Prince Harry teased a “competition” with his wife Meghan Markle at the opening ceremony of the Invictus Games 2023, ahead of their reunion.
During his opening speech, Harry revealed that the Duchess of Sussex will be cheering for Nigeria this year after discovering that she is of Nigerian descent.
Opening the games at the Merkur Spiel-Arena in Dusseldorf on Saturday evening, Harry said that while the Sussexes do not “play favourites”, the discovery means that things are likely to get “a little bit more competitive” between the couple.
“We’re also very excited to have new nations join us,” the duke told the packed arena.
“Let’s hear it for Colombia, Israel, and Nigeria.
“Now I’m not saying we play favourites in our home… but since my wife discovered that she is of Nigerian descent, it’s likely to get a little bit more competitive this year,” he added.
The duke founded the Invictus Games to aid the rehabilitation of injured and sick military personnel and veterans across the globe, by giving them the challenge of competing in sporting events similar to the Paralympics.
A total of 550 sick, wounded and injured former and current military personnel from 21 countries are taking part in 10 team and individual sports.
Team UK, who are captained by Royal Navy submarine officer Lieutenant Commander James Rogers, has been supported by the Royal British Legion in partnership with the Ministry of Defence.
This year’s competition will run until September 16, when Meghan will join Prince Harry for the closing ceremony.
A statement was released from the couple's organisation, Archewell, last month, which stated Harry will start the games alone in Germany, and Meghan will join her husband for the second half of the games.
Prior to the Invictus Games, the Duke of Sussex returned to the UK for just 48 hours to attend the WellChild Awards, which took place on the first anniversary of the Queen's death.
In a speech at the ceremony, the duke said: “As you know, I was unable to attend the awards last year as my grandmother passed away.
“As you also probably know, she would have been the first person to insist that I still come to be with you all instead of going to her, and that’s precisely why I know exactly one year on that she is looking down on all of us tonight, happy we’re together, continuing to spotlight such an incredible community.”
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