Amidst the fervor of the Invictus Games in Düsseldorf, Germany, Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, took a moment to share a heartwarming anecdote about her children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. The Duchess, while engaging in a conversation with Laura Reynell, an Australian competitor, revealed that her children are beginning to utter the word 'Invictus' as they playfully run around their home.
Reynell, who had the privilege of sitting alongside the Duchess during the Wheelchair Basketball match on September 13, recounted her interaction with Meghan to ABC Sport. She described the experience as akin to "chatting to a friend back home." The Duchess, according to Reynell, was genuinely interested in understanding the profound impact the Invictus Games has had on the lives of veterans and injured military personnel, particularly in Australia. Reynell emphasized how the games have transformed from just a community day to a platform that provides veterans with a renewed sense of purpose, camaraderie, and competitive spirit.
The Invictus Games, founded by Prince Harry, have always been close to the hearts of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Meghan's presence at the games was evident as she enthusiastically cheered for Team Australia. She was also seen engaging in light-hearted banter with Reynell, while Prince Harry conversed with the team's psychologist, Tavis Watt. Watt noted that the Duke was deeply invested in understanding the mental health benefits the games offer to its participants.
The Duchess's fondness for the games was further highlighted during her speech at the "Family & Friends" party hosted by the Fisher House Foundation on September 12. She expressed her eagerness to introduce Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet to the Invictus Games, emphasizing the event's inspirational nature. Prince Harry, in a previous interview with People during last year's games in The Hague, shared a touching moment when he introduced Archie to videos of wheelchair basketball and rugby from the Invictus Games. The Duke emphasized the importance of teaching children about both visible and invisible injuries, praising their unfiltered and honest perspectives.
Reflecting on his military service, Prince Harry expressed his desire for his children to understand the value of true service to others and the significance of finding one's purpose. He emphasized that hard work should be both fulfilling and rewarding.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are anticipated to remain in Düsseldorf until the conclusion of the 2023 Invictus Games on September 16. As for Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, they are believed to be in California, likely under the watchful eye of Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland.
