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 ‘super celebrities’ and the pair, who seemed visibly relaxed and in good humour, were greeted by hordes of screaming fans.
The Duchess and Duke were in Düsseldorf 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 endeared himself to fans and media in attendance, kicking off the press conference in German before cracking a joke about Düsseldorf’s famous Altbier.
‘I heard the beer here is better than in Cologne. Is that true?’ Harry joked, poking fun at the Kölsch beer brewed just 25 miles further south.
‘We have to find out. What could be a better reason than this hot day.’
The Prince immediately endeared himself to fans and media in attendance, kicking off the press conference in German before cracking a joke about Düsseldorf’s famous Altbier
German media rolled out the red carpet for the ‘super celebrities’ Harry and Meghan who seemed visibly relaxed and in good humour 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 Düsseldorf, Germany
The Duke of Sussex waves to the crowds as he strolls through the streets of Düsseldorf on September 6, 2022
The couple were all smiles as they arrived in the city’s main square where royal fans stood for over two hours in the stifling heat to see them promote the games exactly a year before it is due to start next September.
The event had many of the hallmarks of a royal visit despite the couple being classed as private citizens rather than royals by German police.
More than 500 people stood behind metal barriers outside the entrance to the town hall, some of whom had taken their place at the front three hours before the planned arrival of the couple.
A private security team tailed the Duke and Duchess as they made their way through the streets, waving to adoring fans and stopping to shake hands and take selfies.
Among the crowds were former serviceman Bob Clark and his wife Lily who were dressed for the occasion. Clark wore an ermine robe, crown and a mask of the Queen covering his face.
His wife clutched a bag celebrating the marriage of Harry and Meghan and wore a Union Jack coat and hat.
The couple travelled from their home in Duisburg to show their support for the royal family – even though California-based Harry and Meghan are no longer working members of the so called ‘firm’ after stepping down as senior royals in January 2020, in a move dubbed Megxit.
Bob said: ‘We are both huge fans of the Queen and the royal family. It will be great to see Harry and Meghan.’
Meghan, wearing a £245 cream knitted vest from trendy LA label Anine Bing and matching trousers, and Harry, in a grey suit, flew into Germany Tuesday morning where police closed junctions and set up miles of roadblocks so they and their entourage could avoid traffic jams.
The couple greeted fans before enjoying a boat tour along the Rhine River from the reception to the Merkur Spiel-Arena, where Harry delivered his speech at an Invictus Games press conference.
Prince Harry is full of joy as he strokes a small dog while taking selfies with fans outside Dusseldorf town hall on Tuesday
The Duchess of Sussex takes selfies with Invictus athletes during the Invictus Games Dusseldorf 2023 – One Year To Go events
Selfie respect: The Prince grinned for a picture with a member of the public today in Germany
The 2023 edition of the Invictus Games, an international multi-sport event for wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women, both serving and veterans, will take place from September 9 to 16, 2023
In his speech to the media, Harry praised service personnel for their sacrifice, saying they deserve a moment in the spotlight.
‘I’m beyond impressed by everything I’ve seen so far and have full confidence in what we will be showcasing together next year with representation from 22 nations,’ he said.
‘It [Düsseldorf] is a great location with a vibrant atmosphere and filled with amazing people. From what I’ve witnessed today already, I have a good sense of how we will bring the motto of these games – a home for respect – to life.
‘It is my belief that showing respect and appreciation is just as important experiencing respect and appreciation. That’s the spirit we are bringing to Düsseldorf.
‘For those who risk their lives serving their country and protecting us, for those who experienced physical and mental trauma due to that service, and for the families who took on the unseen sacrifice of this lifestyle each and every day – these games are for you.
‘From the first day of putting on the uniform the men and women who represent our service community were prepared for unimaginable mental and physical stress. They were fighting for their lives, our lives, our freedoms and our democracies. They are my role models. Nothing can, or has, or will, stop them. They inspire their communities and they inspire the world.
‘Thank you for your commitment to a purpose greater than yourselves.’
The Invictus Games Düsseldorf 2023 will take place from September 9-16 and will bring together over 500 competitors from 20 nations to compete in a series of adaptive sports.
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