***Scroll down for UPDATES 4/19***
The Invictus Games are here—and so is Meghan!
For the first time since 2018 the games are taking place, this time in The Hague, Netherlands—where they were scheduled to be in 2020 before the COVID-19 pandemic postponed them to 2022. Harry is the Founding Patron of the Invictus Games, an international sports competition for wounded veterans and service members.
More about this year’s games from the Invictus Games site below —
The Invictus Games The Hague 2020, presented by Jaguar Land Rover will bring together over 500 competitors from 20 nations to compete in a series of adaptive sports. Events will be held across the city over the course of a week, for more information about Invictus Games The Hague 2020, please visit: www.invictusgames2020.nl“
Meghan stunned at the first event of the Invictus Games today in an all-white Valentino suit with front button detailing, her hair worn down and accessorized with her Cartier earrings, her Sophie Lis necklace and a new Valentino bag. On her feet were white Aquazzura heels that pulled the look together (Scroll down for details about today’s look!).
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped out for the Invictus Games Friends and Family reception at Zuiderpark where they met with teams, their families, their friends and were escorted by Team Netherlands athletes.
The crowd awaiting Harry and Meghan’s arrival.
Below the couple are greeted by The Hague’s Mayor Jan van Zanen (below, left) and the chairman of #IG22 chairman Mart de Kruif (just left of Harry).
Another look at the couple arriving.
Below, Harry was gifted a traditional pair of Budgie Smugglers from Team Australia.
You may recall the Duke received a pair at the 2018 Invictus Games Sydney (below).
Below, the couple were welcomed to The Hague by Fenna Geugies, wife Bertine and their daughter, Lieva, at the reception. Meghan, noticing the sudden drop in temperature, quickly handed over her coat to Bertine to help keep the baby Lieva warm.
Inside the reception —
Later in the evening, the Duke and Duchess attended a second reception, this time for dignitaries, hosted by the City of The Hague and the Dutch Ministry of Defense.
President Joe Biden announced the presidential delegation flying to The Netherlands to attend Invictus Games The Hague this weekend. Secretary Pete Buttigieg will lead and be joined by Ms. Marja Verloop, Charge d’ Affaires a.i., US Embassy The Hague, The Honorable Tammy Duckworth, US Senator (D-IL), The Honorable Donald McRemy, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, The Honorable Gina Ortiz Jones, Under Secretary of the Air Force and The Honorable Rory M. Brosius, Special Assistant to the President and Executive Director of Joining Forces.
Below a photo taken at the The Hague’s US Embassy shows the Duke and Duchess with Senator Tammy Duckworth, Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg and his husband, Chasten as well as other dignitaries from Ukraine.
Another photo below with Senator Duckworth and Secretary Buttigieg and the delegation at The Hague’s US Embassy today.
US Secretary of Transportation, Pete Buttigieg met with veteran competitors of both Team US and Team Ukraine.
Secretary Buttigieg is a veteran himself having served as an intelligence officer in the United States Navy Reserve, attaining the rank of lieutenant. He was mobilized and deployed to the War in Afghanistan for seven months in 2014.
Below the couple with Team Ukraine.
A video below shows Meghan and Harry during the the welcome event at the US Embassy The Hague.
This is Meghan’s first return to Europe since March 2020, when she and Harry carried out their final royal engagements as working members of the royal family. On their way to The Netherlands, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex stopped off in the U.K. to visit Queen Elizabeth at Windsor Castle, and, while we may not know what she wore, the sentimentality of the visit is all we need to make our hearts swell.
Famously, Harry and Meghan publicly confirmed their relationship at the 2017 Invictus Games in Toronto, where Meghan was living at the time and filming Suits. (Remember the Misha Nonoo husband shirt and ripped Mother jeans? How could we forget!) She also joined him for the 2018 games in Sydney, Australia, not long after the Sussexes announced she was pregnant with their first child.
Now our look at what Meghan wore for today’s reception.
The Duchess wore a white suit from Valentino. The oversized double-breasted twill blazer, $3400, paired with the pintucked wool tailored trousers, $1900, in white. Jacket also available here and trousers also available here.
Meghan’s bag is also by Valentino, the one stud nappa leather shoulder bag, $3400. Also available at Saks here.
She also wore, what we’re thinking are her Aquazzura bespoke mesh pumps, first worn for her wedding reception in May 2018. We can just make out a hint of blue in the sole.
Below the Duchess in May 2018 heading to her wedding reception wearing the shoes.
Aquzzura’s Shiva pump in suede and mesh below (no longer available) is similar to the pair Meghan wore.
If you like the look, here is a great RepliMeg – Open Edit, the Daria Mesh Pump, $79.
Meghan also had a camel color wool coat with her. We aren’t sure which one it is, however UFO No More suggests this coat from the Ralph Lauren Collection — the Leonarda Wrap Coat, $5290.
The Duchess wore her standard gold Cartier Tank watch (which once belonged to Princess Diana), her Cartier ‘Love’ bracelet. She also brought back her Cartier Galanterie de Cartier earrings in white gold and diamonds
She also brought back her Sophie Lis ‘Love’ necklace, $533.
We saw a new bracelet today as well on Meghan — a finger bracelet style in gold. It has been suggested that the bracelet may be from Catbird NY – the ‘Kitten Mitten’ in yellow gold, $238. She has worn the brand previously – the Catbird threadbare stacking ring in gold, $48.
Thanks to the eagle eyed, Charlotte of Mad About Meghan, she spotted Meghan wearing the Bentley & Skinner diamond tennis bracelet, a gift from Prince Charles shortly before the couple’s wedding in 2018. We saw her wear the bracelet at the Garden Party in May 2018 here.
UPDATE 4/19: Meghan’s pink rings are from Shiffon – they are pave diamond wrap rings from not yet released collection. The rings are similar in style to the Duet Pinky Ring in gold, $1050 (set of 2) that she first wore for the Time100 magazine cover in September 2021.
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On Friday the Duke and Duchess visited with Harry’s grandmother, The Queen, as confirmed by a spokesperson for the couple. No word on whether the couple had their two children, Archie and Lili, with them.
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More coverage to come, as Meghan is expected to be at several events at the games in the coming days! The schedule is below — be sure to check back for new posts and updates.
- Saturday, 16 April: The couple will attend the Jaguar Land Rover Challenge during the day before heading to the Opening Ceremonies that evening where the two will deliver remarks.
- Sunday, 17 April (Easter): The two are expected to make various appearances at events throughout the day, which includes archery, sitting volleyball and track and field events. There will also be “special Invictus Games Easter Eggs” present in Invictus Park on Easter Sunday and Monday.
VIP LINKS
- Invictus Games The Hague official site is here.
- Follow We Are Invictus on Twitter here.
- Support the Invictus Foundation by shopping here.
Kat says
Meghan’s makeup and hair are on point, and she’s glowing. She also looks really lovely in white, however this suit is a total miss in my opinion. This look may be “on trend,” but some trends need to just go away. This would be hard for anyone to pull off and look good.
I cannot stand the pants that puddle on the floor, because again, it doesn’t look good on many people (Kate favors them too, and they do not look good on her either). And I do not like boxy suit jackets, even on men! They add the illusion of weight where there isn’t any (which became obvious when Meghan stepped out in the much better fitting Celine jacket).
Meghan looked so much better in the McQueen suit with the tailored pants. That was a phenomenal suit on her, and could you imagine it in white? That would have been a knock out.
I hate to say it, but I feel like Meghan picks out designer name clothing and automatically thinks it will look good (obviously, I don’t know if that’s what she’s thinking, but that’s how it comes across to me). Whether you shop at H&M or Valentino, you should dress for your body type. H&M can look like a million bucks over Valentino, Chanel, etc. if it’s styled and fitted correctly. Case in point was a lot of her clothing she wore on the South African tour. She looked stunning, even dressed down and there were very few haute couture designers in that mix.
WhatMeghanWore says
Hi Kat – we’ve had a lot of debate over the years as to why Meghan chooses to wear certain outfits that may not look very flattering on her. Our thinking is that she has the ability to experiment, so to speak, with some of these high end designers that she didn’t have access to many years ago (back before joining the royal family) and that’s ok. We’re also not sure if she is using a specific stylist currently. We’ve read about one or two for the TIME100 cover but that was it.
My personal thoughts are that I am not a huge fan of the oversized suit. However if she is comfortable in it and feels good wearing it then by all means go for it.
I do admit that I prefer when she wears more tailored pieces.
Thanks, Susan C
Nisha says
Overall she looks stunning in white, with perfect hair and makeup. She should have however chosen a jacket that was shorter and better fitted to her frame. The other style misstep that she frequently makes is over-accessorizing. This is a serious and business-like look, and the multiple rings and hand chain are not appropriate for this outfit. The necklace and the watch alone would have been perfect accessories. The hand chain in particular is a very Gen-Z look, something I picture young people wearing at Coachella or the beach. Its not something that should be worn at a formal event with a suit!
LadyLeah says
So happy to see Harry & Meghan at Invictus!! I always love how Meghan looks in dazzling white and I’m loving the wedding shoes re-wear.
I know it’s “on trend” but I’m finding this suit too baggy/bulky for someone as petite as Meghan. Something in between “skin tight” and “boxy oversized” is my preference.
Looking forward to the the upcoming events and am SO HAPPY to be back on this most wonderful fashion site!
Larissa says
Wearing all white was a good choice. Meghan doesn’t stand out too much and keeps the focus away from herself, while white goes well with the orange of the host Netherlands, as well as the yellow and blue of the Ukrainian flag – I’m sure Meghan knew she would be photographed alongside both. The coat could use some alterations. I find it very meaningful that Meghan wore her wedding shoes again; to me it seems like a big statement about how clothes shouldn’t only be worn once.
Chelle Davidson says
I agree with those who say the suit was ill fitted but give it a pass as Meghan is a new mom and getting back to the pre-pregnancy figure is a problem for many women.
The classic style of a Valentino pant suit, Cartier watch and tennis bracelet with diamond earrings should have been a hit but is ruined by the addition of a ‘mitten kitten’ …. whatever that is!
I am sorry but it just looks tacky and takes away from the classic pieces. That being said, Meghan’s smile was beaming. She seemed engaged and happy to be there.
Note: Admin Edit
Leila says
I think it would have been a better look if the jacket was shorter. She is so petite that the long jacket doesn’t work for her. I think it could have been better tailored to her size, which is a common issue for her, but I find the jacket length the most egregious issue. White is a flattering color on her, but not this particular silhouette. Having seen a few pictures of her outfit for the evening, she does have examples of pants and tops that are better suited and better tailored for her.
Lynda says
Meghan has a figure that looks amazing in suits. But this one was just awful on her, IMO. It was like she was dressing up in mommy’s clothes. If she had worn a white suit tailored to her figure, it would have been a showstopper. This left me cold.
Kate says
There’s nothing more timeless, classic nor chic to have in your closet than a great pant suit. This suit is not that timeless, classic nor chic pant suit. I love a great wide leg (or palazzo-style) pant; at 5’2.5″ myself (but with more Kate’s athletic build), it gives me some presence when I normally don’t have that much in a straight leg. Pairing it with a coat that is two or three sizes too big is just too much volume and the frame is lost. It almost appears as if she’s hiding behind clothes by doing excess on top and bottom.
AVA says
She looks fabulous! Oh, wait!- Let me say it this way F*A*B*U*L*O*U*S
She oversized jacket looks tremendous, and right on trend- The all white looks lights out on her, with her beautiful long dark hair- The best part? Her smile- she looks healthy and happy.
Beautiful gold jewelry, especially the necklace, which is VERY interesting- The trendy bracelet ring chain, – so different, but not overwhelming. She looks classy and beautiful.
This is a 10 plus
CB says
It would have been fun, modern, and trendy if worn with a platform shoe – like styled on the model. With the classic shoes and accessories, it just looks I’ll fitting/too big and swamps Meghan. If she had worn the beige coat over, (the one she loaned to the mother with the baby), the profile would have been even more oversized and bulky. I really want her to succeed and inspire with her fashion, but this doesn’t work for me.
Laura says
I know oversized is trendy right now, but as another commentator said already, there’s trendy and there’s stylish. Trendy goes out of style very quickly. I would only buy a Valentino suit as an investment piece, especially at that price (plus whatever the cost of tailoring), BUT, this is a look that will be in style and out of style very quickly.
, Im not a fan of this big, boxy white Valentino suit. It swallows Meghan up, widens her shoulders, waist and hips, and while high-fashion, is not flattering. The trousers alone with the heels and a tailored blouse, or just the boxy blazer with tailored trousers would have been better looking IMHO. Meghan is petite and should dress for her figure.
LouiseK says
If the trend is for baggy clothes, then I hope it is a short trend! I don’t like this look on anyone really, and definitely not on someone as petite as Meghan is. She looks swamped. I think this comes across as messy and uncomfortable. Fortunately, I saw some pictures of her at other engagements and liked those choices better. Looking forward to the posts on those!
Bev says
My first thought about the oversized jacket was maybe because she still isn’t quite where she was before the pregnancy in her own silhouette and the jacket is a good coverup for that. Of course that didn’t change the white dress she chose for one of the former outings (NYC?), so that may not be it at all. Either way I do think she looks great in white.
Nancy says
Trends don’t work for everyone, and this one does not work for Meghan. I thought the same of that outfit in New York. Oversized may be in, but it does her no favors at all.
Carolyn says
This suit is a big miss for me. The jacket is far too big and bulky. I loved her black Alexander McQueen suit, the cut was perfect. This white suit is swallowing her up and doesn’t even look stylish in my opinion. Together with the white shoes and bag, it’s a bit bizarre.
Sora says
This is perfection- I’m a sucker for the oversized trend and I love how this is styled. Her hair and makeup are utterly gorgeous. She looks cool and confident, can’t wait to see more.
Alice says
Before Meghan got married, she looked amazing in everything she wore, it all fitted perfectly and her hair looked great too. I had serious wardrobe envy and desperately tried to emulate her. But since her marriage (to Harry), she has completely lost her way.
The suit isn’t good and the context doesn’t help. Meghan is unfortunately known for ill fitting clothes, so automatically the assumption is that this simply doesn’t fit. She’s with tall people which exaggerates the fact that she is much shorter and makes the suit look as though she’s wearing someone else’s clothes! Some people can carry of an oversized suit, but it’s unkind to everyone bar the tall and willowy.
The kitten mitten’ is too big. The fact that she was showing that hand so much, suggests it was meant to send a message, as with the Husband shirt at the first Invictus games she attended. I’ll have a ponder as to what that could be.
The cream bag is a poor choice with a white suit and a smaller, neater one would have worked better. I’m afraid I don’t like the mix of gold and silver coloured jewellery. Her eyebrows are much more opaque than I’ve previously seen. With the oversized suit, a tighter hairstyle would have been better too. Having everything loose is too much.
I worked in the personal styling area for a long time and obviously this is only my opinion. It’s just sad that Meghan doesn’t have someone better to help with her choice of clothing, accessories etc. She’s a beautiful woman and her wardrobe seriously lets her down. I don’t know whether she’s simply lost her confidence, or is wholly relying on a stylist who doesn’t understand her body shape, but with a large budget and access to skilled people who can alter items to fit, it’s bewildering as to why this keeps happening.
I’m here if you need me, Meghan!
Note: Admin Edit
Bea says
This is a lovely and fresh look. To re wear items Meghan used at her wedding shows how important Harry and Meghan view the Invictus Games. I like it all except the jewellery which was uncoordinated and too busy. Especially that hand chain. Was it Coco Chanel who said something like: look at yourself before you leave and take something off (meaning jewellery)?
Dawn C says
I’m so glad to see H&M out and about and especially for this event that means so much to Harry. I’m also glad they were able to see his grandmother the Queen. I believe at her age and having recently recovered from Covid a visit needed to happen. She is being selective with her in person duties and giving more responsibility to Charles. She will not be around forever and family matters need to be settled. I truly hope Archie and Lili were there too, especially since she had not yet met Lili in person.
As for what Meghan wore…..she has rarely worn a jacket, coat or blazer that fits her petite frame well. This oversize look may be “in” but it swallows her up. The photos from a distance look better than up close in that you can’t really see how big the jacket is. Maybe it’s a personal preference on her part to wear outerwear that is too big. I’m not a fan. Otherwise she looks happy and healthy and that’s what matters most.
Oh, and Harry with his budgie smugglers. ?? I remember watching the video in 2018 when he put them on over his pants and I laughed so hard! And I learned what budgie smugglers are. ? He may look like a younger version of his father (and grandfather) but he is his mother through and through. She was mischievous too. ? Thanks for the coverage and I look forward to more as the festivities go on.
WhatMeghanWore says
Thanks for the support Dawn! – Susan C and Rachel B
Kate says
I normally love Meghan’s fashion, but this is just too….styled. I mean, hats off to a woman with the chutzpah to wear a suit that is not only baggy AND double-breasted but also head-to-toe white and not look like the bleached clown that I would in such an ensemble, but it just isn’t doing anything for her except tell me she’s got a stylist.
I mean, I’m not a fashionista–at all–and I took one look and thought, “Oh. Oversized 80s ‘Miami Vice’ suits must be trending.”
There’s trendy, and there’s stylish. I’m afraid Meghan’s too far on the trendy side on this one for me.
Kathleen says
Sigh. She looks fantastic but … at the risk of sounding like my mother … I just don’t ::get it:: The proportions are just too ‘fashion’ for me, I suppose. I appreciate the suit in theory but just don’t love it in practice. That being said, love the rewearing of the wedding shoes (if those are in-deed it) and the jewelry is on point as always. She certainly has her own fashion sense and excellent execution.
WhatMeghanWore says
Kathleen, The oversized suit is a big trend right now. I may update the post with other less expensive options for this look, but also to show what’s trending. It’s not really my favorite either, as I don’t think I could pull it off on my 5’2″ frame! I am loving her bag though. – Susan C.
Jill says
I also just don’t get this. Meghan looks so fantastic in tailored suits, I think this one just looks all wrong and swamps her. It looks even worse at the back. The colour choice is great though.
JoJo says
Similar thoughts to you Kathleen. I love that she chose to wear a suit. Her colour choices and accessories, as well as camel coat are all fantastic. And the suit, of course, is bang on trend, but the jacket seems to sit up off her shoulders giving the illusion of a shorter neck, which makes the look less flattering than it otherwise would have been. I like it a little more in theory than in practice. Enjoying seeing H and M out and about though, excited for the next couple of days, and thank you for the post 🙂
Laura says
Kathleen, I totally agree, sigh!! I guess these proportions are too fashion-forward for my basic tastes lol. Kate & Sophie also wear pants with this shaped bottom but to me, it just seems too long/ too wide at the shoe-line? Anyway, it was so nice to finally see her & Prince Harry back out in the real world!!