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The Loose Women favourite has spoken out about a terrifying health scare after she collapsed at home

Loose Women favourite Andrea McLean has bravely spoken out about a harrowing health ordeal that led to her being rushed to hospital after she collapsed at home.

The 54-year-old, who bid farewell to the ITV chat show in 2020, disclosed that she was battling flu-like symptoms last December when her condition dramatically deteriorated.

In a candid post on her blog, Andrea recounted how she initially brushed off her sickness as just another seasonal lurgy, expecting it to clear up within a week.

But after a week of unyielding fever, shivers, and chest discomfort, she spotted an alarming clue her urine had turned a dark shade of brown.

Her situation escalated when she fainted in her bathroom and remained on the floor for an hour until her husband Nick Feeney discovered her, reports the Express.

Heeding their GP’s urgent advice, Andrea and Nick dialled 999, and paramedics swiftly made their way to their residence. She recounted: “The ambulance team were amazing. My blood pressure was so low I couldn’t stand, and I was in a lot of pain. To be honest, I was barely aware of what was happening.”

Andrea was seriously unwell ( 
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(Image: Getty))
Upon reaching the hospital, Andrea underwent a series of tests, including X-rays and CT scans, which exposed the gravity of her illness. She was struck with a diagnosis of severe pneumonia, acute kidney injury, and sepsis a trio of potentially fatal conditions that demanded immediate medical intervention.

“Things happened quickly; drips, super-strong antibiotics via IV and orally, and I was transferred to the Emergency Assessment Ward,” she detailed.

Andrea’s husband called 999 while she was waiting to be seen at a doctors surgery ( 
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(Image: Getty))
The TV host endured a harrowing few days in hospital, which she described as a “fraught” ordeal. She detailed the sensory assault from the distressing sounds of fellow patients, sleep-deprived nights, and the relentless agony she suffered.

Her initial night in the respiratory ward was particularly harrowing. Andrea found herself in a bay with elderly patients, some battling dementia, and recounted a terrifying incident where one woman aggressively accosted her at night, tugging fiercely at the privacy curtain.

Andrea starred on Loose Women for 13 years ( 
Image:
ITV)During her stay, Andrea grappled with fatigue, severe discomfort, and a diminished appetite. Her sense of taste became overly sensitive, rendering eating an unenjoyable experience.

She was eventually prescribed stronger painkillers, which brought some solace. Desperate for a more tranquil recovery space, she fought to be allowed home.

After discussions with medical staff, she secured permission to spend nights at home, while still attending the hospital daily for IV antibiotics and check-ups.

Reflecting on the experience, Andrea is profoundly thankful for her husband’s steadfast support. She shared: “Nick’s life stopped for the first few weeks of the new year too. He drove me to hospital every day, sat outside for hours, then drove me home, made dinner, and put me to bed. And then did it all again the next day.”

Five weeks into her recovery, Andrea has confessed she’s still on the mend and regaining her strength. Although the TV star hoped she’d bounce back swiftly, a joyful chuckle with Nick brought home just how far she’s come.

She remarked: “We both looked at each other, shocked at the realisation that it was the first time I’d belly laughed for weeks.”

TV star Ruth Langsford promoted an important three-word message alongside a snap of her vivid green juice

Ruth Langsford has lifted the lid on a simple superfood concoction to kickstart the new week. The Loose Women panellist, 64, took to Instagram to share the recipe, while promoting one key three-word message.

“Monday’s food prep begins,” she wrote, showcasing a snap of the vivid green liquid in her blender. The Story added: “Eat your greens.” The TV star’s straightforward recipe involves just six ingredients including spinach, celery, cucumber, ginger, apple and water.

While each of these ingredients boast their own unique health benefits, leafy greens like spinach often receive special attention among experts. Dubbing them a ‘superfood’, Katherine D. McManus, an affiliate teacher at Harvard Medical School, previously said in 2022: “Dark, leafy greens are a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and calcium, as well as several phytochemicals (chemicals made by plants that have a positive effect on your health). They also add fibre into the diet.”

Ruth’s simple blend uses just six key ingredients ( 
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Nicky J Sims/Getty Images)Meanwhile, Helen Bell, a nutritionist at Help & Advice, also recently told the Mirror: “[These foods] are known for supporting brain health and improving cognitive function… including leafy greens like spinach and kale, which are high in folate and other essential nutrients, can make a significant difference.”

Beyond this, celery is known for an extraordinary compound called ‘phthalide’ too. This phytochemical is praised for its ability to help relax muscles in the walls of blood vessels.

Incorporating this into your diet may help tackle high blood pressure, which can lead to life-threatening conditions such as heart disease and strokes when left unchecked. This comes as more than 170,000 deaths are caused by heart and circulatory diseases each year, as per the British Heart Foundation.

However, if you aren’t so keen on these ingredients, fear not. In 2016, Ruth shared another version of the juice on Facebook, which appears to swap celery and apple for avocado, kiwi and lime.

Rather than ‘normal’, still water she also used coconut water. “Tomorrow’s breakfast smoothie…..now that’s what I call green,” Ruth penned. “#nutribullet #greenjuice #spinach #cucumber #avocado #kiwifruit #ginger #lime #coconutwater.”

Despite its perks, this concoction certainly polarised her followers at the time, with many labelling the green juice as ‘yuck’. One person wrote: “Yuk! Ruth no way could I face that no matter what,” while someone else added: “That looks revolting, life’s for living ! Why not eat all the things you like but smaller portions!”

However, another person said: “I made in my Nutribullet today…spinach, banana, pineapple, kiwi, goji berries & sunflower seeds…was delicious!”

Loose Women star Ruth Langsfordhas opened up about her plans for Valentine’s Day this year

Loose Women star Ruth Langsford has shared a rare insight into her life post-divorce as she opened up about her Valentine’s plans.

Last year, Ruth split from her husband, Eamonn Holmes, after 27 years together. The couple, who had been married for 14 years, share 22-year-old son Jack.

During Monday’s (February 10) edition of the ITV talk show, Ruth spoke about the growing popularity of Galentine’s Day, a holiday that celebrates women’s friendship and is typically marked on February 13.

The annual festival of sisterhood was first celebrated on the hit US sitcom Parks and Recreation in 2010 and has become a global calendar staple ever since.

Ruth Langsford opened up about her Valentine’s Day plans on Monday’s (February 10) Loose Women ( 
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ITV)

On today’s Loose Women, Ruth explained that she had been asked to join a Galentine’s celebration this year following her divorce.

“There are gift guides to tell you what to buy for your friends. Restaurants are now offering special Galentine’s or Palentine’s nights out and special offers,” she said.

“I think it’s rather nice because I’ve had some girlfriends invite me out this Valentine’s Day, and they sent me a thing saying, ‘You are invited to a Galentine’s Day, and we’re all going out,’ which I think is really nice because I haven’t done that before.”

Ruth’s co-star Sally Dynevor added: “I think that’s lovely because girls big each other up, don’t they? So, it’s great to have your pals round.”

Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes split last year after 14 years of marriage ( 
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Dave Benett/Getty Images)
In a recent interview with Woman & Home magazine, Ruth shared how she’s been able to “move on” since her split, which she described as “difficult”.

“Relationship breakdowns are very difficult, but you deal with it and have to move on. You can let yourself crumble, or you pick yourself up and get on with life. It’s a choice,” she said.

“I’m not delighted my marriage is over, but I’ve accepted it. I’m trying to now embrace the fact I’m single and can make choices that are just about me.

“Divorce is very painful. Most don’t do it in the public eye, with everybody having an opinion. But that’s the nature of my job. I’ve always had that, and if you can’t cope, you shouldn’t be doing this job.”

Ever the one to watch for fashion and beauty inspiration, Frankie Bridge has let fans in on her go-to lip gloss right now and it comes with an affordable price tag

The Loose Women hostess is always one to share her latest beauty faves and finds with her fans, and this week is no exception. Her followers clammer to ask where her current go-to lipgloss is from. And Frankie did not disappoint, as she told her fanbase the brand and the shade of the lip product she’s currently “loving.”

And the best news is, it won’t break the bank. Available from a variety of retailers, including Space NK, Sephora and Cult Beauty, Frankie’s fans and shoppers keen to bag a “luxurious high-shine” lipgloss can pick up her go-to Vieve Lip Dew in her favourite shade for under £25.

Frankie shares pics with fans of the lip gloss she’s been reaching for while in Dubai ( 
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Frankie Bridge/Instagram)

While on a trip in Dubai, Frankie shared a video on her Instagram of her reapplying a super-shiny lipgloss that fans were eager to know more about, as they flooded her inbox with questions about what the product was. Sharing a photo of her collection, Frankie directed followers to Vieve’s Lip Dew in the shade Rosa, her current favourite.

Retailing for £21 and available in six hues, including Frankie’s loved Rosa shade, this lipgloss’s high-shine finish will reveal luscious lips. The gloss is packed with skin-loving ingredients to help deliver smoother, fuller-looking lips, combining makeup with lip care. Its formula features a moisturising blend of raspberry seed oil extract and vitamin E, while camellia oil softens and smooths the skin.

The Lip Dew creates the illusion of fuller-looking lips and can be worn alone or over lipstick for never-ending styling opportunities. The gloss is scented with a delectable vanilla scent and comes in a clear version, which is perfect for delivering a golden multi-dimensional finish. The range of flattering colours coats the lips in a sheer, subtle veil of high-beam colour, whether you’re opting for Frankie’s preferred Rosa or one of the other subtle, shiny shades.

It’s not just Frankie who adores this lipgloss, as shoppers have left raving 5-star reviews. One satisfied customer beams: “I have 4 shades of them. It is a luxurious, high-shine lip gloss that delivers hydration and a glass-like finish without feeling sticky. Infused with nourishing ingredients, it keeps lips soft and comfortable while adding a plump, juicy look. Whether worn alone or over lipstick, it’s the perfect way to achieve a dewy, effortless glow.”

Another happy shopper gushes: “I recently tried Vieve’s lip dew for the first time and I’m so impressed! They feel absolutely amazing on the lips and the shades are so gorgeous! I’d definitely recommend. They’re perfect for winter as they feel really hydrating and nourishing on my lips.”

A third praises: “Absolutely love! Bought this from the store in Liverpool, and can’t stop reaching for it! So nice and hydrating and not sticky! Definitely recommend the shade Rosa- stunning! Can wear it by itself or with a lipstick/liner too. Bought this from the store in Liverpool, and can’t stop reaching for it! So nice and hydrating and not sticky! Definitely recommend the shade Rosa- stunning!”

You can pick up Frankie’s current favourite lip gloss from Space NK, Sephora or Cult Beauty for £21.

Ruth Langsford welcomed a returning Loose Women panellist on the popular daytime show as she detailed the tragedy she had endured while being away from the ITV show

Loose Women star Ayda Field made a wholesome return to the ITV show following the devastating LA wildfires.

Presenter Ruth Langsford welcomed Ayda back on Monday afternoon (February 10). She then shared an update on how she had been doing since the fires that swept across California last month.

The California wildfires left thousands of residents displaced, and many lost their homes. Sharing how she and her family were affected as well as a brief update on her mother’s cancer diagnosis, Ayda told Ruth and the Loose Women audience how she was doing.

Ruth said: “We have to welcome back Ayda, lovely to see you. Always lovely to see you but so much has happened since we last saw you, you were back in LA your home town where you grew up.”

Ruth Langsford welcomed Ayda Field back to Loose Women ( 
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ITV)

Ayda agreed and said, “We were there when the fires broke out because, as I think I’ve discussed, my mum is going through cancer treatment, so we were there to be with her. And I think it was two days after the Golden Globes.

“We had gone to the Golden Globes and had these lovely frocks on and were in a celebratory mood, and everything turned so quickly in Los Angeles. It was very surreal.”

She later added: “It was terrifying because all of a sudden, you could feel the winds and hear the winds and you knew that fire was ripping through the city.

Ayda shared her experiences on the show ( 
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“It was hazy and black and it was all very quick and all in real time. It was very surreal. Our phones kept going off with amber alerts. They are very loud and very strong.

“It was kind of chaos because you didn’t know if your area was close and there were some alerts that were sent wrong.”

She added: “The children knew something happening, as the air quality was really bad. You couldn’t go out and the kids couldn’t play in garden.”

Ayda is married to Robbie Williams ( 
Image:
FilmMagic)Ayda, who shares three children with singer and husband Robbie Williams, said their youngest children, Coco, six, and four-year-old Beau, were easily distracted by watching the cartoon Bluey. But she could sense the panic in her eldest child Teddy.

She shared: “I was very stressed out and so was Rob. “Teddy was terrified and just kept saying, ‘We’ve got to go!’”

Fortunately, Ayda and Robbie’s home were left untouched by the fires. However, thousands of people, including many celebrities, were unlucky.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have shown a loved-up display at the Invictus Games in Vancouver, but their decision has sparked backlash from fans

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have wowed fans with their affectionate displays at the Invictus Games – from cosying up together with champagne to a passionate on-stage kiss – but one move has sparked controversy.

On Saturday, the Sussexes were seen dancing away in the stands at the glittering opening ceremony of the Games at the 40,000-capacity BC Place Stadium before making a surprise visit to watch an NHL ice hockey match between Vancouver Canucks and Toronto Maple Leafs.

They kept up the pace on Sunday, with Meghan posting behind-the-scenes snippets via her newly reopened Instagram account. However, while fans have been delighted by her candid updates – which include footage of Prince Harry, 40, ‘dad dancing’ – one video has sparked backlash.

The pair could be seen travelling along in a golf buggy

Some believe the pair ‘should have walked through’ the group of injured veterans
The clip in question shows the couple smiling and waving at cheering crowds as they travel along on a golf buggy at Saturday’s opening ceremony, with footage showing them riding past disabled veterans. Reacting to the clip, one person commented: “So Meghan and Harry, two able-bodied people, are driven on a golf cart past disabled veterans. Some of the veterans are [in a] wheelchair. They should have walked through the group, meeting, greeting and shaking hands. All with a camera following them. Unbelievable.”

Another wrote: “Disabled veterans made to stand waiting in a mile long cold concrete corridor whilst these two very able-bodied get golf carted in the opposite direction. Just when you think they can’t sink any lower.” And a third added: “Who so being honoured here? The veterans OR Harry and Meghan being honoured by the veterans!”

The comments come as one British soldier has spoken fondly of Harry’s Invictus project, after shocking his girlfriend by proposing to her at the tournament. Team UK wheelchair basketball competitor James Cairns, 35, got down on one knee to his partner Hannah Wild on court at the Vancouver Convention Centre.

James and Hannah have been together for four years. James said: “Invictus has been my driving force because I’ve been struggling with my mental health. This past year I’ve lost about seven people who died by suicide after battling PTSD. It’s been a big toll on me, but it was Hannah that pushed me and gave me the driving force to apply for the Invictus Games, and now we’re here in Canada.”

The Duke yesterday also showcased his goofy side during the half-time interval of a wheelchair basketball event, taking part in the ‘Moose Cam’. This cam stunt encourages spectators to smile, poke out their tongues, and waggle their hands by the side of their heads, moose-style. Harry proved game, and Meghan couldn’t help but chuckle as he appeared on the big screen amid cheers from the crowd.

Meghan couldn’t help but laugh as Harry joined in with the ‘Moose Cam’ ( 
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Humphrey Nemar)Prince Harry first founded the Invictus Games in London in 2014, with this year marking the seventh edition of the competition for wounded military servicemen and women. The nine-day competition will see more than 500 athletes compete in 11 different events, which will include winter sports for the very first time.

The Duke’s enthusiasm for the Games, known to be a true passion project of his, was evident in his emotional speech given at the opening ceremony. Addressing competitors, Harry said: “Beyond any differences, here at the Invictus Games we are grounded in mutual respect, competing fiercely, but believing in one another. Supporting one another. And rooting for one another.

“The Games were born more than a decade ago, from a promise I made to myself. A promise to uphold my obligation—a sacred obligation after my own decade and privilege of military service —to do whatever I could to help my fellow brothers and sisters heal, and to champion everything we stand for.

“Over the past decade, I’ve lost count of the times we’ve heard you tell us that the Invictus Games saved you. Respectfully, I disagree. Invictus didn’t save you. You saved yourself. It was you, who pushed through the doubt and despair.”

One royal expert revealed that Prince William had his eye on a very different career as he wanted to protect his mother – and it seems Prince George is also interested

Ever since Prince William was born, his entire life has been mapped out for him. It was known from the first moment that he would one day succeed his father and later rule the country as the king – meaning there is very little room for personal preferences.

Despite Prince William’s life being laid out in front of him, there was once a time when he fancied a very different career for himself and the sweet reason behind it is all to do with his late mother, Diana, Princess of Wales

Prince William had his eye on a very different career ( 
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Getty Images)

Diana’s biographer Andrew Morton backed up the claim when he wrote about a conversation Diana had with William and Harry. He said: “William and Harry were aware of their destiny. On one occasion the boys were discussing their futures with Diana.

“‘When I grow up I want to be a policeman and look after you Mummy,’ said William. Quick as a flash Harry replied, with a note of triumph in his voice, ‘Oh no you can’t, you’ve got to be king’,” Morton continued.

William and Kate cheered as they show off bike skills

It seems the dream of being a policeman runs in the family as Prince William once revealed that Prince George was also “obsessed” with the police.

Prince William once wanted to join the police force ( 
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PA)
At a reception at Kensington Palace in honour of Scotland Yard, Police Commissioner Jayne Richardson told William that more officers were needed in the area. She quipped: “We are recruiting, actually, so if George and Charlotte are keen?” Prince William laughed and replied: “[George] is obsessed, actually, by the police… cars, toys, everything.”

George’s interest in the police had been revealed the previous year when Prince William personally handed his son’s Christmas list to Santa Claus. The list only had one request written on it… a police car!

Meanwhile, George’s younger sister Princess Charlotte has reportedly expressed interest in becoming a nurse, after her father explained to her and her two brothers about all of the work NHS staff do.

According to New Idea, Palace insiders explained how Charlotte had told her parents that she hoped to become a nurse in the future.

The insider said: “She’s obviously just a little kid but still, William and Kate swelled with pride. She’s such a caring little girl who also knows what she wants, so they wouldn’t be surprised if she does take on nursing as one of her big causes when she’s older.”

Prince Harry has been having great fun in Vancouver with his wife Meghan Markle – but he has been dealt a difficult blow as the results of a new poll are published

Prince Harry has been on top form while attending the Invictus Games in Vancouver, but he has been dealt an awkward blow regarding his royal status.

A new poll has revealed that a majority of the British public largely no longer consider Harry to be ‘royal’ – and instead see him as a celebrity. The research by Ipsos found just 21 per cent of Britons think the Duke is more a member of the Royal family than a celebrity. By contrast, 40 per cent said he was more of a celebrity and 20 per cent said he was both a royal and a celebrity.

Out of a sample size of 1,091, 16 per cent said Harry was neither a royal nor a celebrity, with the remainder saying they did not know, the Telegraph reports. Harry and Meghan famously stepped down as working members of the royal family at the start of 2020, less than two years after their wedding. As a result, they lost their Royal Highness status.

They are now all but estranged from the royal family having made a series of blistering attacks on the Firm – in their Oprah interview, their Netflix docuseries and Spare. The Sussexes have rarely visited Britain since they left and have only met with other royals on a handful of occasions; King Charles is thought to have met his granddaughter Lilibet just once.

The biggest rift appears to be between Harry and his older brother, with sources stating that William no longer trusts Harry after he revealed intimate details about his family and openly criticised King Charles, Queen Camilla , William and Kate.

Meanwhile, the poll also found that almost three times as many members of the public viewed Harry negatively in comparison to his older brother, Prince William. Just 15 per cent had an unfavourable view of the future King, compared to 43 per cent who were unfavourable towards Prince Harry. Over half of the respondents viewed Meghan unfavourably at 54 per cent, whereas just 12 per cent saw Princess Kate in the same way.

It comes after US President Donald Trump slammed Meghan when asked recently about Harry’s ongoing visa issues. Trump said he has no plans to deport Prince Harry from the United States amid a legal battle over his immigration status – savagely claiming he had “enough problems” with Meghan. “I don’t want to do that,” said the US president. “I’ll leave him alone. He’s got enough problems with his wife. She’s terrible.”

Questions were initially raised over why Harry was allowed into the US after he admitted to taking drugs in his memoir Spare. Think tank the Heritage Foundation subsequently launched a legal case and argued that the US Government should release records regarding his visa application to determine whether his drug use was disclosed. The organisation alleges that he may have concealed the illegal drug use that should have denied him a US visa.

It has also been claimed that Joe Biden may have given Harry preferential treatment after he relocated to California from the UK when he and Meghan bowed out of royal duties altogether. The latest in the two-year legal battle saw a judge in the US hint at the possibility of releasing some of the sealed documents from the Duke of Sussex’s visa application.

In a Washington DC hearing on Thursday, the judge revealed that they wanted the “maximum disclosure as long as it doesn’t violate privacy”. They also explained how they were “not foreclosing the possibility that there might be some possible relief” and asked Trump’s Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to provide requests for redactions or “continued withholdings”.

Trump, who can intervene and ask for the documents to be released as US president, previously warned that Harry could face consequences if he lied about taking drugs on his US visa application.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are attending the third day of the Invictus Games in Vancouver, Canada. The Duke has opened up about how he keeps his mother’s memory alive with his son Archie

Prince Harry has told how he speaks to his son Archie about Princess Diana and has shown him iconic footage of her walking through minefields.

The royal, 40, spoke about how he is keeping Diana’s memory alive by telling the five-year-old about her life and achievements, including bringing international awareness about landmines in Angola.

Speaking at the Invictus Games in Canada, Harry said: “Archie was asking about landmines so I talked about how some of these guys were blown up. I found myself talking to him about mines when he was five years old. Interestingly it gave me a chance to talk about my mum, his grandma, which I didn’t even really consider. He wanted to see videos and photographs of his grandma Diana out doing her thing with land mines all those years ago.”

Diana died aged 36 in a car crash in Paris in August 1997. She triggered a worldwide conversation that saw a turning point in the fight against the lethal devices by walking through a minefield in Huambo, Angola, on January 15, 1997.

Prince Harry revealed the ‘hard’ conversation he had with Archie ( 
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No credit)

Harry honoured her memory by walking through a minefield in Dirico, Angola, in September 2019. Experts say 60 million people worldwide still live in fear of landmines every day. Harry spoke while watching wheelchair basketball, alongside wife Meghan, 43, inside Vancouver Convention Centre on Sunday night. Speaking to CTV presenter Omar Sachedina, he added: “It’s hard because kids don’t always ask the right questions, so you either shout it down right away, which I will never do, or you engage in the conversation and try to explain things.”

It comes as Harry and Meghan stopped off to visit members of the indigenous Squamish Nation this morning while on their way from Vancouver to Whistler. The couple played traditional instruments as children danced and sang for them inside Squamish Valley Totem Hall. Posting on Instagram after leaving the venue, Meghan wrote: “Thank you for welcoming us onto your sacred land”. The Sussexes will arrive in the picturesque ski resort of Whistler later today, where the Invictus skeleton competition is being held.

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A post shared by Meghan (fan page) (@_duchess_of_sussex)

The Vancouver tournament kicked off with a star-studded opening ceremony on Saturday, held in the city’s 40,000-capacity BC Place Stadium. Harry and Meghan treated fans to a loved-up display while watching the likes of Nelly Furtardo, Katy Perry Coldplay’s Chris Martin perform on stage. Meghan, dressed in a £2,400 ivory double breasted Sentaler trench coat, was seen tenderly stroking her husband’s neck while they sat and watched the event in the stands. Another moment saw the couple pack on the PDA as they shared a passionate smooch.

Reacting to the tactile signs of affection from the Duchess, body language expert Judi James told The Mirror: “Clutching his arm and leaning here head against his shoulder in a romantic, date-night pose or reaching her hand out to caress his neck in a gesture of more maternal-looking pride as he is mentioned from the stage.” And she continued: “She’s directing attention onto Harry and showing support and an almost fan-like sense of appreciation.”

Harry and Meghan sharing a smooch at the Games opening ceremony ( 
Image:
Samir Hussein/WireImage)
Just hours before the glittering opening ceremony, Meghan made an impromptu speech at a private Invictus Games event where she gushed about her husband and made a sweet nod to their children, Archie and Lilibet. Speaking to a crowd of veterans and their families, said: “I was not planning on speaking tonight, and we just arrived, I don’t know, a couple of hours ago, and I touched Canadian soil and I went, oh, it feels like home.”

Then turning to Harry, she said: “We are just thrilled to be here, and I would be remiss if I didn’t take the opportunity to introduce someone who means a lot to me. And I know he means quite a lot to all of you. You will see him throughout this week. You will see him at the Games. You will see him probably curling with you, cheering you on.”

The Duchess then gave rare insight into parenthood with her husband, as she said: “What you won’t have seen is all of the moments that have happened in the lead-up to these Games, all of the moments where, as you know, with families, the big rush in the morning – getting ready for school, packing the lunch boxes, making breakfast. My husband’s in all of that with us, and then he’ll be on his phone, and Archie will say: ‘Papa, why are you on your phone?’ And he’s like: ‘That’s Invictus. I’m getting ready for Invictus.”

Harry has shown his cheeky and sometimes goofy side at the sports tournament, often leaving his wife in fits of laughter with his stunts. One such moment saw him ‘dad dancing’ with Canada’s Invictus Games team, and another saw him do an impression of a Canadian moose at a basketball event. The Duke even posed modelling a pair of ‘budgie smuggler’ swimming trunks, presented to him by the Australia team. Meghan has been sharing behind-the-scenes moments on her newly re-launched Instagram page.

Harry has shown his funny side at the Games ( 
Image:
Humphrey Nemar)The Games will run for nine days, featuring more than 500 competitors from 23 nations. Athletes will compete in core sports including indoor rowing, sitting volleyball, swimming, wheelchair rugby and wheelchair basketball. The Games will also include winter sports for the first time.

The prince founded the Invictus Games in London in 2014, with this year marking the seventh edition of the competition for wounded military veterans. During his emotional speech at the ceremony, Harry told the crowd of 40,000: “We gather here in Vancouver in a spirit of unity. Beyond any differences, here at the Invictus Games we are grounded in mutual respect, competing fiercely, but believing in one another.”

He continued: “Over the past decade I’ve lost count of the times we’ve heard you tell us that the Invictus Games saved you. Respectfully, I disagree. Invictus didn’t save you. You saved yourself.”

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been spotted putting on many displays of affection at the Invictus Games with the Duke captured dancing and giggling behind the scenes

There have been smiles, laughter and tears shed between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the Invictus Games.

After months of solo work appearances and difficult moments for the couple – from the devastating LA wildfires to Donald Trump’s blistering remarks – the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’ famously inseperable bond is back in full force.

The couple have so far shown a very loved-up display in Vancouver, Canada, as they attend various events for the sporting tournament that champions injured servicemen and women.

The cause has been incredibly close to Harry’s heart since he founded the Games in London in 2014. This year marks the seventh edition and sees more than 500 athletes compete in 11 different events over nine days.

Meghan, 43, has shown that she couldn’t be prouder of her husband. The pair have enjoyed the show from the stands, danced away to pop hits and cosied up with champagne. A passionate on-stage kiss was shared by the affectionate duo, and the couple have also made a rare comments about their young children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. Here, we take a look at the couple’s highlights so far…

Harry’s ‘inappropriate’ gift

The Sussexes didn’t mask their feelings when presented with an ‘inappropriate’ gift from Team Australia. Harry was gifted a pair of Speedos – commonly known as budgie smugglers in Australia – and he couldn’t help but smile as he examined the tiny swimwear.

“So inappropriate! I love it. Thank you so much,” Harry jokingly said. The funny exchange was later shared in a video shared on wife Meghan’s Instagram Stories, with the Duchess writing: “And Team Australia, you’ve done it again!”

Meghan joked as Harry was gifted budgie smugglers from Team Australia ( 
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INSTAGRAM)

Meghan joked about the moment on Instagram ( 
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Instagram/meghan)
Meghan teased her Instagram followers further about the cheeky gift, writing: “Walking into a very important meeting” with a winking emoji before the big reveal.

The moment echoed a past Invictus encounter when an Australian athlete cheekily asked for Harry’s autograph on a pair of Speedos during the 2018 Games in Sydney. At the time, Harry joked he would sign them – provided the athlete wore them on his head. But, as per royal protocol, the prince ultimately had to decline given that the royals cannot sign personal items.

Golf cart backlash

One behind-the-scenes clip of Harry and Meghan on her newly reopened Instagram account has sparked backlash. The clip shows the couple smiling and waving at cheering crowds as they travel along on a golf buggy at Saturday’s opening ceremony, with footage showing them riding past disabled veterans.

Reacting to the clip, one person commented: “So Meghan and Harry, two able-bodied people, are driven on a golf cart past disabled veterans. Some of the veterans are [in a] wheelchair. They should have walked through the group, meeting, greeting and shaking hands. All with a camera following them. Unbelievable.”

The pair were slammed for riding around on a golf cart on Saturday night

Meghan and Harry have joined veterans at multiple events across the tournament ( 
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Another wrote: “Disabled veterans made to stand waiting in a mile long cold concrete corridor whilst these two very able-bodied get golf carted in the opposite direction. Just when you think they can’t sink any lower.” And a third added: “Who so being honoured here? The veterans OR Harry and Meghan being honoured by the veterans!”

Donald Trump swipe

Hours after US President Donald Trump branded Meghan “terrible”, Harry appeared to deliver a veiled jab at the US president. At Vancouver’s BC Stadium during the opening event, Harry took the opportunity to denounce the lacklustre moral fibre he perceives in today’s society. Addressing the audience, he commented: “At this moment, when there is no shortage of crises, no absence of uncertainty, no lack of weak moral character in the world, the values you embody, the way you carry yourselves – not only at the Invictus Games, but each and every day – your courage, your resilience, your humanity, illuminate a path forward for us all.”

It came shortly after Trump dismissed the suggestion of deporting the Duke from the States following Harry’s revelations about his history with drugs in his autobiography. According to The New York Post, Trump brushed off the idea of kicking the Prince out of America on Saturday and said: “I don’t want to. I’ll leave him alone. He’s got enough problems with his wife. She’s terrible.”

Harry’s goofy impression

During the half-time interval at the final of a wheelchair basketball event on Sunday, Harry took part in ‘Moose Cam’, which encourages spectators to smile at the camera, poke out their tongues and waggle their hands by the side of their heads. As Harry duly obliged and his face appeared on a giant TV screen, there were big cheers from the crowd.

Meghan was in fits of laughter at Harry’s impression ( 
Image:
Humphrey Nemar)
Meghan, meanwhile, resisted adopting the moose pose but roared with laughter as she looked at her husband, who was clearly enjoying himself on the giant screen. Other candid photos of the couple show them beaming from ear-to-ear and holding hands. In another snap, the Sussexes are seen cheek-to-cheek as Harry has his arm around his wife.

Smooch in the stands

The Sussexes were seen kissing and cuddling during the opening ceremony on Saturday night, and an intimate chat between them was revealed by a lip reader. The expert told The Sun: “For the first part of the clip, Harry says ‘Give us a kiss then’. Meghan gives him a kiss on the lips and says ‘All the best’.”

The pair were spotted smooching in the stands before Harry went to do his speech ( 
Image:
Samir Hussein/WireImage)
Harry then left his wife to deliver a speech to the crowd at the BC Place Stadium. “We gather here in Vancouver in a spirit of unity,” he said. “Beyond any differences, here at the Invictus Games, we are grounded in mutual respect, competing fiercely but believing in one another. Over the past decade, I’ve lost count of the times we’ve heard you tell us that the Invictus Games saved you. Respectfully, I disagree. Invictus didn’t save you. You saved yourself.”

Harry’s ‘dad dancing’

Harry was spotted ‘dad dancing’ at the Games on Saturday, and Meghan shared amusing footage on Instagram. The 40-year-old shook his hips and moved his feet during a breakfast meeting with competitors from the host nation. It came after Meghan warmly described participants as “family” in a speech about Harry’s devotion to Invictus Games.

Harry danced with the crowd ( 
Image:
@meghan/Instagram)

Meghan posted clips to her Instagram ( 
Image:
@meghan/Instagram)She said: “You are his family, just as we are his family, and I hope you recognise how much of his heart he has poured into every single beat that has gotten all of you to this week that is going to be spectacular. I need you to know that, I need you to know how much it means to him and how much each of you means to you.”

Meghan’s gushing praise

Harry was spotted getting emotional at the opening of the Games in Vancouver and a heartwarming exchange between the Duke and Duchess was revealed by a lip reader. Expert Jeremy Freeman said that before Harry left for the podium to do his speech, he assured Meghan, “OK, I’ll be back later”, to which a loving Meghan responded: “You’re amazing.”

Harry’s biggest cheerleader

A body language expert picked up on a ‘fitting, symbolic gesture’ made by Meghan during the opening ceremony on Saturday. Judi James told the Mirror: “When Meghan picked up two big blue pom-poms and danced with them above her head, it was a fitting, symbolic gesture as her body language at the games so far seems to very emphatically define her in the role of Harry’s cheerleader and number one fan. She has put herself in the role of vector here, pointing the audience and their affection in Harry’s direction.”

Meghan has poured praise and recognition on her husband since the 2025 ceremony began ( 
Image:
Samir Hussein/WireImage)
Judi went on: “As [Harry] sat looking bashful with his lips sucked in or threw a cheeky double thumbs-up during some banter from Chris Martin, Meghan performed mouth-puckered smiles of pride or ‘seal-clapped’ him to his face, a form of clapping with the hands pointing upward that registers praise and recognition. She also touched his face more than once. At one point, she leant an arm out to stroke the back of his neck, and then when he stood to go to the stage, she tenderly cupped his face in both of her hands and kissed him on the lips as though he was her hero.”

Rare insight on parenthood

Meghan made a rare reference to the couple’s children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, while introducing her husband on stage at the event. She said: “You will see him throughout this week, you will see him at the Games, you will see him probably curling with you, cheering you on. He wants to be there with you, he is in it with you. What you won’t have seen is all of the moments in the lead-up to these Games.”

Meghan spoke fondly of Harry in her speech ( 
Image:
Samir Hussein/WireImage)
Referring to their family, she went on: “All of the moments with, as you know, with families, the big rush in the morning and getting ready for school and packing the lunch boxes and making breakfast and my husband’s in all of that with us. And then he’ll be on his phone and Archie will say ‘Papa, why are you on your phone?’. He’s like ‘cos it’s Invictus… I’m getting ready for Invictus’. It means so much to him.

“You are his family, just as we are his family, and I hope you recognise how much of his heart he has poured into every single beat that has gotten all of you to this week that is going to be spectacular. I need you to know that, I need you to know how much it means to him and how much each of you means to you.”

Harry’s heartbreaking chat with Archie

Harry told how he speaks to his son Archie about Princess Diana and has shown him iconic footage of her walking through minefields. The royal spoke about how he is keeping his mother’s memory alive by telling the five-year-old about her life and achievements, including raising international awareness about landmines in Angola.

Speaking at the Games on Sunday, Harry said: “Archie was asking about landmines, so I talked about how some of these guys were blown up. I found myself talking to him about mines when he was five years old. Interestingly it gave me a chance to talk about my mum, his grandma, which I didn’t even really consider. He wanted to see videos and photographs of his grandma Diana out doing her thing with landmines all those years ago.”

Prince Harry opened up about a tough chat with Archie
Diana died aged 36 in a car crash in Paris in August 1997. She triggered a worldwide conversation that saw a turning point in the fight against the lethal devices by walking through a minefield in Huambo, Angola, on January 15, 1997. Harry honoured her memory by walking through a minefield in Dirico, Angola, in September 2019.