As the curtains fell on a week of extraordinary athleticism and inspiration at the Invictus Games, Harry and Meghan graced the closing ceremony in impeccable style. Harry’s touching speech, a poignant tribute to the competing veterans, took center stage, but before we delve into Meghan’s fashion, let’s revisit the week’s remarkable highlights.
Throughout the Invictus Games, we witnessed incredible displays of resilience and determination by athletes from around the world. From heart-pounding track and field events to the thrilling wheelchair basketball matches, the games showcased the indomitable spirit of wounded service members.
Team Ukraine takes the stage as the entire stadium gives them a standing ovation in the clip below.
In his speech at the Invictus Games, Prince Harry began by thanking the audience in German and humorously declaring himself “Ich Bin ein DĂĽsseldorfer” (I am a DĂĽsseldorfer).
His speech was dedicated to the veterans who competed, and it carried a deeply personal connection.
He expressed his hope that bagpipes would be played at the ceremony, a symbol that holds significant meaning for him. To his surprise, Master Corporal James, who picked up the bagpipes, not only offered to play but also shared his poignant connection to the instrument. In Afghanistan, James played the bagpipes at 63 ramp ceremonies, one for each fallen soldier. Harry’s words served as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by these brave souls and their families.
Below, Prince Harry embracing Master Corporal James of Team Canada.
A bit of Harry’s speech in the clip below from Victoria Ward of the Telegraph.
Throughout the Games, Harry was joined by close friends, including Nicky Scott, his childhood friend from Eton, and photographer Misan Harriman, who we’re sure has been capturing the essence of the event. Johnny Mercer MP, the minister for Veteran’s Affairs, also shared in the festivities, highlighting the strong support from both sides of the Atlantic.
A few more photos taken by Misan Harriman on Friday.
The closing ceremony featured mesmerizing performances by renowned artists. First up was singer and song writer Sam Ryder who is best known for his TikTok videos during the pandemic in 2020 and representing the United Kingdom in the Eurovision Song Contest 2022 with the song “Space Man“, becoming the highest scoring UK entrant and ultimately winning the contest.
Next up – Rita Ora, the British singer known for her powerful vocals and captivating stage presence, graced the stage with her performance.
Both Rita and Sam’s performances added an extra layer of emotion and entertainment to the evening.
Below, Harry and Meghan with both Rita and Sam before the show.
During the ceremony, Harry and Meghan sat alongside Dominic Reid, the CEO of the Invictus Games, and Elke Budenbender, the First Lady of Germany, who added their presence to the memorable event.
Below, (L-R) Dominic Reid, OBE Chief Executive, Meghan, Harry, Elke BĂĽdenbender and German Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier during the closing ceremony at Merkur Spiel-Arena.
Meghan dazzled tonight in a Cult Gaia dress, radiating elegance and grace. Her choice of Aquazzura pumps added a touch of sophistication, while KimaĂŻ diamond hoop earrings provided a subtle yet luxurious sparkle.
Meghan’s makeup was as flawless as her ensemble. With a rosy blush, bold black mascara, and a matte pink lip, she completed her look with understated glamour.
A remarkable note from this Invictus Games was Meghan’s choice to go without her usual entourage of stylists, hairdressers, and makeup artists. In a departure from royal tradition, Meghan took matters into her own hands, showcasing her down-to-earth nature and self-reliance. She transformed her look in less than an hour, emphasizing her genuine and relatable approach.
Our breakdown of what Meghan wore for tonight’s event.
Meghan’s dress is the Cult Gaia ‘Raylene’ gown in the Seamoss colorway, $798.
She wore her Aquazzura Purist 105 pumps in nude, $658. She wore the pair earlier today (see our other post here.)
The Duchess wore her Kimai Semi Hoop earrings in diamonds and gold, $695. She wore the earrings earlier this week – post here.
Below, an exclusive Illustration by our dedicated artist, Amelia Noyes with a look at Meghan’s fashion for this past week. If you would like to purchase an 8×10 print of this piece, please see the link here. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this print will be donated to the Invictus Games Foundation.
As the closing ceremony marked the culmination of this inspiring week, Harry’s heartfelt speech and Meghan’s timeless elegance once again reminded us of the power of resilience and unity. Their presence and style added a touch of regal magic to an already unforgettable evening, celebrating the extraordinary athletes who have inspired us all.
I will be back the beginning of the week with a recap of this past week’s fashion and include a closer look at Meghan’s makeup (that many of you have asked me about). I’ve also had a lot of requests for affordable ‘dupes’ of Meghan’s pieces which I’m working on. Please let me know if there is anything else you would like me to include.
Thank you to all those who helped with IDs, offered suggestions, words of encouragement and support this past week. While it was fun and exciting, it was at times very chaotic and overwhelming. Of course the raging head cold I had came at the worst time!
A huge thanks to the amazing and reliable photographers — Stephen Lock at i-Images and James Whatling. You two are rock stars with capturing the beauty, grace and details of Meghan, Harry and all those precious moments of the event. As always, I’m forever grateful to you both!
In case you missed it, here’s my post from earlier today – Harry and Meghan’s Stylish Farewell: Inspiring Moments Before the Invictus Games Closing Ceremony.
I like this dress. I don’t see anything inappropriate about it–though I thought it needed some kind of necklace, even if just a slim chain. In general I thought her looks for Invictus were very tasteful and well put together, if not hugely inspired.
I’m very impressed that she did all her own hair and makeup; it looks to me like she did a flawless job. She really cannot take a bad picture.
Absolutely loved this dress on her. I’m guessing the tabloids got it wrong about Meghan speaking at the closing ceremony and got it mixed up with her speech on the first day she arrived. It makes more sense for Harry to close out the ceremonies anyways given he’s the founder. Goes to show you can’t always believe the tabloids! This reminds me of the gold dress she wore in NY which I also loved on her too. She wears strapless well and has the physique for it! I think my only minor criticism is I think the dress a is a tad too long on her and would have looked better a few inches shorter but I love the cut and color so much on her I’m willing to overlook it.
Thank you for all these great and fun posts! I’m sure it was exhausting while you were sick. I’m going to miss seeing so many updates from them as they tend to go dark for months and unsure when we’ll see them out and about so much until the next Invictus. I know we’ll see them again but since they operate in Stealth Mode, I wouldn’t be surprised if we don’t hear from them until next year.
Hi Amelie,
Thank you for your kind words and support! Yes, Meghan spoke at the private Friends & Family party the day she arrived and I think that’s why they got it wrong. I thought I heard Meghan was on the schedule for the closing ceremonies but she apparently never was and this all makes a lot more sense.
I’m feeling better this week and I hope to get some posts done about recaps, affordable dupes for pieces she wore and a few other posts over the coming weeks. Hopefully we will see a little more of them now that the IG’s were such a success. Fingers crossed!
Susan C.
Sam Ryder did not win the Eurovision Song Contest in 2022, he was in second place after Kalush from Ukraine.
Hi Cora, Thanks for letting me know. I must’ve misread that. I will update the post. Thanks, Susan
Meghan looked amazing throughout the IG!
We probably won’t see them for a while so I am happy for your coverage throughout the IG.
Thank you.
I’m sorry but that dress was completely inappropriate. One of her pantsuits or a more business like dress should have been chosen. This is an event where you want the focus on the veteran athletes and your attire should reflect that. Hers did not.
MAA, I completely agree 100%. She’s got plenty of ensembles that would’ve been more appropriate. Plus, maybe its proportions are off bc it looks like the dress is wearing her, not the orher way around.
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Totally agree.
100% agree with you.
It kinda reminds me of that gold strapless number she wore in NY. Kudos for trying a different style but i really don’t think these strapless vinyl-looking garments are a good fit for her; she looks stunning in almost everything but i dont think this style/this cut is doing her amazing figure any favors.
I like the dress but agree that it is was inappropriate for the occasion. Meghan has a hard time telling the difference between the red carpet and an event that should be focussing on veterans.
Susan, thank you so much for the amazing job you did covering this all week.
Meghan looked STUNNING in that final green dress! She is incapable of taking an unflattering photo, ever. She looked incredible in that dress! The look overall reminded me a bit of the famous umbrella photo when she wore the turquoise Stella McCartney.
I have one question but do not want to give you a lot of extra work to do — but would it be easy for you to send an email update when there is an update to the What Harry Wore section? I’ve bought my husband a few things that Harry has worn over the years, so it would be great if those interested could sign up. But again, only if this is simple for you to implement because you already have enough on your plate!
Thank you again for your extensive coverage! It must be so much work, but I eagerly look forward to your posts every time we see Meghan.
Hi Lucy – Thanks for your kind words and support! I will see how I can implement something for What Harry Wore in the way of post alerts. Thanks, Susan
Going to miss seeing them. Thank you for lovely coverage.
Wow, Meghan looks divine! Its the perfect blend of classic and edgy. Fabulous look, and Harry looks very fetching.