‘Sorry I was late to the party!’ Meghan Markle apologises for missing the start of Invictus Games as she makes ‘off the cuff’ speech about buying milkshakes and doing the school run before leaving for Germany

Meghan Markle gave her first speech at the Invictus Games tonight as she greeted everyone in attendance at the event for injured and disabled military veterans.

She took center stage as she gave an emotional speech to 1,600 participants, friends and family at a glittering party at the hotel in Dusseldorf.

Prince Harry attended the event, but took a back seat and let his wife take the spotlight.

It is the first time that Harry and Meghan have appeared together at the games.

A source close to the couple said Meghan did not read from a prepared speech, but spoke spontaneously.

It is the first time that Harry and Meghan have appeared together at the Games

Meghan wore a black Banana Republic dress, a Bottega Veneta belt and Aquazarra shoes

Duchess of Sussex meets Glory Essien at the Invictus Games

Prince Harry, who founded the competition in 2014, took a back seat while Meghan took the spotlight

Aides said Meghan, 42, did her own hair and makeup shortly after arriving at her five-star hotel in Dusseldorf and got ready for the event in just over an hour.

The event is organized by Dave Coker of the Fisher House Foundation, one of the main sponsors of the games.

Officials from the Invictus Games Foundation were also present.

The Mayor of Düsseldorf, Dr. Stephan Keller, attended the event where the Duke and Duchess of Sussex mingled with the families.

The two-hour event featured traditional German food and the evening will consist of music and entertainment.

Meghan made an adorable reference to her children Archie and Lillibet during her first speech at the Games.

Acknowledging that she missed the opening of the day’s games, she told the audience that she needed to spend time with her two young children in Los Angeles. She bought them milkshakes and took the eldest on a school run before leaving for Germany.

Meghan was cheered loudly as she took the stage in a conference hall next to Dusseldorf Airport

Duke and Duchess of Sussex meet friends and families of competitors

Meghan and Harry pictured tonight during the Invictus Games

Prince Harry sat mostly in the background during his wife’s speech, but said a few words at the end when she handed him the microphone

Meghan is pictured hugging Glory Essien as she meets competitors, friends and families

Meghan made an adorable reference to her children Archie and Lillibet during her first speech at the Invictus Games

She also said that one day she would like to bring her children to the event so they could experience it for themselves.

Meghan, who wore a black Banana Republic dress, Bottega Veneta belt and Aquazarra shoes, stood side by side with Harry as she was loudly cheered as she took the stage in a conference room next to Dusseldorf airport.

She told the 1,600 guests: “It’s so special to be here, sorry I’m a little late to the party.

‘I had to spend a little more time getting our little ones settled at home and delivering them.

‘Three milkshakes and a school trip and I just landed a few hours ago and I’m thrilled that the first event I can do for Invictus is here with all of you. It’s great and I hear it’s off to a good start so far.”

As the crowd cheered, Harry beamed and clapped enthusiastically.

Meghan took an evening flight from Los Angeles and flew to Dusseldorf after a brief stopover at Heathrow.

Duke and Duchess of Sussex meet competitors and their friends and family

Harry took the microphone after his wife joked that he was a ‘man of few words’ tonight

In the speech, Meghan told the 1,600 guests: “It’s so special to be here, sorry I’m a little late to the party.”

Meghan told the audience that she visited a Fisher House in Los Angeles a few weeks ago and was “moved” by what she saw. The organization helps veterans and their families and is one of the main sponsors of the Invictus Games.

She said: “They understand, like my husband at previous Invictus Games, how much rehabilitation is important, not just as a solitary experience, but as a family.

‘I am very proud of the Invictus family that is here. “Like so many of you, you know that this is about friends and family and the community of Invictus was born and Fisher House was born.

Meghan said she received some gifts and was wearing a beaded bracelet she received.

To loud cheers, she raised her arm and said the initials of someone who couldn’t make the game were etched onto it.

Meghan was seen smiling and posing for a photo with the beaming Glory Essien

Harry welcomed the friends and family and pointed out that the competitors were probably resting after a day of competition

The Duchess of Sussex beams after arriving at Düsseldorf airport this afternoon

‘So many people at home are rooting for you. Thank you and looking forward to a fantastic week. I can’t wait until we can take our kids one day so they can experience how amazing it is.”

Harry took the microphone after his wife joked that he was a ‘man of few words’ tonight.

Harry welcomed the friends and family and pointed out that the competitors were probably resting after a day of competition.

He urged attendees to exchange phone numbers and photos so they could connect as part of the healing process.