© Photo: Getty ImagesWhat a difference a year makes! The Duchess of Sussex attended the opening ceremony of the Invictus Games in Sydney on Saturday evening – roughly one year after she made her much-anticipated appearance at the Toronto Games in September 2017 (left), when she was still Prince Harry's girlfriend. Flash forward 12 months and Meghan is now the new, married Duchess of Sussex, and pregnant with her and Harry's first baby.
Proceedings were delayed by about an hour as severe thunderstorms hit Sydney, including the royals' venue for the night, the Sydney Opera House. The event was taking place in the forecourt of the iconic Aussie landmark, but luckily the rain abated as the night drew on.
Before the ceremony, the Duke and Duchess had attended a reception at the Bennelong Restaurant at the Sydney Opera House and watched the Jaguar Land Rover Driving Challenge on Cockatoo Island. See the best photos here…
© Photo: Getty ImagesMeghan showed off her sartorial prowess, covering her baby bump under a Stella McCartney dress and a gorgeous coat by Gillian Anderson for Winser. The pregnant royal had her hair styled into her signature low bun with a few loose tresses to frame her pretty face.
© Photo: Getty ImagesBeauty wise, the Duchess kept her makeup to a minimum, opting for a smokey eye and natural foundation.
© Photo: Getty ImagesThe Duke officially opened the ceremony with a speech, saying "these Games were created for our men and women in uniform". He said he was inspired by America's Warrior Games and his own experience as a veteran soldier, having toured twice in Afghanistan.
© Photo: Getty ImagesHis unborn baby was clearly on his mind as he thanked Australia, his host country, for the warm welcome.
"First of all, thank you for the welcome you have given Meghan and I over the last few days," he said. "I have been so proud to be able to introduce my wife to you and we have been so happy to be able to celebrate the personal joy of our newest addition with you all."
© Photo: Getty ImagesBefore the opening ceremony, Harry and Meghan attended a reception to welcome the Invictus Games to Sydney. The Premier of New South Wales hosted the event at the Bennelong Restaurant. Harry spoke about his fears of the severe thunderstorms, which led to an hour delay in the start of the opening ceremony, saying: "I was a bit worried. Thankfully it looks like the sky is clearing now."
© Photo: PAEarlier on Saturday, Harry and Meghan had taken a boat to Cockatoo Island where they watched the Jaguar Land Rover Driving Challenge. The Duchess was dressed down for the event, wearing black jeans, a loose Invictus Games shirt like her husband and a white blazer.
