Summary
- Prince Harry is celebrating his 39th birthday today at the Invictus Games in Germany
- The Duke and his wife Meghan Markle watched the sitting volleyball, archery, and cycling fixtures
- Harry had a particularly sweet moment helping out one little girl
Day seven of Invictus Games underway
Day seven of the Invictus Games is underway and we're expecting an imminent appearance from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
The couple will watch the sitting volleyball, archery, and cycling fixtures this morning, followed by the sitting volleyball finals this evening.
It comes after Harry treated his team to an intimate pre-birthday dinner out at a restaurant in central Dusseldorf. The "family meal" took place in the main restaurant (not a private room) and Harry was "very generous, and tipped very well".
Get all the exclusive details here including what they drank and ate!
Our reporter Isabelle Casey is live on the ground and bumped into them as they were leaving.
© InstagramHarry's 39th birthday
It's a big day for Harry, as he's also celebrating his 39th birthday.
While we wait for the Sussexes to arrive, take a look at some of Harry's best life photos so far, including some very sweet ones from his childhood.
Crowds sing Happy Birthday to Harry
Harry and Meghan are arriving to a rousing rendition of 'Happy Birthday' for the Duke.
The crowds are getting into the celebratory spirit and are even dancing the conga!
© GettyHarry's blowing kisses and says the little boy seated next to him has "got the moves".
He's being given a birthday gift from Team Colombia (coffee and a satchel!) - most likely the first of many presents today.
Another chic courtside look from Meghan
The Duchess looks gorgeous as usual, wearing a Zara jumpsuit paired with a Celine blazer.
She's also got her trusty Saint Laurent sandals on.
© GettyThumbs up from Prince Harry
It's a thumbs up from Prince Harry, although he looks a little relieved the attention is now focused on Germany vs Poland competing in the sitting volleyball.
© Getty
© Getty
© GettyHarry and Meghan make their way to the track
The Sussexes are making their way to the track to greet the sitting volleyball competitors and fans.
More photo opps for a lucky few - including the Poland volleyball team.
© GettyMeghan's flawless look
Your daily reminder that Meghan has travelled to Germany without her glam squad or stylist.
She's been doing her own hair and makeup for her high-profile appearances.
How flawless does she look?
© GettyMeet and greet with fans
Harry and Meghan are heading outside the Merkur Spiel-Arena to quickly meet fans before their next fixture - cycling.
We wonder how many times he'll hear 'Happy Birthday'!
© Getty
© GettyHarry's fatherly moment
Prince Harry's left his two young children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet at home in California, but he's showing his fatherly instincts at a prize-giving ceremony.
Harry is lifting the daughter of UK cyclist champion, David Jarvis, over a barrier so she can be reunited with her dad and see his gold medal up close. The little girl Sophia is with her mum Stephanie Jarvis, who is also coincidentally celebrating her birthday today.
Stephanie's admitted she thought David had forgotten her birthday, but he's just gifting her a silver love heart pendant necklace now.
"As a child, I joked that I should be a Princess because we share a birthday," Stephanie tells HELLO!
Speaking of her husband's win, she says: "This is David's sport. I knew he'd be strong. But for him to go and win gold and get the fastest time overall, it's incredible. I'm so emotional. I'm just really proud of him."
Watch Harry's fatherly moment below:
Harry and Meghan hand out medals to cyclists
The couple are congratulating participants and handing out medals to the winners of the cycling fixtures.
Medallists are getting a lot of hugs from the Duke and Duchess.
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© GettyNext up - archery
Harry and Meghan are watching their third sport of the day - archery.
They're whizzing over from the cycling track to the archery event via a golf buggy.
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© GettyPrivate birthday lunch for Harry and Meghan
What a morning of activity!
Harry and Meghan are heading back to their hotel now for a private birthday lunch.
No doubt they'll be FaceTiming their kids when they wake up, so Archie and Lili can wish their dad a happy birthday.
Harry's amazing birthday cake
Harry's been gifted an amazing Invictus-themed birthday cake from the Mayor of Dusseldorf.
We wouldn't mind a slice...
HELLO!'s royal podcast
While we wait for Harry and Meghan's next appearance, why not tune in to season two of our podcast, A Right Royal Podcast, which is out now?
In the first episode, we talk all things royal holidays. Did you know that King Charles once crashed a plane? That the late Queen wore hiking boots under her lavish robes at Balmoral? And that a young Prince William had to fly without his family from the age of 12?
Shop Meghan's Invictus Games fashion
Fans are loving seeing what outfits Meghan pulls out of her wardrobe, as much as they are tuning into the Games.
In a couple of hours, Harry and Meghan will be making their next scheduled appearance and we're sure the Duchess will have changed into another show-stopping look following her all-white ensemble this morning.
Throughout the tournament, she's been wearing some of her favourite brands like Ralph Lauren and J Crew.
So if you want to shop any of her looks, check out this feature but be quick, the "Meghan Effect" is real!
Best photos from the Games so far
With the Games drawing to a close tomorrow, relive some of the best moments in our gallery.
© GettyHarry and Meghan arrive for Canadian reception
The Sussexes are mingling and chatting at an Invictus Games reception hosted by Canada, following Harry's private birthday lunch at their hotel.
The couple are in high spirits and as expected, Meghan's changed into a swoon-worthy grey, high neck collar dress. How elegant does she look?
Meghan speaks of hopes for Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet
During the reception, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle shared their love for the country, where they enjoyed a peaceful few weeks during their relationship without anyone knowing that they were there. Meghan also revealed that she would love for Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet to learn to ski in the country, with Whistler being pinpointed as the ideal place.
Bridget Bridge, the wife of IG25 board member Keith Bridge, revealed: "Meghan said that she really wanted her children to learn to ski and that maybe Whistler was the ideal place. She said she didn’t ski so we told her they must come and learn."
© GettyRoyal ski trips
It's no surprise that Meghan and Harry fancy taking Archie and Lilibet skiing as many a royal has hit the slopes before, including the Duke. Want to see the royals enjoying themselves on the slopes? Then follow this link to see 20 of the best photos, including a sweet one of a young Harry and Prince William, alongside their mother, the late Princess Diana.
© GettyMeghan's stunning outfit
We've already raved about Meghan's outfit in this blog, but now we exactly what she was wearing. The Duchess opted for the high-necked ribbed wool-blend midi-dress from Toteme. Although not seen in some pictures, the gorgeous dress also carries a back slit on the leg.
Prince Harry and Meghan arrive for final event of evening
Prince Harry and Meghan marked the end of his birthday to watch the finals of the ice hockey, with Harry sitting with his childhood friend from Eton, Nicky Scott, and Johnny Mercer MP, who serves as the government's Veterans Affairs minister. Harry and the politician shared a laugh as the Duke headed for his seat with the duo clearly in high spirits.
Crowds sing Happy Birthday to Prince Harry
Harry marked his 39th birthday on Friday, and as he sat down for the final event of the day, the assembled crowds were led in a chorus of Happy Birthday, with even Meghan joining in. The Duke took in good nature, jokingly placing his head in his hands and jabbing his finger at the event organisers who began the singing.
Harry was then treated to the song being sung in German as he approached the field. As the singing finished crowds shouted out 'speech', although the Prince didn't oblige on this occasion.
See the moment Harry's cake is unveiled
It wasn't just a chorus and shirt that Harry was treated to, as an incredible cake featuring the Duke's likeness was also unveiled in front him. See the moment that the royal saw just what had been made in his honour!
A look at Prince Harry's cake
The cake that was presented to Prince Harry was a masterpiece. The layered creation featured a model of the Duke sat atop it alongside the words: 'I Am Invictus Games.' It also featured models of some of the sports at the Games including basketball, weightlifting and archery.
© Isabelle CaseyMeghan shares sweet moment with competitor
The Invictus Games has provided plenty of heart-warming moment during its run, and the finals saw another one as Meghan embraced one of the competitors following the event.
© Chris JacksonThank you for joining us!
Thank you for joining us for all of the highlights from the seventh day of the Invictus Games and Prince Harry's 39th birthday. We loved the moment where the Duke had the crowds singing to him, going through the same process anyone celebrating their birthday in public is forced to endure.
The Invictus Games closes tomorrow and we will have coverage from the closing ceremony.
And if you missed any of our coverage, you can check some of it out below:
