Meghan Markle did her own hair and make-up before appearing on stage and speaking at the Invictus Games, MailOnline can reveal.
The Duchess of Sussex, 42, flew from LA on Tuesday to meet her husband Prince Harry at the match in Dusseldorf.
During her first engagement with Invictus Games, she apologized for being late and explained that she spent time with their children, Prince Archie, four, and Princess Lilibet, two, at the couple’s Montecito mansion before leaving.
Aides said Meghan 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 mother-of-two looked glamorous with long and loose hair, opting for loose waves to complement her £112 Banana Republic shirt dress.
Meghan Markle did her own hair and makeup before appearing on stage and speaking at the Invictus Games
She then opted for a low-key makeup look, with a creamy foundation and deep pink lip with thick eyelash extensions.
Meghan usually works with American make-up artist Daniel Martin, who did her make-up on her wedding day.
However, Mr. Martin celebrated his anniversary with husband Randall Stattler in Mexico.
Her favorite hairstylist, George Northwood, appeared to be working with Alexa Chung at the opening of the Vogue World Kiosk in Selfridges London, so was also unavailable.
While Meghan was a working member of the royal family, she often did her own hair and makeup.
“She just likes to do her own makeup. Meghan has her makeup done for some special occasions, but likes to do it herself,” a source told US Weekly in 2019.
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.
The Duchess of Sussex, 42, flew from LA on Tuesday to meet her husband Prince Harry at the match in Dusseldorf
Aides said Meghan 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
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.
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.
The Duchess of Sussex stunned in a black shirt dress with button detailing, a belted waist and a pleated skirt as she attended her first Invictus Games event in Dusseldorf this evening
The Duchess joined her husband Prince Harry at a private evening event for Invictus athletes and their families
‘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.
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.
‘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.