As Prince Harry approaches his 39th birthday on September 15th, all eyes are on the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who are currently in Germany for the Invictus Games. Meghan Markle, known for her thoughtful gestures, is reportedly planning an "extra special" celebration for her husband, aiming to bring some cheer during a month that holds painful memories for the prince.
The significance of September for Prince Harry is profound. His mother, Princess Diana, tragically passed away in a car accident in Paris on August 31, 1997. Her globally televised funeral took place on September 6, just days before Harry's 13th birthday. "There's a lot of pain around a September birthday for Harry, because of the big funeral and the ramifications with his mother," commented royal historian Tessa Dunlop.
This year, the Duke's birthday coincides with the closing ceremonies of the Invictus Games, a multi-sport event for wounded, injured, or sick armed services personnel and veterans. The couple is expected to remain in Germany until at least the weekend, attending the final celebration of the sporting event on Saturday.
Meghan, who joined her husband in Dusseldorf on Tuesday, was met with enthusiastic crowds. Addressing her late arrival to the games, she mentioned familial responsibilities, "Like so many of you, you know this is about family and friends and the community that Invictus has created... I had to spend a little bit more time getting the little ones settled at home." She humorously added details of "three milkshakes and a school drop-off" before her flight to Germany.
The couple's commitment to meaningful gestures, especially during personal celebrations, is well-documented. "I presume Meghan will join him there [Invictus Games] later, they'll do a double act there," Dunlop shared with media outlets. "They'll do something meaningful, they're in a neutral space in Germany, and I think they'll have a good one."
Last year, the Duke and Duchess were spotted at an upscale eatery in Montecito, California, celebrating Meghan's 43rd birthday. Given their current location, it's speculated that the Duchess might opt for one of Dusseldorf's fine dining establishments to recreate the ambiance of her previous celebration.
While the specifics of the birthday plans remain under wraps, one thing is certain: Meghan Markle is determined to ensure that her husband feels cherished and celebrated, even in the midst of professional commitments and poignant memories. As the world watches, the couple continues to navigate their roles on the global stage, intertwining personal milestones with public duties.
