***Scroll down for Updates 4/22***
Let the games begin!
After a jam-packed day of watching the Jaguar Land Rover Driving Challenge the Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrived at the Invictus Games’ opening ceremony tonight hand-in-hand and beaming on the yellow carpet.
A view of the venue before the ceremony started.
Meghan wore an off-the-shoulder white top by Khaite and black pants, which she paired with Manolo Blahnik black heels, a Cariter gold necklace, and Lorraine Schwartz earrings (scroll down for more details on her look). An updo completed the look.
Meghan shared a few words before Harry spoke, saying how grateful they were to The Netherlands for hosting the games —
For each team, my husband and I both recognize it’s been a lot to get here, both physically and emotionally. not least of which for the Ukraine team, whom we are all standing with…One thing I know for sure is that every single moment it has taken to get here will be worth it, because it is here, at the Invictus Games, that we honor your years of active duty on the field and your continued service to your country, to your family and your community off the field.”
Hear Meghan’s remarks in the video clip below.
Harry took the stage at the opening ceremony, welcoming attendees to The Hague, Netherlands for the games, which were originally scheduled to be held there in 2020 but were pushed back two years thanks to the pandemic.
The world needed to be reminded of the power of the human spirit, the ability to heal, and the strength of resilience that allows us to recover and come back stronger,” the Duke of Sussex said. “And we’re doing it here, in this moment, in The Hague, on the shores of global justice and peace—and it could not be more fitting for the message we have for the world. Your stories inspire people to believe in themselves. Your actions prove the impossible is, in fact, possible. And your continued service encourages others to give back and serve in their own way.”
Harry specifically recognized Ukraine’s delegation, saying of the team —
Your bravery in choosing to come, and for being here tonight, cannot be overstated,” he said. “You told me yesterday why you decided to join us, despite all odds. You said you came to be on this global stage, not simply to show your strength, but to tell your truth—the truth of what is happening in your country. You know we stand with you. The world is united with you.”
Even though Archie and Lili don’t seem to be traveling with the couple on their trip, Harry spoke of his son, proving they are never far from his mind —
When I talk to my son, Archie, about what he wants to be when he grows up, some days it’s an astronaut. Other days it’s a pilot. A helicopter pilot, obviously. Or Quasi, from Octonauts…but what I remind him is that no matter what you want to be when you grow up, it’s your character that matters most. And nothing would make his mum and me prouder than to see him have the character of what we see before us—you.”
See and hear Harry’s remarks at the Opening Ceremony below.
The couple in the front row enjoying the remainder of the ceremony.
Nearly 5000 spectators gathered in the mobile theater, which was specially built for this occasion. They were treated to performances by the Royal Military Chapel ‘Johan Willem Friso’, Anneke van Giersbergen, a drum band of the navy, police and reservists, DI-RECT and the British band Kaiser Chiefs. The Avantgarde dance group acted during the various performances.
Many dignitaries attended the opening ceremony. Among them Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet der Nederlanden, the third daughter of Queen Juliana and Prince Bernhard and the aunt of the reigning monarch, King Willem-Alexander. She is honorary president of the committee of recommendation of the Invictus Games The Hague 2020.
His Majesty, King Alexander is also due to attend the games. We’re hoping to see his wife, Queen Maxima as well. Below is a recent photo of the royal couple.
The Invictus Games were founded in 2014 by Harry to show the courage of wounded, ill, and injured servicemen and servicewomen.
And now… What Meghan wore!
The Duchess wore a bodysuit from Khaite — the ‘Cerise’ off-the-shoulder knotted stretch-cotton jersey bodysuit in cream, $780. Also available at Nordstrom here, Bergdorf’s here and Farfetch here.
UPDATE 4/22: Meghan’s pants could be the Khaite “Amelie” pant in black, reg. $1080 now $540 – with the belt loops removed. They are also available at Farfetch here, $378, and Matches here, Now $486.
Her shoes are from Manolo Blahnik — the Camparimesh black mesh polka dot Mary Jane pumps, $895.
She wore a new necklace tonight from Cartier, the Juste un Clou necklace in yellow gold an diamonds, $15,200.
NOTE: A few followers pointed out that Meghan’s necklace looked slightly different than that of the Cartier based on some photos. We’ve determine that at some point Meghan’s necklace came undone during the ceremony making the “nail head” appear as though it’s sitting between the ends of the “wires”.
We’re thinking Meghan is wearing her Lorraine Schwartzman emerald cut diamond jacket earrings. She has worn the earrings on a number of occasions – shown below when she first wore them for the Lion King premiere, July 2019.
She also wore her Cartier ‘Love’ bracelet, Princess Diana’s diamond tennis bracelet and a new diamond tennis bracelet (see our previous post about this double strand bracelet).
Meghan also had on a new ring. I appears to be a trinity knot style in gold and diamonds.
Get Meghan’s look with this top from Express, $39 or this one from Chic Wish, $42.
Try these black wide leg trousers from Banana Republic, $65 or these from White House Black Market, $99.
Here are a few mesh style pumps to choose from — Nine West, $49, Nina pumps, $99, FSJ mesh pumps, $76.
We’ll leave you with this special moment as Harry came on stage.
Join us back here tomorrow for more coverage of the couple as they attend Invictus Games events including an Easter Egg hunt.
Don’t miss our earlier post on the Land Rover Challenge – click below.
Was expecting her to wear a dress but this is way better. Love how minimalistic yet classy it looks. I like how she took off the cartier watch for this outfit as well. As for the pants, could it be a custom made longer version of the Khaite The Amelie trousers?
This is a wonderful formal look! The bodysuit is flattering and looks fantastic with the black trousers and heels. Meghan looks sophisticated, elegant and gorgeous!
Wow, what a top! Meghan has always looked great in wider necklines – the boatneck dresses she wore at many royal engagements were so flattering. This bodysuit also shows off her shoulders and looks simply stunning. I’m glad she kept her hair up to show off the neckline and kept it simple with the necklace.
This is a flat out spectacular look from head to toe. Beautiful, classic black & white is a timeless statement. I love the detail and interesting neckline on the top and those black trousers are perfection. The mesh shoes are a twist on the classic pumps and as always, I love some texture, and these are stunners.
As for the jewelry…swooning here. That necklace, those earrings, that ring, plus the bracelets…glittering and gorgeous, each piece. I have always thought she has excellent taste in jewelry and wears (and pairs) her pieces so well.
Magnificent Meghan!! Enjoying this incredible event and the charisma that Harry & Meghan bring to their causes.
This is my favorite of all Meghan’s Invictus ‘22 outfits. Beautiful, simple, elegant perfection!
I covet those shoes! They are lovely!
THIS I like!
First, I LOVE that Meghan wears pants to more formal events. Pants looks great on her and when she wears them to formal events, they also give her a little hit of cool. Here, It looks comfortable and classic and it hits the right note for the occasion.
The pattern of the bodice reminds me very much of a white column evening gown worn by her late mother-in-law Diana, Princess of Wales in the 1990s and which has been auctioned 25 years ago at the famous Christie’s auction in NYC. So this style is nothing new to me.