Meghan Markle 'leaves Canada without Prince Harry' following Invictus Games appearances
The duchess has returned to the couple's two children, it's said
Meghan Markle has reportedly headed back to California without Prince Harry, after spending a few days supporting him at the Invictus Games in Vancouver and Whistler.
The Duchess of Sussex, 43, attended multiple events at the adaptive winter sports tournament, which celebrates injured and wounded servicemen and women.
Meanwhile, Prince Harry, 40, is expected to remain in Canada until the closing ceremony on Sunday (February 16).
Meghan Markle ‘leaves Invictus Games early’ as it was ‘always planned’
A source close to Invictus confirmed that Meghan’s early departure was not unexpected.
“This was always planned. Meghan is going home to be with her children,” they told HELLO!.
The source also referenced Meghan’s early departure from last year’s Invictus Games in Düsseldorf.
They said: “Meghan left the games in Dusseldorf early after five days to go home. This is Prince Harry’s event, and she is there to support him, but this was planned.”
The couple’s two children, Prince Archie, five, and Princess Lilibet, three, did not join their parents on the trip.
Since arriving in Canada on Saturday (February 8), Meghan has been sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses from the games on her newly launched Instagram account.
This was always planned. Meghan is going home to be with her children.
The couple also kicked off their time at the games by attending the grand opening ceremony at BC Place stadium in Vancouver.
The opening ceremony included performances by Katy Perry, Nelly Furtado, and Coldplay’s Chris Martin.
During Coldplay’s performance, frontman Chris Martin humorously acknowledged Harry’s invitation to perform.
“I’d like to say thanks, of course, to Prince Harry. When he called me, he said, ‘I’ve called every other musician in the world, they all said they’re not available, so I have to call you,'” he joked. “And I said, ‘Your royal holiness, I’m honoured.'”
He also went on to praise the Duke of Sussex.
Chris said: “Thank you, Harry, for being such an inspiring leader and kind and sweet man. I hope you have the most wonderful Games of all. It’s a pleasure to be here.”
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the Invictus Games
Throughout the games, Harry and Meghan have been spotted sharing affectionate moments, from holding hands to exchanging kisses.
After the opening ceremony on February 8, Harry and Meghan also reportedly enjoyed a double date night with Canadian singer Michael Bublé and his wife, Luisana Lopilato, at Vij’s, a renowned Indian restaurant in Vancouver.
On Monday (February 10), as the event shifted to Whistler, Harry playfully brought Meghan on stage during a speech.
“Now she’s going to sing!” He teased.
The comment sparked laughter among the crowd.
View this post on Instagram
Nelly Furtado shares funny video with Meghan and Harry at Invictus Games
In other news, singer Nelly Furtado was bashed for sharing a video with the royal couple.
The Canadian singer performed at the opening ceremony. She later posted a selfie video on her Instagram cosying up to Meghan. As the duo smiled and posed, Prince Harry also popped up in the background for a photobomb.
Some fans were unimpressed with Nelly’s association with the couple, though.
What are Prince Harry’s Invictus Games?
The Invictus Games is an international multi-sport event for wounded, injured and sick military service personnel, both serving and veterans.
Harry himself served in the British army for 10 years. He was a helicopter pilot and served two tours in Afghanistan.
Why did Prince Harry launch the Invictus Games?
The Duke of Sussex founded the Invictus Games in 2014. After returning from deployment in Afghanistan, Harry witnessed a heartbreaking moment which had a profound impact on him.
He watched the coffin of a Danish solider being loaded aboard for repatriation, alongside three injured British soldiers.
Following a visit to the US Warrior Games in 2013, in which he saw how sport can help wounded servicemen and women in their recovery, Harry was then inspired to create the games. He wanted to shine a spotlight on the men and women who have served in the military.
What has Harry said?
When he launched the games, the duke said: "I have witnessed first-hand how the power of sport can positively impact the lives of wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women in their journey of recovery.
"I am extremely proud that we are bringing an event like this to the UK for the first time and believe it can have a long lasting impact on the well-being of those who have served their nations so bravely."
In February 2025, Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle attended the games in Canada. During a speech, Harry told a crowd: "Over the past decade I’ve lost count of the times we’ve heard you tell us that the Invictus Games saved you.
"Respectfully, I disagree. Invictus didn’t save you. You saved yourself."
The games take place each year.
“Nelly you don’t want to be hanging out with these two. You’re so much more classier than them. Seriously,” one commented.
However, many others shared their love.
“Love this. Love Harry in the background,” a fan gushed.
While Meghan returns home to California, Prince Harry will continue his work with Invictus, attending various events before the closing ceremony on Sunday.
Read more: Prince Harry shares statement as he celebrates engagement news at Invictus Games
What do you think of Meghan and Harry’s appearances at the Invictus Games? Let us know by leaving a comment on our Facebook page @RoyalInsiderOfficial.
