Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made a surprise appearance at the Invictus Games in Vancouver, with the Duchess of Sussex delivering an impromptu speech at a reception before introducing her husband to the stage. The event marked one of the couple's first joint public appearances in months and came amid ongoing speculation about their relationship and future public engagements.
Meghan, 43, told the crowd she had not planned to speak but took the opportunity to express her admiration for the competitors and her husband's deep commitment to the event. "I would be remiss if I didn't take the opportunity to introduce someone who means a lot to me and I know means quite a lot to all of you," she said, before highlighting Harry's role in founding the Invictus Games a decade ago.
She shared a personal anecdote about Harry's dedication, describing how their son, Prince Archie, often questions why his father is on his phone early in the morning. "Archie will be like, 'Papa, why are you on your phone?' and he says, 'Because it's Invictus, I'm getting ready for Invictus,'" Meghan said. "It means so much to him. You are his family just as we are his family."
After welcoming Harry to the stage, the couple shared a brief kiss, drawing cheers from the audience. The Duke of Sussex, 40, then addressed the crowd, emphasizing the significance of the event and the camaraderie among participants. The couple's display of unity follows months of speculation about their relationship, which Harry dismissed in December, saying, "Apparently we've bought or moved house 10, 12 times... We've apparently divorced maybe 10, 12 times as well. So it's just like, what?"
Following the reception, Meghan and Harry attended a Vancouver Canucks vs. Toronto Maple Leafs hockey game, where Harry made the ceremonial puck drop alongside Canadian Invictus athletes Lee Jarratt and Andre Crocker. Meghan later shared footage of their visit on Instagram, including a backstage walk where they were seen holding hands.
During the game, the couple was spotted in the stands, appearing relaxed and affectionate. Meghan wore a long black coat with dark red lapels, reminiscent of an outfit from her first royal tour with Harry in 2018, while Harry opted for a gray sweater layered under a peacoat.
The Duke and Duchess also attended the Invictus Games opening ceremony, where Coldplay's Chris Martin performed. Harry addressed the audience, welcoming attendees in both English and French. "Hello Canada and Bienvenue!" he said. "The Toronto Games in 2017 were incredible, and I'm told there is no rivalry between east and west coast, especially when it comes to sport. So I have a question for you, Vancouver: Are you ready to show Toronto-and the world-how the Games are done?"
The event marks the couple's first major appearance together since their visit to Colombia last August. Their last public engagement was in January when they volunteered with World Central Kitchen in Pasadena, California, helping distribute food to victims of the Eaton Fire.
Harry founded the Invictus Games in 2014 after serving in Afghanistan as a British Army captain. Inspired by the U.S. Armed Forces' Warrior Games, he established the international competition to support wounded, injured, and sick service members. The Invictus Games have since grown into a global event, drawing participation from numerous countries.
