CELEBRATING AS HARRY TURNS 39 THE DUKE AND DUCHESS OF SUSSEX JOIN THEIR 'INVICTUS FAMILY' AT EMOTIONAL DUSSELDORF GAMES

'Swap photos, swap numbers. Everyone here has some form of shared experience, so use this moment to connect' Prince Harry

- LAURA BENJAMIN & ISABELLE CASEY

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 Thea Ungermann told HELLO!: “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.”

After the meal, the couple returned to their hotel with their team, where they enjoyed some cakes and another chorus of Happy Birthday.