Invictus Games: Meghan Markle makes rare reference to Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet

And that sums up our coverage of Day 4 from the Invictus Games! Now that Meghan has arrived, we expect her and Prince Harry will be making joint appearances when they watch events. And given what the Duchess said in her speech, hopefully Prince Archie will join his parents at the next Invictus Games, which will be held in 2025.

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It's Nigeria's first time at the Games, and speaking to HELLO! yesterday, two of the athletes shared their joy at competing. Ezekiel, and his team-mate, 200-metre competitor Gosa truly personified the Invictus Games which was an exceptional thing to witness. Ezekiel said: "I'm Invictus to the core," whilst Gosa was beaming about just how much it means to connect with those who have gone through what he has gone through. 

"It means a lot to be here especially meeting people with similar stories to me, sharing experiences and our challenges and how we overcome our challenges. Being here, seeing all the lovely people, the love, the connection, it's been amazing," he said.

You can read more of our interviews, including with Kenyan senator Gloria Orwoba, here.

Before heading onstage, the Duke and Duchess were able to meet with a number of competitors and family members at the Games. The couple were presented with several gifts, including books, a bracelet and a medal.

Meghan had one particularly sweet encounter when she met with Nigerian athlete Glory Essien, prompting the Duchess to exclaim: "You're my Nigerian sister!" as she sqeualed with delight and embraced Glory.

© Chris Jackson

"Hi everybody. It is so special to be here, and I'm sorry that I was a little late to the party. Just like so many of you this is about family and friends and the community that Invictus has created, that Fisher House has created, so I just had to spend a little bit more time at home getting our little ones settled, getting milkshakes, doing school drop off, and then I landed a couple of hours ago. I'm thrilled that the first event I've been to for Invictus is here with all of you. It's amazing, and I’m here the mood so far is off to a good start is that right?

"So a huge thank you for this amazing event that Fisher House has put on, I was fortunate to go and visit one of their houses in Los Angeles just a couple of weeks ago and I was so moved by everything that they do. As 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.

"So I'm really proud to be part of this Invictus family with all of you. I'm grateful for all of you that are here. We've also recieved a few gifts from the Canadian team we got a bracelet and on that bracelets they put the initials of one of the people who wasn't able to make it here tonight. 

"There are so many people we know back home who are rooting for all of you, even if they can't be here you, they are here in spirit. Thank you, thank you also for this amazing band and we're looking forward to such a fantastic week. Have the best time, we're cheering for you, and we can't wait to bring our kids also so they can experience just how awesome this is. Thank you guys so so much."

In her speech, Meghan apologised for missing the opening ceremony, revealing that she was spending a little extra time back in Los Angeles with her children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, keeping them "settled" with "milkshakes and the school drop off".

As she reached the end of her speech, the Duchess revealed that the couple hoped that at future events they would be joined by their two children. "We're looking forward to such a fantastic week," she said. "Have the best time, we're cheering for you, and we can't wait to bring our kids also so they can experience just how awesome this is."

© Chris Jackson

Meghan, 42, looked every inch the supportive wife as she arrived at the 2023 Invictus Games. During a special dinner for friends and family of the competing athletes, the Duchess took to the stage with her husband, where she gave an impassioned speech.

Last week, the Duke of Sussex revealed how his wife Meghan will be cheering for Nigeria after discovering that she is of Nigerian descent.

Opening the games at the Merkur Spiel-Arena in Dusseldorf on Saturday evening, Harry said that while the Sussexes do not "play favourites", the discovery means that things are likely to get "a little bit more competitive" between the couple.

"We're also very excited to have new nations join us," the duke told the packed arena. "Let's hear it for Colombia, Israel, and Nigeria."

He added: "Now I'm not saying we play favourites in our home… but since my wife discovered that she is of Nigerian descent, it's likely to get a little bit more competitive this year."

Before landing in Dusseldorf, Meghan was spotted smiling as she walked towards her plane. Her outfit was absolutely stunning, and if you want to learn more about it, our fashion writer, George Brown, has all you need to know about Meghan's choice of outfit.

Meghan Markle has landed in Düsseldorf, where she will join Prince Harry on day 3 of the Invictus Games. 

She was spotted this afternoon arriving in the German city, where Harry has been since the weekend. The mum-of-two missed the first few days of competition, including the opening ceremony. However, Meghan is set to make various appearances in the coming days.

© Karwai Tang

The tournament will no doubt bring back some extra special memories for the pair as it was the Toronto Games in September 2017 where Harry and Meghan chose to go public with their romance.

Prince Harry and Meghan began dating in the summer of 2016 but didn't make an official appearance together until two months before their engagement was announced.

Congratulations are in order! Didier Ramin proposed to Ibtissem Ouaicha following France's wheelchair basketball win. Watch the incredible moment below...

I'm here at the Invictus Games, and today I got to follow Prince Harry as Day 3 kicked off with an afternoon full of exciting tournaments. First, he paid a visit to the rowing finals before heading to the wheelchair basketball. Here, he also received a sweet gift from a little girl which you can see in the video below.

Close pals! The Duke is pictured sharing a joke with TV presenter and Invictus Games medalist JJ Chalmers during the wheelchair basketball competition, after taking part in some "seat dancing".

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Prince Harry seen waving to the crowds as he arrived at the TRA/Rehabilitation Expo during day three of the Invictus Games.

Meghan Markle has been pictured at Los Angeles International Airport, where she took a plane to London before she is due to catch another flight to Germany. 

The former Suits actress is on her way to Düsseldorf for her husband Prince Harry's Invictus Games tournament. 

MORE: I was at Prince Harry's Invictus Games for Day 3 - and these were today's unbelievable highlights 

Looking relaxed and carefree, the Duchess of Sussex was seen smiling as she walked towards her plane. In pictures, obtained by MailOnline, the former actress was rocking £620 'Polina pants' from luxury womenswear brand Ulla Johnson and a dark blue knitted sweater  from one of her go-to brands, J.Crew. 

The mother-of-two, who appeared to be travelling without her children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, teamed her ultra-elegant navy pants with a pair of recycled Valentino flats, reminiscent of pearly ballet shoes.

The royal accessorised with oversized sunglasses and carried a cream Panama hat with her. HELLO! can confirm that the former Suits actress was armed with a pre-loved handbag, bought from a vintage store.  

Meghan is preparing to join Prince Harry at the Paralympic-style games in Germany this week. This year's international sports event, which kicked off on Saturday, will run until 16 September, with a number of different competitions taking place – from athletics to wheelchair basketball.