12 September 2023 , 19:00
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Meghan Markle has revealed the touching gift she was given by an Invictus Games athlete in a speech at this year's games.
The Duchess of Sussex and her husband Prince Harry were welcomed to the stage with cheers from the crowd at a "party" event, where Meghan told those gathered there in Dusseldorf, Germany she had received a gift from a member of the Canadian team. Meghan, 42, explained the athlete gave her a bracelet with the "initials of one of the people who weren't able to make it here tonight." She continued: "There are so many people we know back home rooting for all of you even if they can't be here with you, they are with you in spirit."
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Meghan, Duchess of Sussex speaks on stage at the "Friends @ Home Event" at the Station Airport during day three of the Invictus Games (Getty Images for the Invictus Ga)
'We are going to be cheering for you,' Meghan said (Getty Images for the Invictus Ga)Meghan spoke of the importance of family during the event and that she hoped to bring children Archie and Lilibet to the games one day. ""Have the best time," she said. "We are going to be cheering for you and we can't wait to be able to bring our kids also so they can experience just how amazing this is."
Apologising for being a little late Meghan explained she had to get her children "settled" at home. "We know this is about family and friends and the community that Invcitus has created," she said. "So I had to spend a little bit more time getting out little ones settled at home... I am thrilled the first event I can do for Invictus is here with all of you. It is amazing and I hear the meeting has been all good so far.
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She added: "So a huge thank you for this amazing event that Fisher House has put on. I was really fortunate to go and visit one of the houses in Los Angeles just a couple weeks ago and I was so moved by everything that they do because they understand, as you do, as my husband does in creating the Invictus Games, how much the value of rehabilitation matters, not just as a solitary experience, but as a family.
The Duke of Sussex meets athletes and veterans during a walkabout in the stadium during the Invictus Games at the Merkur Spiel-Arena in Dusseldorf (PA)"So I'm really, really proud to be part of this Invictus family with all of you. I'm grateful for all of you that are here."
The Fisher House Foundation Meghan was referring to provides housing for military families close to where their loved ones are in hospital.
The couple addressed the crowd in the latest edition of Invictus, which was founded in 2014. The contest is held for those currently serving in the armed forces and veterans who are "wounded, injured or ill". Prince Harry is a veteran of the military himself, with him having served in the industry between 2005 and 2015.
Around 550 competitors are due to take part in 10 different events at Düsseldorf's Merkur Spiel-Arena from September 9 to 16.