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Queen of the quick change! Meghan Markle swaps her tan outfit for white Ralph Lauren sweater vest with matching jeans as she and Harry are embraced by crowds at Invictus Games


Meghan Markle proved she is queen of the quick change today as she displayed two different outfits within hours of arriving for the sixth day of the Invictus Games.

Prince Harry and his wife were all smiles as they arrived at the Merkur Spiel-Arena in Dusseldorf this afternoon, where the sitting volleyball and table tennis is being held.

For their first public engagement of the day, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrived hand-in-hand – Meghan in a bronze silk shirt and caramel trousers and her husband in a smart navy suit and crisp white shirt. 

They smiled and waved with NATO bosses and their families. Harry also also took part in a mental health discussion organised by Better Up, the Silicon Valley start-up where he is chief impact officer. 

They were then embraced by crowds as they arrived to watch the volleyball match  between Ukraine and Nigeria – with Meghan swapping her outfit for an all-white ensemble, complete with a smart Ralph Lauren sweater vest and matching jeans.

Meghan Markle proved she is Queen of the quick change today as she displayed two different outfits within hours of arriving for the sixth day of the event

Meghan Markle proved she is Queen of the quick change today as she displayed two different outfits within hours of arriving for the sixth day of the event

Fun times! Prince Harry embraced his wife while chatting to guests of his Invictus Games

Fun times! Prince Harry embraced his wife while chatting to guests of his Invictus Games

The Duchess donned a smart white Ralph Lauren sweater vest with a pair of matching jeans for the occasion

 The Duchess donned a smart white Ralph Lauren sweater vest with a pair of matching jeans for the occasion

Meghan and Harry attend a meeting with NATO representatives on the sidelines of the 6th Invictus Games at Merkur Spiel Arena

Meghan and Harry attend a meeting with NATO representatives on the sidelines of the 6th Invictus Games at Merkur Spiel Arena

Meghan was said to be cheering for the African team having discovered her heritage. 

The Duchess of Sussex’s ties with the country appeared to have strengthened dramatically since the start of the Games, which champion wounded and disabled military veterans.

Prince Harry revealed at the opening ceremony that his wife would be lending its athletes her personal support after finding through a genealogy test that she is 43 per cent Nigerian. 

Earlier today, Meghan showed her more formal side as she attended a private meeting with NATO chiefs and their families.

After sporting styled shorts and a J crew cardigan to watch a wheelchair rugby event she was dressed in a more demure style for the meet and greet.

Meghan wore loose fitting wide leg caramel coloured trousers and a silky brown shirt. Harry wore a blue suit but no tie.

During this afternoon’s outing, Meghan comforted a German volleyball player who has been left devastated after breaking his leg when he slipped on a wet court.

In an unannounced visit and accompanied by a single minder Meghan made a bee line for Tino Wesser who sat in a wheelchair with his leg in plaster.

Selfie queen! The Duchess of Sussex strikes a pose with a person sitting next to hear while watching the volleyball competition at the Invictus Games

Selfie queen! The Duchess of Sussex strikes a pose with a person sitting next to hear while watching the volleyball competition at the Invictus Games

Say cheese! The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were all smiles as they posed with people

Say cheese! The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were all smiles as they posed with people

Loved-up: Meghan and Prince Harry put on a cosy display today when attending the event

Loved-up: Meghan and Prince Harry put on a cosy display today when attending the event

Smile for the camera! Prince Harry pulls a silly face while posing for a selfie

Smile for the camera! Prince Harry pulls a silly face while posing for a selfie

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex react to the volleyball competition at the Invictus Games

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex react to the volleyball competition at the Invictus Games

Radiant: Meghan looked stunning with a glamorous smattering of makeup on her features

Radiant: Meghan looked stunning with a glamorous smattering of makeup on her features

Radiant: Meghan looked stunning with a glamorous smattering of makeup on her features

Meghan waves a mini flag of Nigeria as she watches the nation's team play against Ukraine in sitting volleyball

Meghan waves a mini flag of Nigeria as she watches the nation’s team play against Ukraine in sitting volleyball

The Duke and Duchess enthusiastically join in with the crowd as they watch the sitting volleyball

The Duke and Duchess enthusiastically join in with the crowd as they watch the sitting volleyball

Taking it all in! Meghan and Harry appear deep in concentration as they watch the game

Taking it all in! Meghan and Harry appear deep in concentration as they watch the game

Harry and Meghan react as they watch the sitting volleyball match between Team Nigeria and Team Ukraine

Harry and Meghan react as they watch the sitting volleyball match between Team Nigeria and Team Ukraine

The Duchess of Sussex hugs a Nigerian supporter during the game today

The Duchess of Sussex hugs a Nigerian supporter during the game today

Harry and Meghan are all smiles as they join the crowd at today's event at the Invictus Games

Harry and Meghan are all smiles as they join the crowd at today’s event at the Invictus Games

The Duchess of Sussex on centre court during the sitting volleyball competition

The Duke of Sussex reacts to the action whilst having his picture taken by a fan

The Duchess of Sussex on centre court during the sitting volleyball competition, pictured left. Pictured right: The Duke of Sussex reacts to the action whilst having his picture taken by a fan

They were then embraced by crowds as they arrived to watch sitting down volleyball matches - with Meghan swapping her outfit for an all-white ensemble

They were then embraced by crowds as they arrived to watch sitting down volleyball matches – with Meghan swapping her outfit for an all-white ensemble

Meghan put on an animated display while watching the volleyball game with Prince Harry

Meghan put on an animated display while watching the volleyball game with Prince Harry

Meghan put on an animated display while watching the volleyball game with Prince Harry

Supporting: The Duke and Duchess of Sussex watch the sitting volleyball competition on field one at the Merkur Spiel-Arena

Supporting: The Duke and Duchess of Sussex watch the sitting volleyball competition on field one at the Merkur Spiel-Arena

Harry and Meghan share hugs with people in the crowd during today's outing

Harry and Meghan share hugs with people in the crowd during today's outing

Harry and Meghan share hugs with people in the crowd during today’s outing 

Meghan stopped to chat to members of the crowd while attending today's event

Meghan stopped to chat to members of the crowd while attending today’s event

All the laughter: Meghan looked to be having a great time this afternoon

All the laughter: Meghan looked to be having a great time this afternoon

All the laughter: Meghan looked to be having a great time this afternoon

He had been competing in the sitting volleyball competition for Team Germany but after a match earlier in the day went to speak with his family sitting in the stand.

Wesser slipped and broken his leg – ruling him out of the remainder of the games.

Meghan was told about his accident and after attending the Nigerian v Ukraine sitting volleyball match rushed across the Merkur Spiel Arena to personally offer words of comfort to the former German soldier.

She posed for selfies with Wesser and spoke to his family before being ushered across the court. 

Germany won their match against Romania to reach the quarter final. A member of Team Germany said: ‘Meghan was told about Tino’s accident and how upset he was that he could no longer compete.

‘She asked to come and speak with him after being told how upset he was at the accident. It was a lovely gesture and we are very grateful.’

Meghan stopped to allow excited fans take her photo.

The earlier NATO event came after Harry carried out a private engagement in the morning while Meghan relaxed in their suite at the Hyatt Hotel.

He took part in a discussion organised by the Better Up, the career and life coaching start up where he is Chief Impact Officer on a reported seven-figure salary.

Last night the couple put on an extraordinary red carpet-style display of flirting and affection at the Invictus Games in their first official public engagements together since May.

Stylish: Meghan opted for a white sweater vest and matching trousers for today's event

Stylish: Meghan opted for a white sweater vest and matching trousers for today's event

Stylish: Meghan opted for a white sweater vest and matching trousers for today’s event

Taking it all in: Meghan and Harry appeared to be paying close attention to the game

Taking it all in: Meghan and Harry appeared to be paying close attention to the game

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex watch the sitting volleyball competition on field one at the Merkur Spiel-Arena

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex watch the sitting volleyball competition on field one at the Merkur Spiel-Arena

Joining in! The Duchess of Sussex (right) poses for a picture at the sitting volleyball competition

Joining in! The Duchess of Sussex (right) poses for a picture at the sitting volleyball competition

The Duchess of Sussex looked thrilled last night as her husband spoke coquettishly in her ear, clutched her hand and held her close at the Merkur Spiel-Arena in Dusseldorf, Germany.

Body language expert Judi James told MailOnline today that the tactile royals were reasserting themselves as a global ‘celebrity power couple’.

Their public displays of affection, hours after it emerged Meghan has taken off her engagement ring because a setting came loose, came after friends of the couple had torn apart speculation about their future in Hollywood and rumoured strains behind the scenes. 

Ms James said: ‘Meghan and Harry’s body language really does seem to signal that the Harry and Meghan roadshow is back in the room.

‘It’s been a while since the fans have been treated to some of their signature rituals of togetherness as a couple and as a professional double act but they appear here taking the applause like celebrities with Harry back in his proud, protective tow-along pose, hand-in-hand with a very excited looking Meghan.

‘Their hand clasp is mutual, with Harry’s hand on top in a gesture of dominance and Meghan’s fingers are curled upward to show reciprocal affection as Harry leans to talk to her.’

Harry had travelled to Dusseldorf alone after a stopover in London. He and his wife have carried out a large number of solo events separately this summer.

Prince Harry, left, and Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex, attend a meeting with NATO representatives on the sidelines of the 6th Invictus Games in Dusseldorf

Harry founded the Invictus Games to aid the rehabilitation of service members and veterans by giving them the challenge of competing in sports events similar to the Paralympics. He enjoys the support of NATO chiefs and their families (pictured)

Harry founded the Invictus Games to aid the rehabilitation of service members and veterans by giving them the challenge of competing in sports events similar to the Paralympics. He enjoys the support of NATO chiefs and their families (pictured)

The Sussexes smile and wave as they are pictured from above

The Sussexes smile and wave as they are pictured from above

The royal couple hold hands as they pose for pictures. Meghan wore loose fitting wide leg caramel coloured trousers and a silky brown shirt. Harry wore a blue suit but no tie

The royal couple hold hands as they pose for pictures. Meghan wore loose fitting wide leg caramel coloured trousers and a silky brown shirt. Harry wore a blue suit but no tie

Harry peers out of a window as he starts to watch the seated volleyball

Harry peers out of a window as he starts to watch the seated volleyball

The couple laugh next to General Luigi Miglietta of NATO Joint Force Command and families from Italy and Netherlands

The couple laugh next to General Luigi Miglietta of NATO Joint Force Command and families from Italy and Netherlands

The NATO meeting came days before his brother William meets the United Nations in New York next week to promote his £50million Earthshot prize

The NATO meeting came days before his brother William meets the United Nations in New York next week to promote his £50million Earthshot prize

Their last public engagement was in New York in May when Meghan was given a Women of Vision Award. Doria Ragland also attended.

In early August Harry embarked on a boys-only Asian tour with best friend Nacho Figueras while his wife partied with friends watching Taylor Swift in LA and stayed at home to care for Archie and Lilibet.

But last night Meghan cosied up to one another in the crowd at the culmination of the wheelchair basketball where both looked delighted when the USA won. Before the final with France ended, Harry wrapped his arm around his wife as they watched the nail-biting action on court. Meghan had comforted him as he covered his eyes during a particularly stressful sporting moment.

The couple were all smiles and appeared to whisper more sweet nothings to one another before Meghan led the way at the medals ceremony, hugging athletes and their families on the courtside.

It was a world away from their previous appearance in public together almost a fortnight ago when Harry appeared bored and was looking at his phone as his wife danced with her mother Doria and friends at a Beyonce concert in California.

Harry looked far happier 48 hours later when he went to see Messi’s Inter Miami play LAFC with many other celebs. And the following day Meghan was back watching Beyonce again with stars including Kelly Rowlands amid rumours her big Hollywood relaunch – including reviving her Tig lifestyle brand to rival Gwyneth Paltrow’s $250million Goop.

Harry whispers in his wife Meghan's ear as the couple are the star attractions in Dusseldorf as other royals stay silent

Harry whispers in his wife Meghan’s ear as the couple are the star attractions in Dusseldorf as other royals stay silent

Meghan and Harry arrive hand-in-hand at the Merkur Spiel-Arena in Dusseldorf

Meghan and Harry arrive hand-in-hand at the Merkur Spiel-Arena in Dusseldorf

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex held hands, cosied up to one another and were seen affectionately leaning towards each other as they attended the wheelchair basketball finale at the Merkur Spiel-Arena in Dusseldorf, Germany

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex held hands, cosied up to one another and were seen affectionately leaning towards each other as they attended the wheelchair basketball finale at the Merkur Spiel-Arena in Dusseldorf, Germany

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex looking loved-up at the Invictus Games in Dusseldorf

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex looking loved-up at the Invictus Games in Dusseldorf

The Sussexes smile at eachother and both were in high spirits last night

The Sussexes smile at eachother and both were in high spirits last night

Harry rubs his wife's arm on a night they were both clearly enjoying

Harry rubs his wife’s arm on a night they were both clearly enjoying

It came amid rumours Meghan is enforcing a brand separation from her husband after his best-selling book Spare, containing many brutal attacks on his family, damaged their popularity in the US and UK.

But Prince Harry’s deep rift with his family is casting a shadow over the Invictus Games with the absence of his brother Prince William particularly keenly felt, veterans ‘caught up in the royal crossfire’ have claimed.

Harry’s time in Afghanistan inspired him to launch the sporting event but the Prince and Princess of Wales were central to its initial success. 

The couple’s now-defunct foundation formed with the Duke of Sussex hoovered up sponsors and spent huge sums of cash to get Invictus up and running.

Nine years ago Harry, his father and brother stood united as they attended the opening ceremony and multiple events at the first ever Invictus Games in London – but the new King and his heir have had zero involvement since Harry met Meghan and they all fell out.

Officials have said that despite Harry’s passion for Invictus, which is growing in size, there have been plenty of seats at the Merkur Spiel-Arena in Dusseldorf. Some believe that the involvement of Charles, William and Kate would change that.

Meghan, 42, was seen shyly looking towards her husband, 38, who appeared to sweetly whisper in her ear during one candid moment, while another showed Harry wrapping his arm around his wife as they watched the nail-biting action on court

Meghan, 42, was seen shyly looking towards her husband, 38, who appeared to sweetly whisper in her ear during one candid moment, while another showed Harry wrapping his arm around his wife as they watched the nail-biting action on court

The Duke and Duchess are seen at the wheelchair basketball final between the United States and France

The Duke and Duchess are seen at the wheelchair basketball final between the United States and France 

Prince Harry and Meghan Duchess of Sussex watch the basketball at the Invictus Games yesterday - cheering on the Americans

Prince Harry and Meghan Duchess of Sussex watch the basketball at the Invictus Games yesterday – cheering on the Americans

Meghan Markle and the Duke of Sussex at the games on Wednesday as the Royal Family stay quiet on Invictus. Harry couldn't look at one point

Meghan Markle and the Duke of Sussex at the games on Wednesday as the Royal Family stay quiet on Invictus. Harry couldn’t look at one point

Harry points something out to his laughing wife

Harry points something out to his laughing wife

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, hands out medals to the winning USA wheelchair basketball team

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, hands out medals to the winning USA wheelchair basketball team

The Duchess hugged one of the stars of the tournament

The Duchess hugged one of the stars of the tournament

The Duchess of Sussex was very vocal as she watched one of the events yesterday

The Duchess of Sussex was very vocal as she watched one of the events yesterday

The Duchess of Sussex was very vocal as she watched one of the events yesterday

Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, at the medal presentation of the wheelchair basketball

Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, at the medal presentation of the wheelchair basketball

The Prince and Princess of Wales have both been at the rugby World Cup in France in the past week while King Charles and Queen Camilla and other senior royals have been at the Highland Games. 

One Team GB insider told The Telegraph: ‘The athletes find it bizarre but don’t want to get caught up in the royal crossfire.’  

This year’s games in Germany are the biggest ever involving 22 nations and 500-plus athletes. Harry has been there from start to finish, joining in with clapping and dancing in the crowd, and joking about going out on the beers at the end of the day.

Many have enjoyed seeing the Harry of old, high fiving children and singing Sweet Caroline in the days before his wife Meghan arrived. 

But there has been no word from his family in the UK. 

Double amputee Ben McBean, who was on the same return flight from Afghanistan as Harry in 2008 and credited with inspiring the Duke to launch Invictus,  said he understood both sides of the ‘rift’ between the brothers but added that they should have put their differences aside.

He told The Telegraph: ‘Saying that, they should have just given the lads a shout out. It’s like when we went to Afghanistan, no one supported the war, but they supported the troops. It’s the same thing’.

Palace sources reportedly say that members of the Royal family never involve themselves in each others’ professional endeavours, and they would not expect the Duke to voice support for the finalists of William’s Earthshot Prize, for example.

One critic of Harry said: ‘Harry has never supported any of latest William‘s projects, not Earthshot when he is president of African Parks and advocate for climate change, no word about Homewards either but they insist William must supportInvictus. I’m so tired of this nonsense’.

Harry and Meghan share a private moment

Harry and Meghan share a private moment 

Meghan smiles to the crowds at an event last night

Meghan smiles to the crowds at an event last night

Harry and Meghan are now the only two royals involved. William and Kate had supported it in the past

Meghan attends the medal ceremony and hands over a medal to the winning team

Meghan attends the medal ceremony and hands over a medal to the winning team

The Duke of Sussex and Meghan Duchess of Sussex are seen at the wheelchair basketball final between the United States and France

The Duke of Sussex and Meghan Duchess of Sussex are seen at the wheelchair basketball final between the United States and France

Prince Harry speaks enthusiastically to a Team GB supporter

Prince Harry speaks enthusiastically to a Team GB supporter

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex meets Glory Essien at the "Friends @ Home Event" at the Station Airport during day three of the Invictus Games

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex meets Glory Essien at the “Friends @ Home Event” at the Station Airport during day three of the Invictus Games

Earlier this month King Charles attended the Highland Games – an event which was a firm favourite of his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II – with the Duchess of Cornwall.  

They were joined by Anne, Princess Royal, and her husband Sir Timothy Laurence at the games which have been a part of Scotland’s culture for hundreds of years.

Critics argue the royal family‘s ‘ill-will’ towards Harry should not be held against the disabled veterans who are competing.

The Prince and Princess of Wales were integral in the early stages of the Invictus Games.

The Royal Foundation, which was shared by Prince Harry at the time – invested significant amounts of money in the event. 

Meanwhile Harry’s brother Prince William continued with his charity work yesterday in London, visiting a building site to discuss the mental health of construction workers.

His sister-in-law Kate has also been carrying out royal visits this week, going to HMP High Down in Surrey on Tuesday to learn more about the work of an addiction charity.

King Charles III visited Tomintoul in the Cairngorms where he was welcomed by primary school children and community stalwarts. 

An anonymous UK media strategist said: ‘It’s ironic Buckingham Palace has had more to say about the Highland Games than the Invictus Games, despite the honorary military roles they hold.

‘In doing so, the palace ends up looking mean-spirited and petty. The ill will against Harry should not be held against the Invictus competitors.’ 

The Invictus Games is one of the big projects that Prince Harry has continued since his departure from the royal family. 

He was given a hero’s welcome in Germany by those attending the latest iteration of the competition he founded for wounded and disabled military veterans.

Harry arrived at the event trailed by dozens of excited schoolchildren who had been given time off from studies to attend. 

He has said he plans to attend as many events as he can during the week-long competition. 

On Tuesday, Meghan Markle joined the Duke at the games held at the Merkur Spiel-Arena, where the pair were seen smiling and rejoicing as they watched numerous sporting events. 

The Duchess was seen sporting a stars and stripes badge as she cheered her home country on during the wheelchair basketball game between USA and France yesterday. 



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