Markle sparkles! Harry’s girlfriend sets Invictus Games alight
First official appearance for Prince’s girlfriend – as it is revealed he paid a visit to the set of her drama, Suits
AS SHE made her landmark first appearance at one of Prince Harry’s official events, it was clear that Meghan Markle hoped to show support for arguably the biggest achievement of his working life.
As befits a thoroughly modern relationship, it appears the Prince has quietly reciprocated.
After Ms Markle stepped into the limelight at the Invictus Games, it emerged the Prince too had made a visit to her workplace: the set of legal drama Suits.
Prince Harry is reported to have made a low-key visit to meet cast and crew last week, showing his support for his girlfriend’s career.
The appearance was yesterday reported in HELLO! Canada magazine, with a local source suggesting it had happened on Wednesday. Kensington Palace did not comment on the claims.
On Saturday night, the US actress made her first appearance at one of the Prince’s events, cheering him on as he opened the Invictus Games.
Ms Markle proved a discreet addition to the event, watching the Prince proudly from afar to allow him to complete his official obligations and shine a light firmly on competitors. The morning after, she left the Prince to go solo for his first sporting event, watching the athletics and supporting athletes.
Sitting in the stands with his aides, in an Invictus-branded T-shirt, the Prince spent 45 minutes as a spectator before going backstage to speak to athletes. He later presented Duke of Edinburgh International Gold Awards to children.
Ms Markle, 36, had joined her boyfriend of more than a year for Saturday night’s opening ceremony of the games, in Toronto, the city where she lives, watching him deliver a rousing opening address.
She was watched over by one of his protection officers, who disappeared quietly shortly before the end of the evening so the couple could leave the arena discreetly. But while the Prince sat with Melania Trump, Justin Trudeau and other dignitaries, Ms Markle was placed around 18 seats away from him and several rows down.
Wearing a purple jacket and maxi dress, she was in the company of Markus Anderson, a close friend who is said to have introduced her to the Prince. Ms Markle stood for the Canadian national anthem, and was seen nodding emphatically as Mr Trudeau, the country’s prime minister, delivered a speech praising servicemen and women who “serve their country with passion and integrity”.
Dancing in her seat to the musical performances, she appeared oblivious to the Prince occasionally glancing in her direction. She clapped and nodded along with his speech, and it appeared he may have rehearsed it with her. As the Prince began his speech in French, she seemed to smother a giggle as he faltered comically over the phrase: “Merci beaucoup pour votre hospitalité.”
Her appearance will focus global attention on the games, which is the third to have been held. Prince Harry emphasised how competitors were able to look “up into the stands, and
‘You have all come such a long way. Some of you have cheated death and come back stronger than before’
into the eyes of your friends and families”. The games, he said, “is about the dedication of the men and women who served their countries, confronted hardship, and refused to be defined by their injuries”. He added: “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.”
He told athletes: “You have all come such a long way. Some of you have cheated death and come back stronger than before. And now you are here, representing your countries ... all winners.”