Her journey involved an overnight flight from Los Angeles to Heathrow and a brief stopover in the UK before catching a connecting British Airways flight to Dusseldorf. However, there's been speculation that Meghan's presence might overshadow the Duke and draw attention away from his event. Some have expressed concerns that her arrival could disrupt Harry's birthday celebration.
This marked her first transatlantic journey since attending the Queen's funeral in London last September, and it coincided with Harry's 39th birthday.
Upon her arrival in Germany, Meghan was whisked away from the VIP terminal to the five-star Hyatt Regency hotel, where she would be joining Harry. She was accompanied by her bodyguard, who sat in the front seat of the vehicle. After a 20-minute drive from the airport, the couple entered an underground car park at the hotel. The Duchess checked into the presidential suite with Harry.
The couple attended a private reception for friends and families of competitors from the 21 participating countries. While details of the event have not been disclosed, it is expected to be very informal and inclusive, with children in attendance. Those invited are all part of the UK Invicta family, and many of them flew together on an RAF flight from Birmingham.
Meanwhile, severe weather warnings were issued in Dusseldorf, with heavy rain and thunderstorms expected in the evening. Organizers advised people to avoid outdoor areas in the Invictus Games Park.
Harry, a strong supporter of the UK team, engaged with competitors and their families, posing for numerous selfies and interacting with young children at the event. Friends and families from other nations were also invited to the reception.
The event was described as casual, not a formal sit-down meal. The venue was kept a closely guarded secret, and loved ones of competitors were transported to the location on a fleet of coaches.
Harry launched a wheelchair basketball match between the UK and Ukrainian teams, joined by his friend JJ Chalmers, a former Marine who suffered serious injuries in a bomb blast in 2011. He also had animated conversations with Beth Hurley, a former program coordinator who worked with the Royal Foundation.
After attending the indoor rowing event, Harry returned to his hotel to await Meghan's arrival, surprising competitors by making another appearance at a marquee for minglin
