Advertisement

Melania Trump meets with Prince Harry, Justin Trudeau during Toronto visit

Click to play video: 'Melania Trump meets with Justin Trudeau, Prince Harry during Invictus Games in Toronto'
Melania Trump meets with Justin Trudeau, Prince Harry during Invictus Games in Toronto
WATCH ABOVE: First Lady Melania Trump met with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Prince Harry during the Invictus Games in Toronto. It's her first solo foreign trip since the inauguration – Sep 23, 2017

Melania Trump is set to take her biggest step yet as first lady.

She’s leading the U.S. delegation to an international sporting event for wounded service members, her first solo trip outside the United States to represent her adopted country.

On the agenda for daylong stop Saturday in Toronto: a first-time meeting with Britain’s Prince Harry, founder of the Invictus Games; a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau; remarks at a reception for the nearly 100 American athletes participating in the week-long Olympic-style competition; and attending the opening ceremony.

WATCH: First Lady Melania Trump on Saturday met with US athletes competing in the Invictus Games. 
Click to play video: 'Melania Trump gives thanks, wishes good luck to U.S. athletes at Invictus Games'
Melania Trump gives thanks, wishes good luck to U.S. athletes at Invictus Games

Her decision to lead the American delegation, whose members include Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin, professional golfer Nancy Lopez and entertainer Wayne Newton, reflects the first lady’s “utmost respect” for the hard work, courage and sacrifice of the U.S. military, said Stephanie Grisham, a spokeswoman for Mrs. Trump.

Story continues below advertisement

“She feels strongly that they – and their families – should be honored every day,” Grisham said.

Breaking news from Canada and around the world sent to your email, as it happens.

Grisham said Mrs. Trump also has “great admiration for the role the games have played in empowering those who have been injured while serving.”

At an event last week marking the 70th anniversary of the U.S. Air Force, the first lady thanked the many members of the military who assisted thousands people in Texas, Louisiana, Florida and the Caribbean whose lives were upended by recent hurricanes.

A native of Slovenia who became a U.S. citizen in 2006, Mrs. Trump also thanked service members’ families.

“You endure time apart, are expected to move when new orders come in, and face the uncertainty that can come in times of need,” she said at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, before introducing President Donald Trump. “This kind of lifestyle requires its own kind of courage and your sacrifices do not go unnoticed or unappreciated.”

Trump has been slowly warming up to her new role, waiting to move to the White House until her 11-year-old son finished the school year in New York and holding few public events of her own. She accompanied the president on his three overseas trips so far this year.

Prince Harry established the Invictus Games in 2014 for sick and wounded service members from around the globe. More than 550 individuals from 17 countries are expected to participate in 12 sports during the coming week, ranging from cycling to wheelchair tennis to sitting volleyball.
Story continues below advertisement

London was the setting for the inaugural event in 2015, followed by Orlando, Florida, last year.

Mrs. Trump’s participation continues White House involvement with the games, which were launched during President Barack Obama’s tenure.

Jill Biden, wife of then-Vice President Joe Biden, led the U.S. delegation to London as part of a military initiative undertaken with then-first lady Michelle Obama. Mrs. Obama helped open last year’s competition in Orlando.

Sponsored content

AdChoices