Harry and Meghan may no longer be senior royals, but their trip to Germany on Tuesday certainly felt like a state visit.
German media rolled out the red carpet for the “supercelebrities” and the couple, who looked visibly relaxed and in good spirits, were greeted by hordes of screaming fans.
The Duchess and Duke were in Dusseldorf to promote next year’s Invictus Games, a Paralympic-style sporting event for armed forces veterans of which Harry has long been a patron.
The prince immediately made himself popular with the fans and media in attendance, opening the press conference in German before cracking a joke about the famous Düsseldorf Altbier.
“I heard the beer here is better than in Cologne. Is that true?’ Harry joked and poked fun at the Kolsch, which was brewed just 25 miles south.
“We have to find out. What could be a better reason than this hot day.”
The prince immediately made himself popular with the fans and media in attendance, opening the press conference in German before cracking a joke about the famous Düsseldorf Altbier
German media rolled out the red carpet for “superstars” Harry and Meghan, who looked relaxed and in good spirits as they were greeted by hordes of screaming fans.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, at the Invictus Games One Year To Go event in Dusseldorf, Germany
The Duke of Sussex waves to the crowd as he strolls the streets of Dusseldorf on September 6, 2022
The couple was Everyone was smiling as they arrived in the city’s main square, where royal fans stood for over two hours in the sweltering heat to watch them promote the Games, exactly one year before they begin next September.
The event had many hallmarks of a royal visit, although the couple were classified by German police as private citizens rather than royalty.
More than 500 people stood behind metal barriers outside the entrance to City Hall, some of whom had taken their places at the front three hours before the couple was scheduled to arrive.
A private security team followed the Duke and Duchess as they walked the streets, waving to adoring fans and stopping to shake hands and take selfies.
Among the crowds were former Soldier Bob Clark and his wife Lily, dressed for the occasion. Clark wore an ermine robe, a crown, and a queen’s mask covering his face.
Clutching a bag celebrating Harry and Meghan’s wedding, his wife wore a coat and Union Jack hat.
The couple traveled from their home in Duisburg to show their support for the royal family – although California-based Harry and Meghan are no longer working members of the so-called ‘firm’ after stepping down as senior royals in January 2020. called Megxit in a move.
Bob said: “We’re both big fans of the Queen and the Royal Family. It will be great to see Harry and Meghan.’
Meghan, wearing a £245 cream cardigan from trendy LA label Anine Bing and matching trousers, and Harry in a gray suit, flew to Germany on Tuesday morning where the police were closed intersections and erected miles of roadblocks so they and their entourage could avoid traffic jams.
The couple greeted fans before enjoying a boat tour along the Rhine from reception to the Merkur Spiel-Arena, where Harry delivered his speech at an Invictus Games press conference.
Prince Harry is filled with joy as he pets a small dog while taking selfies with fans outside Dusseldorf City Hall on Tuesday
The Duchess of Sussex takes selfies with Invictus athletes during the Invictus Games Düsseldorf 2023 – One Year To Go events
Selfie alert: The prince grinned for a photo with a member of the public in Germany today
The 2023 edition of the Invictus Games, an international multi-sport event for wounded, injured and ill servicewomen and men, both serving and veterans, will be held September 9-16, 2023
In his speech to the media, Harry commended the service staff for their sacrifice and said they deserved a moment in the spotlight.
“I’m more than impressed with everything I’ve seen so far and I have full confidence in what we will present next year together with representatives from 22 nations,” he said.
‘It [Düsseldorf] is a great place with a vibrant atmosphere and full of great people. From what I’ve seen today, I have a good idea of how we’re going to bring the theme of these games – a home for respect – to life.
“I believe showing respect and appreciation is just as important as receiving respect and appreciation. That is the spirit that we bring to Düsseldorf.
“For those who risk their lives to serve their country and protect us, for those who have suffered physical and mental trauma as a result of that service, and for the families who make the invisible sacrifice of this lifestyle every day have – these games are for you.
“From the first day they donned their uniform, the men and women of our service community were prepared for unimaginable psychological and physical hardships. They fought for their lives, our lives, our freedoms and our democracies. They are my role models. Nothing can, has or will stop them. They inspire their communities and they inspire the world.
“Thank you for your commitment to a cause bigger than yourself.”
The Invictus Games Düsseldorf 2023 will take place from 9th to 16th September and will bring together over 500 participants from 20 nations to compete in a range of adaptive sports.
