Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are wrapping up their time at the Invictus Games with heartfelt keepsakes for their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
During their visit to the wheelchair basketball event in Vancouver on February 9, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were gifted a set of personalized jerseys from Team Nigeria. In addition to shirts for themselves, they received green jerseys specially made for Archie and Lilibet, bearing their names.
The thoughtful gesture took place at the conclusion of the United States vs. Nigeria wheelchair basketball match, which ended in a victory for the American team.
“We made one for him, one for M, and one for the kids,” Team Nigeria’s manager, Derrick Cobbinah, told PEOPLE. “They were really excited to receive them. Meghan, in particular, was very, very excited.”
The moment held special significance for Meghan, 43, who has Nigerian ancestry—a connection she first revealed in 2022. She and Harry, 40, deepened their engagement with her heritage during their visit to Nigeria in May 2024.
Cobbinah, who also leads the veterans’ charity Africa Unconquered, hopes that Meghan will show her support by wearing the jersey. “We are hoping she wears it while sitting with family and friends to cheer us on,” he shared. Meghan, who received the jersey from charity co-founder Alvin Atsegwasi, had already shown her support for Team Nigeria during the game.
The couple’s presence at the event has brought an undeniable energy to the games. “Their support means a lot. They take the time to speak with every competitor, listening to their incredible stories and journeys,” Cobbinah said.
For Team Nigeria, the experience has been both exciting and challenging, especially given the chilly Canadian weather. “It’s our first winter games, and for us, it’s quite cold! But we’re here, we’re enjoying it, and most importantly, it’s part of the healing process for our athletes,” Cobbinah added.
Many Nigerian competitors had previously met Harry and Meghan during their visit to Nigeria last year, making this reunion even more meaningful. “For them, this journey is about healing. The Invictus Games community has become their family,” Cobbinah emphasized.
The Nigerian team has also been making strides beyond the competition. In January, efforts began to establish Nigeria’s first Invictus Games center, dedicated to supporting wounded and recovering service personnel.
The Invictus Games, founded by Prince Harry in 2014, run from February 8 to 16 across Vancouver and Whistler. The event kicked off with a star-studded opening ceremony at BC Place, where Coldplay’s Chris Martin gave a special shout-out to Prince Harry—along with a playful joke at his own expense.
As Harry and Meghan conclude their visit, they carry not just souvenirs for their children but also cherished memories of their time supporting the inspiring athletes of the Invictus Games.
