Prince Harry and Meghan Markle step out for event with veterans and proudly display their poppies

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex met with veteran and active-duty service members on Wednesday ahead of Veterans Day.

During their visit to Camp Pendleton, the couple got a first-hand insight into Operation Bigs, which is a special mentoring program designed for children of military families, including active-duty, veteran and Gold Star families.

Since its debut, the mentorship program has benefited more than 3,000 Navy and Marine Corps children and according to the Archewell website, has “expanded to over 30 affiliates across the country.”

For the special occasion, Prince Harry, 39, and his wife Meghan, 42, donned red poppies to commemorate Veterans Day which is observed annually on 11 November.

Harry looked dapper in a smart black blazer which he teamed with a pale blue shirt and a pair of sand-hued chinos. Meghan, meanwhile, oozed elegance in a cropped floral applique cardigan crafted by Carolina Herrera.

For a seamless look, the former Suits actress paired her blue garment with a black midi skirt designed by Lafayette 148.

The Duke of Sussex served in the army for ten years during which time he undertook two tours of Afghanistan.

In his eye-opening memoir, Spare, the royal shared a candid glimpse inside his military career, explaining: “It got me out of the spotlight from the UK press. I was able to focus on a purpose larger than myself, to be wearing the same uniform as everybody else, to feel normal for the first time in my life.”

He went on to say: “[I accomplished] some of the biggest challenges that I ever had. I was a really good candidate for the military. I was a young man in my 20s suffering from shock.”

Beyond this, Prince Harry has worked tirelessly to raise money for wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women via the Invictus Games which he founded in 2014.

ccording to the official website, “The Games harness the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation, and generate a wider understanding and respect for those who serve their country. The Invictus Games is about much more than just sport – it captures hearts, challenges minds and changes lives.”

SOURCE:hellomagazine.com