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Royal Tour, Day 5: Meghan Markle, Prince Harry visit Hyde Park for Invictus Games

THE Invictus Games opening ceremony is officially under way, with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in attendance.

The wet weather which earlier threatened to wash out the event failed to dampen the spirit of athletes who have filed into the ceremony after severe thunder storms lashed the Harbour and delayed the opening by over an hour.

Some attendees were apparently put off by the weather. Some seats remained vacant on the steps of the Opera House with Invictus officials telling news.com.au a number of attendees had left.

But the wet weather hasn’t dampened the spirits of competitors. The Australian team is chanting “Aussie Aussie Aussie, oi oi oi!” As the remaining attendees find their seats on the slippery forecourt.

The 500 athletes from 18 nations, along with their families and supporters, had earlier arrived at the function by boat as the rain poured down.

MEGHAN STUNS ON HARRY’S BIG NIGHT

THE Duke and Duchess of Sussex have arrived at the Sydney Opera House for a reception ahead of tonight’s Invictus Games opening ceremony.

Though a severe thunderstorm over Sydney is threatening the outdoor event, Harry and Meghan appeared calm as they arrived alongside Prime Minister Scott Morrison and NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian at the Opera House’s Bennelong restaurant.

The Duchess is wearing a coat by former X-Files star turned fashion designer, Gillian Anderson, who has created a capsule collection for London label Winser.

Underneath, Meghan worea Stella McCartney dress she previously donned for the Queen’s Birthday celebrations at London’s Royal Albert Hall in April.

The Duchess is playing the perfect supportive wife tonight as her husband prepared to officially open the Invictus Games in tonight’s opening ceremony.

The event in the Sydney Opera House forecourt was due to begin at 7.30pm, but has been pushed back an hour later due to wet weather caused by severe thunderstorms.

ROYAL COUPLE IN RARE PRIVATE MOMENT

Everywhere the royals have gone on their tour of Australia so far, they’ve been flanked by crowds of adoring fans.

But tonight, a picture shared by Kensington Palace captured a rare moment between the couple without a royal watcher in sight.

The couple was pictured in the Sydney Opera House forecourt where tonight’s Invictus Games Opening Ceremony is to be held.

Prince Harry is expected to address the crowd at the event, and was pictured practising his speech for a captive audience of one.

The photograph shows Harry gripping a microphone and wandering the stage in front of chairs set up for the Games’ 500 athletes and supporters.

But all the chairs are empty apart from one in the front row, where Meghan sits looking on proudly at her husband.

SEVERE STORM THREATENS HARRY’S BIG NIGHT

The image also raised concerning questions over whether there was a wet weather plan in place with a severe thunderstorm barrelling over Sydney.

The opening ceremony was due to be an outdoor event, and from the photograph of Harry’s rehearsal, there didn’t seem to be any sheltered areas or covers to speak of.

The Duke and Duchess were initially scheduled to arrive at the Opera House by boat, but due to the weather have since made the decision to travel by car.

Invictus organisers reportedly assured they were prepared for any conditions, but a tweet from one of the event’s official accounts suggested otherwise.

“The thunderstorm over Sydney may have an impact on the Opening Ceremony,” it warned.

“The most important thing is to ensure everyone’s safety.”

There has been confusion at the event’s entrance where some security staff told attendees the event was already cancelled and turned them away when they went to have their bags checked.

But a spokesperson for Invictus told news.com.au the event had not been cancelled, and they were surprised security staff were telling people as much.

“Security are being fed the wrong information. It’s full steam ahead, tonight will not be getting cancelled. Safety first always in an electrical storm, but it will not be changing location,” an Invictus media representative said.

Invictus media reps would not confirm if there is a contingency plan in place if the storm continues.

HARRY AND MEGHAN’S AUSSIE PDA

ROYAL fans hoping to witness one of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s famous PDAs (public displays of affection) weren’t disappointed — the pair held hands and gazed at each other adoringly as they left the podium after an Invictus medal ceremony.

Moments earlier, Prince Harry well and truly got into the spirit of competition while attending the first official event of the Invictus Games on Sydney’s Cockatoo Island on Saturday, accepting an invitation for a remote control car race by a group of young kids.

Meghan declined an offer to take part as well, instead watching on and laughing as Harry jokingly shouted “come on!” as the cars collided on the grass.

At one point, Meghan could be seen suggesting to Harry that they move along, but the Prince was clearly reluctant to give up the game with the kids.

After Meghan tried to get Harry’s attention and he wouldn’t leave the game, she went off on her own to collect some medals for the kids. The pair then gave them out to the young boys, bending down to congratulate them and shake hands.

ROYALS’ QUICK COSTUME CHANGE

The Duke and Duchess both underwent outfit changes before arriving at Cockatoo Island and were dressed more casually after the formalities of their earlier visit to the ANZAC Memorial.

Meghan, who had been wearing a conservative black Emilia Wickstead dress and Philip Treacy hat this morning, changed into black jeans and a white jacket for the Invictus event.

Meanwhile, Harry swapped his military uniform for trousers and a black shirt.

Both wearing dark sunglasses, the royals took plenty of time to chat with Invictus Games athletes and officials as they slowly made their way over to the driving course.

The couple arrived on Cockatoo Island for the first official Invictus Games event — the Jaguar Land Rover Driving Challenge.

The Duke and Duchess will watch which country secures the first gold medal of the competition, started by Prince Harry.

Helicopters were flying overhead and uniformed police were running patrols of the area prior to their arrival. A security team is enforcing bag checks as people hop off the ferry and enter the arena.

Over the day, competitors from 12 countries will participate in three challenges featuring one water obstacle course and two precision driving challenges, one involving cones to test the driver’s skill and mastery over the car.

It’s the couple’s second event of their day in Sydney, which will conclude with Harry officially opening the Games at a ceremony at the Sydney Opera House on Saturday night.

HARRY AND MEGHAN’S TOUCHING NOTE

PRINCE Harry has delivered an emotional message during the couple’s solemn visit to Sydney’s new ANZAC memorial this morning.

The Duke and Duchess went to the Hyde Park monument to lay a wreath and officially open the refurbished memorial, and while they were there, the couple added a touching, personal tribute.

Along with the wreath of native florals they laid in tribute to fallen Australian and New Zealand soldiers, Harry and Meghan left an emotional note.

“In grateful memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice and in recognition of the men and women for whom the scars endure,” the attached handwritten note read.

The touching message, written on a small card featuring Harry’s royal insignia, was signed by both the Prince and his wife.

MEGHAN’S SUBTLE ANZAC TRIBUTE

Earlier, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have kicked off day five of their royal tour of Australia at Sydney’s Hyde Park where they attended the opening of the revamped ANZAC Memorial.

The royal couple laid a wreath at the front of the refurbished 1930s Art Deco building.

Just before 10am, Prince Harry arrived in full military uniform and Meghan in a black dress and hat.

The Duchess has been showcasing the work of Australian designers over the first few days of the tour, but today she chose a frock by New Zealand designer Emilia Wickstead.

The choice is perhaps a subtle nod to the military partnership between Australia and New Zealand to which the royal couple paid their respects today. Her hat is by London milliner Philip Treacy.

HARRY STANDS AT ATTENTION

Harry and Meghan have laid a wreath on the memorial steps, and as a piper played the military lament, Prince Harry saluted. The Duke also saluted while the Australian national anthem was played.

The couple bowed their heads as a minute’s silence was held to honour the fallen, and Prince Harry stood stiffly at attention by his wife during the military presentation of arms.

Aboriginal elder Uncle Roy Mundine gave a moving welcome to country before NSW Governor David Hurley addressed the crowd.

Harry and Meghan listened to Mr Hurley describe how the Prince’s relative Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester had opened the memorial in 1934 and now Prince Henry, Duke of Sussex, would open the new wings of the memorial.

Security is tight at the invitation-only event, as it has been during every event on the royal tour. Snipers could be seen atop nearby hotel and office buildings.

COUPLE TO KICK OF INVICTUS WITH A CHALLENGE

The 2018 Invictus Games has kicked off on Sydney’s Cockatoo Island with the Jaguar Land Rover Driving Challenge.

Over the day, competitors from 12 countries will participate in three challenges featuring one water obstacle course and two precision driving challenges, one involving cones to test the driver’s skill and mastery over the car.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be arriving in the afternoon to watch which country secures the first gold medal of the competition, started by Prince Harry.

Harry will officially open the Games at a ceremony at the Sydney Opera House on Saturday night.

The fourth version of the international sporting event will feature 500 competitors from 18 nations competing in 11 medal sports including archery, athletics, indoor rowing, powerlifting, road cycling, sailing, sitting volleyball, swimming, wheelchair basketball and rugby.

Prince Harry’s inspiration to create the games for wounded and ill veterans and serving military personnel came from his decade-long service with the British Army.

He was convinced sport could help wounded veterans “fix their lives” and raise awareness about the role they can play in the community.

The games, to be held over the week, are at the centre of Harry and Meghan’s first royal overseas tour.

They have already delighted fans in Sydney, Melbourne and Dubbo.

— AAP

ROYALS TO OPEN NEW ANZAC MEMORIAL

The royal couple will kick off day five of their tour of Australia by opening the revamped ANZAC Memorial in Sydney’s Hyde Park.

Following an Aboriginal smoking ceremony and welcome to country, and a minute’s silence for the fallen soldiers, NSW Governor David Hurley will address a crowd of 300 invited guests.

The Australian Military Wives Choir will then sing the hymn, I Vow to Thee my Country, accompanied by the Australian Army Band, Sydney.

David Hurley will then take the couple on a tour of the Hall of Silence to view the sculpture, “Sacrifice” dedicated to Australians who have served in the Defence Forces.

The $40-million enhancement of the marble and granite building includes a second cascading water feature into the reflective pool, which was never finished due to the 1930s Great Depression.

The new design features an oculus that will connect the memorial’s two levels, and an education and interpretation centre to bring to life the original vision for the memorial which opened in 1934.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison and NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian will accompany the royals on the 45-minute tour.

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