‘Beautiful and inspiring’: Meghan stuns fans with moving Invictus Games speech

She’s spent the last week watching some of the most inspiring athletes in the world during the 2018 Invictus Games and Meghan paid a moving tribute to their bravery in an emotional speech at the closing ceremony on Saturday night.

The Duchess of Sussex, 37, has been showered with praise after sharing a treasured memory with the crowd in Sydney while delivering her surprisingly personal speech without any prompts or notes.

Wearing a simple and elegant green halter-neck dress and beige strappy heels, while proudly wearing a poppy on her chest, Prince Harry’s wife ensured all eyes were on her as she took to the stage.

Speaking ahead of her husband – who gave his own inspiring speech straight after his wife – Meghan thanked everyone for welcoming her into the “Invictus Family”, as well as praising the “unshakable bond” between servicemen and women.

She went on to share one of her own memories of meeting troops before her marriage to Harry.

“I’m not sure if many of you know this, but a few years ago before I met my husband, I had the incredible honour of meeting troops deployed all over the world from the UK, Afghanistan and several other countries,” she said.

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“In travelling to these military bases, I was given a very special glimpse into the lives of those who serve our countries. I was able to see the unshakeable bond between servicemen and women on the ground together, but at the same time to feel the palpable longing for family and friends while deployed.

“Once home, the need for that anchor of support from loved ones, especially given how much it accelerates recovery and rehabilitation is immeasurable. I’ve been reminded of those memories here.”

She gave a special shout out to the Novack family from Chicago and their son Ryan who was told he would never walk again after a serious injury. However, through his amazing determination, she recalled the moment he jumped into their boat with ease to hug them this week.

The speech won huge praise on social media, with one viewer writing: “Beautiful and inspring (sic) speech, Duchess Meghan! You looked fantastic. Prince Harry should be very proud of himself.”

Read more: Harry and Meghan make an early start in Tonga ahead of return to Australia

Another added: “This speech really got to me. As a military spouse, thank you Meghan. Thank you, Harry. What you’re doing matters.”

The couple watched the entire ceremony from the middle of the crowd and were seen sharing loving glances throughout while cheering on the competitors.

Meanwhile, Meghan was closely followed by Harry who gave his own inspiring and lengthy speech, singling out a few athletes who had particularly moved him throughout the week.

The Duke thanked Australians who “filled the stands and cheered on the sidelines,” before adding: “You made the games your own by creating a typically Aussie atmosphere.”

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Speaking from the heart about mental health, Harry even appeared to hint at his own past struggles.

Read more: Meghan is glowing in elegant teal dress as she joins Harry to unveil statue

“Asking for help is courageous,” he added. “It will improve your life and lives of those around you immeasurably. In the moment you admit you are struggling, you take that first step towards a better future, for you, and your friends, and your family.

“You allow those around you to show you the love and concern that is central to the cure. I’ve been there. You’ve been there. And we now need to reach out to those who can never imagine themselves in that place.”

Did you watch the closing ceremony? What did you think?