Prince Harry and Meghan Markle just made an appearance in Canada for a three-day event celebrating the Invictus Games. The “One Year to Go” celebration brought together former royals, as Harry is the founder of the Invictus Games Foundation, as well as coaches, competitors, families, and sponsors.
It was quite the event, and Harry and Meghan even did an exclusive interview with People afterwards, but many royal fans think it an attempt at quelling the raging rumors about Prince Harry’s recent trip to London, where he met briefly with his father, King Charles, who was just diagnosed with cancer. Keep reading for more information.
Prince Harry & Meghan Markle At The Invictus Games One Year To Go Event
The event marking one year until the next Invictus Games was held on Feb. 14th through Feb. 16th at the Vancouver Convention Centre in Canada. The pair attended many events, from galas to wheelchair curling games, and making the rare public spectacle. Prince Harry tried his hand at wheelchair curling and sit-down skiing, during which he reached speeds of over 60 miles per hour.
They also attended a banquet, a glam event that welcomed representatives of the government and Four host First Nations plus members of the Invictus Games Foundation and sponsors. Meghan wore a stunning olive green off-the-shoulder gown made by the Canadian label Greta Constantine, and Harry looked sharp as ever in a dark gray suit.
At the banquet, Harry got up on stage to say a few words as the founder. He thanked the audience "for being here tonight and for your commitment to making the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 possible."
"When I am with the Invictus community surrounded by so many brave men and women who have served their countries with distinction," he continued, "I feel humbled and at home. From this trip, I am happy to report the air is thick with excitement, and the best part is, we're just getting started."
Musician Michael Bublé and his wife, Luisana Lopilato, were also in attendance at the gala, in fact, Michael even got on stage to perform a few songs, but not before sending "healing wishes" to King Charles, who is currently undergoing cancer treatment.
After the three-day festival, Harry and Megan sat down with People to discuss their trip to Canada and the countdown to the next Invictus Games. "We loved being back in Canada, a place so meaningful to both of us," they told the outlet. "It was an honor to be welcomed by the Four Host First Nations, as we marked One Year To Go, together with Invictus coaches, competitors and families."
"It filled our hearts to once again be surrounded by Canadian people, food and culture. We felt the Invictus spirit and excitement throughout Whistler and Vancouver, and are so grateful to all our hosts for organizing such a memorable visit. We’re counting down the days until we return!"
Rumors Rage Around Prince Harry's Visit With King Charles
While the Invictus Games One Year to Go event had been in the books for months, it did certainly come at a convenient time for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who have recently been facing backlash over Harry's recent trip to visit his father, King Charles. The 39-year-old flew 5,500 miles to London from his home in Montecito, California only to meet with Prince Charles for 45 minutes before Charles was flown to Sandringham to receive treatment.
Reportedly, Harry's visit was cut short, after his stepmother, Queen Camilla, asked him to leave. According to a report in RadarOnline, she allegedly told Harry to leave and "never return."
Another outlet, the National Enquirer, released another report, citing "a well-placed courtier," that said, "Her Majesty was furious Harry flew in from his ritz California home without getting Palace approval—and came with an attitude."
Other reports are saying that Prince Harry might reprise his role as an active royal to help out while his father takes time off to receive cancer treatment and recover. Only time will reveal the truth.
