Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Royal tour day six LIVE: Duchess RETURNS in glowing form
MEGHAN Markle and Prince Harry are on day six of their first Royal tour as a married couple. The Duchess of Sussex missed today’s morning engagements after announcing a reduced schedule as she settles into her pregnancy – but she is now back in fine form after a well-earned rest.
Today the newlyweds – who are expecting their first child – were expected to attend morning engagements of the Invictus Games competition, created by the Duke of Sussex, in which more than 500 competitors from 18 countries will compete.
But only Prince Harry attended the morning’s official events as Kensington Palace announced Meghan’s schedule has been cut back following a “busy programme”.
Highlights from today’s Invictus Games events included ‘Road Cycling Time Trials’, which kicked off at 9.30am local time (12.30am BST).
The cycling was followed by the ‘Sailing’ at 11am local time (1am BST).
The final major event of the day was the ’Road Cycling Criterium’, at 1.30pm local time (3.30am BST).
Today the newlyweds – who are expecting their first child – were expected to attend morning engagements of the Invictus Games competition, created by the Duke of Sussex, in which more than 500 competitors from 18 countries will compete.
But only Prince Harry attended the morning’s official events as Kensington Palace announced Meghan’s schedule has been cut back following a “busy programme”.
Highlights from today’s Invictus Games events included ‘Road Cycling Time Trials’, which kicked off at 9.30am local time (12.30am BST).
The cycling was followed by the ‘Sailing’ at 11am local time (1am BST).
The final major event of the day was the ’Road Cycling Criterium’, at 1.30pm local time (3.30am BST).
5.30am update: The Duke and Duchess take a cruise on a speedboat
Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex have ridden out to board a friend’s boat to watch the sailing event of the Invictus Games at Farm Cove in Sydney.
Harry gave a cheeky wave and Meghan smiled appearing to enjoy the thrill ride.
Both Royals donned waterproof jackets to protect themselves from the cold water and Meghan held on tight to her husband as they ripped through the waves together.
4.10am update: Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex have arrived at a reception hosted by the Prime Minister of Australia at The Pavilion Restaurant
Meghan and Harry have greeted children at The Pavilion Restaurant.
They are due to have dinner with Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
Harry stayed in the same outfit as he wore for the medal presentations and Meghan looked stunning in understated black with an over-sized white jacket to cover the baby bump.
There was a didgeridoo player present to entertain the Royals as they looked on in fascination.
Meghan and Harry hugged a member of the public as the Duchess dazzled in her pregnancy glow after a well-earned morning’s rest.
3.25am update: Harry has presented awards and medals to cyclists without Meghan
Athlete Benjamin Yeomans asked Harry to sign a pair of swimming trunks for him.
The Duke obliged and laughed when Mr Yeomans threw them on his head.
Meghan was absent from the engagement but she will return for a reception and dinner with the Prime Minister in the afternoon.
3.00am update: Meghan will go to Fraser Island tomorrow but she won’t do any engagements there
Meghan will get to Fraser Island but won’t do any engagements while she is there.
She will probably enjoy a walk on the beach to get some fresh sea air as she settles into pregnancy.
Hugs all round from Team USA following the @InvictusSydney Elliot 7 Team final! 🇺🇸 #IG2018 pic.twitter.com/qIc7PimyFd
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) October 21, 2018
It’s been an exhausting week for the Duchess and although she hasn’t had any morning sickness, she has been very tired, sources have reported.
2.30am update: Why is Meghan absent from the morning’s engagements of day six?
The pregnant Duchess, who announced she will be having a baby last week, had a late night on Saturday after the Invictus Games opening ceremony started later than expected due to weather.
Meghan is now expected to miss a series of events over the remainder of the tour.
A source said the Duchess of Sussex is fine, and they just want to “pace” her as both she and Prince Harry have a lot of events left.
Prince Harry told competitors that Meghan is “resting back at home” during his morning event.
“Being pregnant takes its toll,” he added.
1.50am update: Harry is not joined by Meghan for the morning engagements of day six of the Royal tour
The Duke of Sussex has arrived at the Botanic Gardens in Sydney to meet Invictus competitors and staff.
He has not been joined by Meghan as her schedule has been cut back following a “busy programme”.
Kensington Palace said: “After a busy programme, The Duke and Duchess have decided to cut back The Duchess’s schedule slightly for the next couple of days, ahead of the final week-and-a-half of the tour.”
1.30am update: The Sailing is underway in the glorious Sydney Harbour where Harry and Meghan are expected to be watching
Sydney Harbour provides a spectacular backdrop for the Invictus Games debut of sailing.
Boats will sail from the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia at Rushcutters Bay to Farm Cove.
Meghan and Harry are expected to be watching the event as it makes its Invictus Games debut.
1.27am recap: Harry and Meghan’s Royal itinerary for day six
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will be at Royal Botanic Gardens to cheer on the cycling.
The parents-to-be will then enjoy a slap-up lunch with the Australian Prime Minister, Scott Morrison.
‘Invictus Family and Friends’ will also join the special luncheon.
Harry and Meghan will then watch the sailing competition, which kicks of at 1am BST.
They will then attend a private Invictus Games reception at Governor House.
1.00am update: Spectators react to the first event of the games
Twitter user Nick Steiner penned: “At Invictus Games, so inspiring and emotional. And good to show the kids what real grit looks like. We’re in awe.”
Another said: “Gary Robinson smashing it at the Invictus Games”
Meanwhile, Aussie politician Gladys Berejiklian wrote: “At the Royal Botanic Gardens to watch the start of the Invictus Games Cycling. All the best to all of the amazing athletes competing. You are an inspiration.”
12.40am recap: Prince Harry opened the Invictus Games yesterday – which is the centrepiece of the Royal tour
Prince Harry launched the event with a very personal speech at the Sydney Opera House forecourt.
The father-to-be gushed about the couple’s exciting baby news, which was announced hours after he and wife Meghan landed in Australia earlier in the week.
He said to huge applause: “I have been so proud to be able to introduce my wife to you and we have been so happy to be able to celebrate the personal joy of our newest edition with you all.”
The Games is the biggest highlight of the Royal tour for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
The excitement of the tour has been added to by the news of Meghan’s pregnancy as eager Royal fans begin to notice traces of a baby bump
12.00am update: Meghan and Harry are due to meet some of the cyclists after the main event
Prince Harry and wife Meghan will begin the first day of the Invictus Games Sydney by attending the cycling competition at the Royal Botanic Garden.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will watch one of the road bike time trials before meeting competitors and team staff in the competition hub.
The royal couple will also present the gold, silver and bronze medals at the event.
After the cycling, the pair will head to the Pavilion for the official reception hosted by Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
There they will meet representatives from veteran support groups and mental well-being organisations.
Later in the afternoon, the Duke and Duchess will watch the Invictus Games sailing final from a Family and Friends Boat in Farm Cove.
Tonight, the couple will attend a private reception for the Invictus Games Foundation at Government House.
11.43pm update: The first event has begun: The Road Cycling Time Trails
The event tests speed and skill as key strengths come to the fore on the picturesque Royal Botanic Garden course where cyclists try to beat the clock and each other.
Fans in the crowd are waving Union Jack flags as the competitors fly past.
Harry and Meghan are expected to join the onlookers in spurring the challengers on.
Source: EXPRESS CO UK
