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Dutch King Gives Prince Harry a Warm Welcome at Invictus Games
Prince Harry received a warm welcome from Dutch King Willem-Alexander on the final day of the Invictus Games.
The Duke of Sussex, donning a dark blue suit and a blue shirt, greeted the Sovereign with a smile as they shook hands.
King Willem-Alexander, dressed in a smart casual attire, also took a moment to pose for a picture before entering the venue where veterans and service personnel from around the world were participating in the last competitions of this year's event.
Mark de Cruyff, chairman of the ongoing tournament at The Hague, accompanied the two royals.
Inside the stadium, Prince Harry and the monarch watched a thrilling wheelchair basketball match between the Dutch and US teams.
In one photograph, King Willem-Alexander can be seen laughing while Prince Harry engages in conversation with him.
Fans of the Duke of Sussex were quick to react to these cheerful photographs, with some suggesting that the Dutch King had initially planned to snub the Invictus Games despite it being held in his country.
However, many royal supporters commented on this news, expressing their opinions.
One fan remarked, “I did notice he waited until Markle went home.
I would bet that if it were William and Kate, he would have greeted them at the airport.”
Another supporter stated, “No, the pictures do not show a snub; it's just PR for both parties.
The real snub came when they weren't invited to stay on royal grounds and had to stay in a hotel instead.”
A different comment read, “Harry and the American were not invited to stay at the palace, nor were they invited for dinner, which the Dutch royals are known for.
Their silence spoke volumes.”
It was reported by the Daily Mail that Meghan and Prince Harry, who have stepped back from royal duties and renounced their HRH titles, were not received by the Dutch royal family upon their arrival in the Netherlands for the Invictus Games.
They were not granted an audience with King Willem-Alexander or offered accommodations in the royal palace.
The Dutch and British royal families have historically maintained close ties, as demonstrated during the late Prince Philip's service of thanksgiving held in London last month.
King Willem-Alexander, accompanied by Queen Maxima and Princess Beatrix, attended the ceremony along with several other foreign royals.
While this edition of the Invictus Games concludes today, Prince Harry has already generated excitement for future tournaments.
Next year, veterans and military personnel who have faced physical or mental challenges during their service will participate in the Games in Dusseldorf, Germany.
Furthermore, the Duke announced earlier today that the Invictus Tournament will undergo significant changes in 2025.
The Games will return to Canada, specifically Vancouver and Whistler, and for the first time, will incorporate winter sports such as alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, skeleton, and wheelchair curling.
In his announcement, Prince Harry expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “As Invictus continues to adapt and evolve, I am extremely excited to announce that the Invictus Games Foundation has selected Canada to host the first-ever winter hybrid Games in 2025.
The Invictus Games Vancouver-Whistler 2025 will provide a global platform to expand the range and profile of winter adaptive sports.”
He also emphasized that the Games in Canada would be held in partnership with First Nations, in the spirit of truth and reconciliation with indigenous communities.
In conclusion, Prince Harry received a warm welcome from Dutch King Willem-Alexander at the Invictus Games, despite earlier reports suggesting a potential snub.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who have distanced themselves from royal duties, were not granted an audience with the Dutch royal family upon their arrival in the Netherlands.
However, Prince Harry's presence at the Games has generated anticipation for future tournaments, including the upcoming event in Germany and the significant changes planned for the 2025 Games in Canada.
