As Prince Harry attended the first two days of the Invictus Games solo, there has been one question on everyone’s lips — will Meghan attend?
Speculation ran rife as it was reported that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were indeed going through a “separation” — of their respective brands.
Explaining more about what “brand separation” means, expert and friend of Meghan’s, Nick Ede told Daily Mail that the Sussexes are stepping away from their “victim narrative” with Harry focusing on Invictus and Meghan on showcasing her “fun” self.
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However, those on tenterhooks over whether that would mean Meghan’s absence from the Invictus Games now have their answer — the duchess is reportedly set to join her husband in Dusseldorf, Germany from day three of the event.
The duchess’ visit has been kept under wraps, however she is now expected to meet with school children and the Nigerian team, Daily Mail reports.
Harry revealed in his speech during the opening ceremony that Meghan recently discovered through a DNA test that she is 43 per cent Nigerian.
Prince Harry congratulates members of Team USA after they won the Gold Medal at the Wheelchair Rugby finals of the Invictus Games. Credit: Chris Jackson/Getty Images for the Invictus Ga
Meghan was most recently seen on Sunday ordering food from her local In-N-Out burger chain from her black Range Rover.
She was all smiles as the food was prepared, waiting in the car with a friend.
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The duchess remained in Los Angeles when Harry opened the Invictus Games on September 9.
Harry founded the initiative to aid the rehabilitation of injured or sick military personnel and veterans from across the globe, by giving them the challenge of competing in sporting events similar to the Paralympics.
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex speaks at the Closing Ceremony of the 2018 games in Sydney. Credit: Karwai Tang/WireImage
The duo’s renewed united front comes as the couple move away from the “victim narrative” — bestowed on them after Harry’s book Spare and their recent Netflix documentary.
“I’ve spoken to mutual friends and it’s not true they are divorcing,” Ede told Daily Mail royal commentator Alison Boshoff.
“What is actually happening is they are trying to now undo the damage they did with the Harry & Meghan documentary and Spare, which made them into a toxic couple,” he said.
“The first way to do that is to allow Meghan to get away from the victim narrative and away from Harry so people can see who she is.”
Harry and Meghan during the Netflix documentary. Credit: Netflix
Ede said people needed to see Meghan’s more human side and less of the “Duchess” or the social justice warrior.
“Meghan needs to forget about being a duchess and forget about good works,” he said.
“She has been isolated in Montecito and hiding away.
“But she is fun and funny, which is why we became friends.
“There wasn’t anything fun in (the Netflix series) or in the (Spotify) podcasts.”
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex during the Opening Ceremony of the Invictus Games 2020 on April 16, 2022 in The Hague, Netherlands. Credit: Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images
Sunrise royal correspondent Russell Myers said Harry’s success with the Invictus Games was one example of positive branding, which people were more likely to respond to favourably.
“He was in his element,” Myers said, referring to Harry’s opening of the Invictus Games.
“He is much better doing this than mudslinging at the royal family.”
Prince Harry speaks during the Opening Ceremony on September 9, 2023. Credit: BSR Agency/Getty Images
“The family probably wish he would stop talking about them and just focus back on himself and what he does best.”
Ahead of the report that Meghan was set to attend the remainder of the games, Myers speculated that she would “be there” at the closing ceremony.
“It’s a big mystery this, isn’t it?” he said.
“I mean, are they just trying to build a bit of suspense for the Invictus Games?”
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