Melania, on 1st official solo foreign trip to Canada, invites Trudeau, Prince Harry to US
US First Lady leads team at Invictus Games, invites Prince to the White House
Toronto: US First Lady Melania Trump, on her first solo international trip on Saturday, to Toronto, met with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and invited Britain’s Prince Harry to visit the White House.
Ms Trump, 47, who is leading the US delegation attending the opening ceremony of the Invictus Games for wounded soldiers in Canada’s biggest city, also wished the US team luck in a brief speech.
“On behalf of my husband and our entire country, I want to thank you and your families for all you have sacrificed to keep us safe,” Ms Trump said at a reception for the U.S. team.
“I also want to wish you good luck but I know you won’t need it,” she added. “Take that fighting spirit that I know you have and bring home the gold.”
Mr Harry, 33, who is fifth in line to the British throne, set up the Invictus Games three years ago.
More than 550 injured and wounded servicemen and women from 17 allied nations are taking part in 12 adaptive sports in the games, which end on September 30.
The meeting between Ms Trump and the British Prince lasted about 20 minutes, according to Ms Trump’s spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham.
They discussed the games, their families and ribbed each other about which team would come out ahead, Grisham said.
“Nice to meet you,” Mr Harry said as he was introduced to Ms Trump and they shook hands. They stood together and smiled for the British and American news media before sitting in adjoining club chairs placed in front of their countries’ respective flags.
Mr Harry remarked on how busy the First Lady has been.
“Yes, very busy,” she said, before offering a compliment in return. “You’re doing a fantastic job,” she said. Ms Trump’s decision to lead the US delegation, whose members include veterans affairs secretary David Shulkin, professional golfer Nancy Lopez and entertainer Wayne Newton, reflects the first lady’s “utmost respect” for the hard work, courage and sacrifice of the US military, said Ms Grisham. She feels strongly that they — and their families — should be honored every Grisham said.
Ms Grisham said Ms Trump also has “great admiration for the role the games have played in empowering those who have been injured while serving.”At a recent event marking the 70th anniversary of the US Air Force, the First Lady thanked the many military members who assisted thousands of people in Texas, Louisiana, Florida and the Caribbean whose lives were upended by recent hurricanes. day,” Ms