Markle told Invictus hopefuls competing in the UK team trials she would be in Australia, the host country of this year's games, to experience the competitors' journey from selection through to the games.

The US actress met wounded, sick and injured military and veterans with Harry when the couple visited the trials being hosted by Bath University on Friday.

Harry and his bride-to-be shared a laugh with hopefuls as they watched shot put competitors show off their strength, encouraged 1500 metre runners by applauding as they ran past, and watched sitting volleyball players being put through their paces.

When Toronto hosted the Paralympic-style event last year, Markle, who at the time was living and working in the city, attended the opening and closing ceremonies and visited competitors with Harry.

Kerys Knight, 48, a former driver in the Women's Royal Army Corps, who has nerve damage in her left leg following an accident, said: "She said how good it was to be here and see the start of the Invictus journey."

The 48-year-old from Northampton, who won an archery gold medal in last year's games, added: "She was saying she went to Toronto last year but only got to see some of the swimming but this year she's hoping to be there for the whole thing and see the whole journey all the way through.

"To see where the trial takes you and how different you can be from this point to the Games in October."

RAF Sergeant Pete Lauder, 39, chatted to the couple when they watched the volleyball, an event he hopes to be chosen to compete in.

Sgt Lauder, who has a serious hip joint condition, said: "We were chatting about Canada, she really enjoyed it and she said she's going to be in Australia."

The former Suits star looked stylish in a Babaton for Aritzia jacket and Mother Denim jeans, and wore an Invictus Games polo shirt as did her fiance.

Australian Associated Press