Happy birthday, Prince Harry! The Duke of Sussex turned 39 on Friday, September 15, and he’s celebrating while at the Invictus Games in Düsseldorf, Germany, alongside his wife Meghan Markle . Harry founded the Invictus Games, an adaptive sports competition, back in 2014 for sick, wounded, and injured service personnel and veterans. And while Meghan did arrive to this year’s competition a few days late, the couple has been outwardly affectionate with each other since her arrival — not quite the picture the rumor mill has been painting lately.
His birthday could not have gone unacknowledged
Prince Harry felt the Birthday love from Invictus Games #TeamPoland #HappyBirthdayPrinceHarry pic.twitter.com/vBAyKNZqZh — Alexis #InvictusGames (@ArchewellBaby) September 15, 2023
While the couple were in the stands for the volleyball game between Poland and Germany, the crowd pulled it together to sing a rousing rendition of “Happy Birthday” for the royal, who was completely oblivious at first. Meghan had to shake him a little to clue him in to what was happening!
He seemed appreciative of the love.
From all of us at the @InvictusGamesDE , a heartfelt HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the founder and patron of @WeAreInvictus , Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex You’ve given hope, inspired millions and never stop putting a smile on peoples faces pic.twitter.com/ibbTuURDEj — Invictus Games Düsseldorf 2023 (@InvictusGamesDE) September 15, 2023
Harry was blushing the whole time, clearly touched by the display of love from the crowd. He smiled and clapped along with his wife by his side, rubbing his back. Once the song was over, he thanked the crowd warmly before beginning a conversation with the young boy sitting next to him.
The Invictus Games official social media account even got in on wishing the prince a happy birthday.
“From all of us at the @InvictusGamesDE, a heartfelt HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the founder and patron of @WeAreInvictus, Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex. You’ve given hope, inspired millions and never stop putting a smile on peoples faces,” they tweeted.
This wasn’t the only birthday celebration he had.
The night before his birthday, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, along with some friends, had a “low-key” celebration at a local brewery, according to the Daily Mail.
“He is a lovely man, and they were so nice,” head waiter Frank Wacker told the outlet .
Some claim that the royal family feud is affecting the Invictus Games.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Invictus Games Foundation (@weareinvictusgames)
According to The Telegraph , the rift between Prince Harry and his brother Prince William is a dark cloud hanging over the Invictus Games.
“The athletes find it bizarre but don’t want to get caught up in the royal crossfire,” an insider told the publication.
It might not be that serious, though.
Paul Grover/Pool/AFP via Getty Images
In previous years, the Prince and Princess of Wales, as well as King Charles, have made appearances at the games. “The ill will against Harry should not be held against the Invictus competitors,” an anonymous UK media strategist said.
But royal sources told the publication that their absence has nothing to do with ill will — it’s just that the royal family doesn’t tend to get involved in each other’s professional endeavors.
Either way, all seemed to be well between Harry and Meghan, so maybe those rumors that they’re planning to go their separate ways were overblown, too?
Check out our Meghan Markle page for all the latest news about Meghan, Prince Harry, and their growing family.
