As birthday celebrations go, it was a pretty special one for the Duke of Sussex. With his two great loves – his wife the Duchess and the Invictus Games, which he created – beside him and around him, Prince Harry marked his 39th birthday in Dusseldorf at the unique tournament that will surely serve as his legacy.
Attending a sitting volleyball match between Germany and Poland with Meghan inside the Merkur Spiel-Arena on Friday, he was serenaded with a rendition of Happy Birthday from the crowd. Both Harry and Meghan – who was wearing a pale Zara jumpsuit and Celine blazer – clapped and smiled throughout as the spectators enthusiastically joined in. He was later presented with a cake by the city’s mayor before enjoying a private birthday lunch with his wife and team at their hotel.
RAISING A GLASS
The night before, Harry had kicked off his celebrations early by making a secret visit to central Dusseldorf restaurant Im Goldenen Kessel, where he enjoyed glasses of beer and dined on traditional dishes such as wiener schnitzel, pork knuckle and sausage. Restaurant owner: “The couple were very relaxed. They drank our beer, Schumacher Alt – it’s the same beer they are serving at the Games. Harry and Meghan sat next to each other during the meal. I had goosebumps when they walked in – I had watched Prince Harry’s speech at the Games and couldn’t believe he was in my restaurant. He was so lovely and gave me a hug.”
