburgh, in April, but not his service of thanksgiving last month. 

Meghan had not been back to the UK since March 2020.

While the meeting at Windsor has revived hopes of a rapprochement, there was one notable absence – the Duke of Cambridge.

Prince William was unwilling to interrupt his family holiday to meet his brother and sister-in-law. It is understood the pair haven’t spoken for months. A source who knows both brothers said: ‘There is a lot of ground to cover with William and Harry. 

‘I do think and hope they will be reconciled but it may take some time.’

The couple shared an intimate on-stage kiss at the opening ceremony of the Invictus Games on Saturday night – before the emotional prince delivered a heartfelt speech to more than 500 injured veteran competitors, telling them he would be proud if his son grew up to have their ‘character’. 

A crew has joined Harry and Meghan at the Invictus games as part of filming for a Netflix documentary called Heart Of Invictus – a series from Archewell Productions following people who are competing at the event.

The series is reportedly part of a £113million deal that the couple has with Netflix.

The Sun reported on Saturday that there are fears amongst the Royal Family that Netflix could seek permission to film the Sussexes at the Queen’s celebrations, although other insiders have reported they have always promised to ‘uphold the values of her Majesty’ in their new detached role from Buckingham Palace.   

The couple’s PDA moment came after Meghan had taken to the stage inside the Zuiderpark stadium in The Hague, the Netherlands, to introduce the Duke of Sussex. 

Meghan spoke of her ‘love and respect ‘ for Harry before mentioning their two young children and saying she could ‘not be prouder of my husband’.

The Duchess cut a chic figure at the event in an elegant white top, high waisted black trousers and a gold Cartier necklace, while Harry opted for a grey suit and open-collared white shirt.   

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 told the audience Harry had spent ‘many late nights and early mornings’ planning for the games – which he founded in 2014 – and described him as ‘incredible’

After thanking the veterans present for their military service, she said: ‘Now it is my distinguished honour to introduce someone who I think you’ll be excited to hear from. 

‘He has spent many late nights and early mornings planning for these games to make them as perfect as possible for each of you.

‘I could not love and respect him more and I know many of you feel the same because he is your fellow veteran having served two tours of Afghanistan, and ten years of military service and the founder of Invictus Games and the father to our two little ones, Archie and Lili.

‘Please welcome my incredible husband, Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex.’

Harry took to the stage and kissed Meghan as he took the microphone out of her hand. He smiled broadly as she returned to her seat and said: ‘Thank you my love’. 

He also referenced his son Archie in his speech, saying they often talked about what he would want to do when he grows up.

Harry told the audience that his son one day wanted to be an astronaut and another day a pilot.

‘A helicopter pilot, obviously,’ said Harry, in reference to his own military career.

He then added that some days his son wanted to be Kwazii, a daredevil cat from the cartoon TV cartoon series Octonauts.

‘If you are laughing, then you have seen it,’ Harry told the audience.

He continued: ‘But I remind him no matter what you want to be when you grow up it is your character that matters most and nothing would make his mum and me prouder than to see him have the character of what we see before us today. 

‘You as a community have overcome immense challenges and you are healing and teaching the world as you go. 

‘You are people of resilience, and strength and of heart. You have the heart of Invictus.’  

Harry and Meghan had earlier walked hand in hand upon their arrival as they approached team members and stopped for a chat and some photos – before taking their seats to hear a speech from Prime Minister of the Netherlands Mark Rutte.  

One of the biggest cheers of the night came when Mr Rutte paid tribute to the Ukrainian team, telling them: ‘I am sure you are here with mixed feelings and great concern of what is happening back home. 

‘Some members of the Invictus community cannot be here as they are fighting on the front line.’ 

He added: ‘We are also thinking of those in the community who have paid the ultimate price. We are behind you and support you and together we can show that unity and solidarity will win over conflict.’

Hans Ploegmakers, an injured veteran, then played the Dutch version of The Last Post on trumpet followed by a minute’s silence.

The crowd were told that an empty yellow chair would be left at each of the sporting venues to salute fallen servicemen and women who had died serving their country. 

In the colourful opening ceremony, flags of each of the 20 competing nations were carried out on stage to loud cheers.

They were paraded through the stadium with the Afghanistan team carrying a neutral flag as the country is currently run by the Taliban following the US-UK withdrawal last summer.

Harry was then called on to the stage to present the medals of the earlier Land Rover Driving challenge. The Duke of Sussex had been pictured sat in the passenger seat while the car was taken over an obstacle course as Meghan looked on.

The Kaiser Chiefs performed the song ‘Coming Home’ as 32 military volunteers carried lighted blocks celebrating the 5th Invictus Games.

Harry and Meghan’s arrival came after national teams walked out to a live military band – with Ukraine receiving a huge standing ovation. 

The team, who were granted special permission to compete from President Volodymyr Zelensky amid the Russian invasion, waved to the cheering crowds while the band’s cover of Euphoria by Loreen blasted through the rafters.  

Others performing tonight include Dutch singer-songwriter Anneke van Giersbergen and Hague-based rock band DI-RECT.

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.

The annual event was founded by Harry, with the first ever edition being held in London back in 2014, followed by the US, Canada and Australia. 

The Hague was supposed to host the 2020 Games but it was pushed back to this year due to the coronavirus pandemic. 

Palace say public must assume the Queen won’t attend public events – after she ‘regretfully’ cancelled engagements due to mobility issues 

The public must start assuming the Queen will not attend public events, a palace source has told The Mail on Sunday.

In recent months, Buckingham Palace has been forced to make several last-minute announcements that the Queen has ‘regretfully’ pulled out of engagements due to mobility issues.

Under a new strategy, aides will now confirm her attendance only on the day of an event.

‘The assumption must now be that the Queen will not be present at events,’ the source said. ‘If Her Majesty does attend, it will be decided on the day and she will be accompanied by another member of the Royal Family.’

During her record-breaking 70-year reign, the Queen’s attendance at most engagements has been planned for months and often announced publicly weeks in advance.

But the presence of the Monarch – who marks her 96th birthday on Thursday – will now be a bonus, rather than guaranteed. The decision means an even greater role for Prince Charles, under whose leadership – in large part – the Monarchy is effectively continuing.

On Thursday, Charles stood in for the Queen when she missed the Maundy Service for the first time in 52 years. While the Queen is not suffering from a new illness and has appeared well during virtual engagements, continuing mobility problems meant she could not attend the ceremony at St George’s Chapel near her apartments at Windsor Castle.

Her most recent public appearance came on March 29 at the thanksgiving service for her late husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, at Westminster Abbey.

But over the past six months she has withdrawn from several other events historically central to her diary, including the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph and the annual Commonwealth Service.

Aides are hopeful the Queen will be able to attend some of the events organised to mark her 70th jubilee in person, although it is expected these will be few in number.