Prince Harry steps out solo as pregnant Meghan Markle skips appearance

After a night of celebration at the opening ceremony in Sydney, Prince Harry made a solo appearance on Sunday morning as he met with the Australian team for day two of the Invictus Games.

Pregnant wife Meghan Markle skipped the appearance at Sydney’s Olympic Park and the cycling medal presentation, but will be joining Harry at the Domain for a reception hosted by the Prime Minister, and then later at another appearance at Fraser Island.

Kensington Palace said the couple had decided to cut back Meghan’s schedule “slightly” ahead of the couple’s visit to Fiji, Tonga and New Zealand.

“After a busy program, the Duke and Duchess have decided to cut back The Duchess’s schedule slightly for the next couple of days, ahead of the final week-and-a-half of the tour.”

The Duke of Sussex was in high spirits as he joked with athletes, after delivering a touching speech on Saturday night which mentioned his wife and their future baby.

“First of all, thank you for the welcome you have given Meghan and I over the last few days,” said the 34-year-old.

“I have been so proud to be able to introduce my wife to you and we have been so happy to be able to celebrate the personal joy of our newest addition with you all,” he then added.

Meghan watched her husband deliver the gushing speech, and of course couldn’t wipe the smile off her face.

Harry also spoke about the Invictus Games, a paralympic-style sporting event recognising defence veterans, which he founded in 2014.

“Our Invictus family has turned these games into a symbol of strength, honour and optimism for a new generation,” he said, giving a special message to the locals.

“I have a mission for all of you Aussies. And it’s not how many shrimps you can put on the barbie,” he joked.

“Our competitors have made it to these games, most of them travelling from many thousands of miles away.

“It’s your job to cheer them on and share their stories. It’s your privilege to watch in the stands or with your friends and families around the television.

“It’s your responsibility to make sure your children know how amazing these guys and girls really are.”

Harry and Meghan have been in the country since Monday, for a 16-day tour.

During that time, they will take in all the sights of Australia, before heading to Fiji, Tonga and New Zealand, meeting with locals and carrying out engagements at the Invictus Games in Sydney.

Kensington Palace has revealed that their trip ‘will focus on youth leadership, and projects being undertaken by young people to address the social, economic, and environmental challenges of the region’.

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