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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle make their first public appearance together at Invictus games in Canada

Prince Harry and his actress girlfriend Meghan Markle have made their first official public appearance together at the Invictus Games.

The couple could be seen holding hands, laughing and smiling as they watched wheelchair tennis at the tournament in Toronto, Canada.

They were casually-dressed and looked relaxed as they sat by the court, finally giving royal fans a long-awaited sighting of their relationship.

They were both at this weekend's opening ceremony of the Paralympics-style event for wounded and injured servicemen and women and veterans founded by Harry, but she sat a few rows down and more than a dozen seats away from her partner.

The pair were watching wheelchair tennis at the Invictus games (Getty Images)
The pair were watching wheelchair tennis at the Invictus games (Getty Images)

Kensington Palace has not commented on the actress's appearance at the ceremony, which will be viewed by royal watchers as a milestone in their relationship.

The actress, 36, revealed her love for the prince, 33, in a recent interview with Vanity Fair magazine, prompting speculation the announcement of a royal engagement was merely a formality.

Harry has spoken of the Invictus Games' power to change lives.

Royal watchers will see the public appearance as a milestone in their relationship (AP)
Royal watchers will see the public appearance as a milestone in their relationship (AP)

Speaking at the Canadian Institute for Military and Veteran Health Research forum, Harry told the delegates about his inspiration for the Games.

He added: "For the competitors, we know that the journey to the Invictus Games is often not an easy one.

"We are dangling a carrot of sporting glory to help reignite qualities which have been worn down by months and often years of fighting - fighting to find purpose, fighting to reconnect with family, fighting to get fit again, fighting to leave the house and in some cases fighting to stay alive.

"Sport of course is not the only answer, but it is a hugely powerful tool."

Harry went on to say: "Competitors, friends and their families told us that the Games were not only changing lives, but saving lives."