The first weekend of the 2025 Invictus Games has been chilly yet filled with excitement in Vancouver, Canada, as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex embrace the festivities.
From pop music and enthusiastic dogs to medal ceremonies, snow flurries, and even a surprise proposal, the atmosphere has been electric. As HELLO! prepares to head to Whistler for the next leg of the Games, let’s take a moment to recap the highlights of the opening days.
Royal Welcome
While the Games honor the soldiers, it’s Prince Harry who steals the spotlight, with fans eager to catch a glimpse of him wherever he goes. After a wheelchair basketball match on Sunday afternoon, he and Meghan dedicated over 30 minutes to interacting with attendees, taking selfies, accepting hugs, and even holding babies.
Staying Warm in Style
A recent report noted that the Duke and Duchess are still deeply in love and fans of affectionate moments, and that certainly showed during the Games. Meghan made waves with her chic wardrobe, drawing on her fashion flair showcased at the 2024 One Year To Go event.
For the opening ceremony, she donned a Canadian brand Sentaler’s Baby Alpaca Wrap Coat, previously worn on a dinner date in 2024. She also stunned in a Givenchy coat reminiscent of one she wore in Sydney in 2018 when she announced her pregnancy with Archie, along with a stylish heather gray Doen blazer that echoed Princess Kate’s look.
A Dog Lover at Heart
This year’s Games featured plenty of well-behaved pups, and it’s no surprise I found myself sidetracked by a furry friend. Prince Harry, too, couldn’t resist. He immediately gravitated toward a service dog at the wheelchair curling event, spending nearly a minute on the floor affectionately petting the pup. He likely would have lingered longer were it not for a gentle nudge from a member of the Archewell team.
Unity and Camaraderie
The spirit of togetherness and friendship permeates the Games, with competitors mingling across nations, connecting with each other’s families, and sharing stories. The medal ceremonies were particularly heartwarming, as loved ones rushed the court to embrace their champions, including the wife and two-month-old son of one of the Israeli athletes.
For Prince Harry, the festivities also allowed him to showcase his playful side. He participated in a light-hearted moment on the jumbotron, mimicking a moose with his hands on his head, drawing laughter and cheers from the crowd.
