Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are gearing up for an exciting trip to Canada as they prepare to attend the Invictus Games in Vancouver Whistler from February 14 to February 16.
This event holds special significance for the couple, as it marks one year since their official step back from royal duties.
During their three-day visit, they will join members of the participating nations’ Winter Training Camp, which offers a unique opportunity for the international Invictus community to experience winter-adaptive sports ahead of next year’s Games.
The Invictus Games, which have previously been held in London, Orlando, Toronto, and Sydney, were originally scheduled for 2022 but had to be postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Now, the competition will return to Canada in 2025, making it the first time the Games have revisited a previous host country.
What sets this edition apart is its incorporation of winter-adaptive sports, expanding the range of activities available to the athletes.
To commemorate their upcoming participation, Meghan and Harry released two new images from the 2013 Invictus Games in Germany.
The photographs, captured by their close friend Misson Harmon, showcase the couple’s engagement with the event.
In one black-and-white picture, they can be seen walking together with their arms around each other during the sitting volleyball finals.
The second image captures Harry embracing a competitor while Meghan stands behind him, observing the heartfelt moment.
The decision to bring their personal photographer along on their previous trip to Germany raised some eyebrows.
However, it appears that the Sussexes wanted to have more control over the narrative surrounding their involvement in the Games.
This move reflects their concerns about recent controversies involving South Africa parks, irregularities at One Young World, the Jamaican debacle, excuses related to sick children, and the mass exodus of staff.
Despite their efforts to counter the negative perception, the couple continues to face criticism and backlash.
Some argue that Meghan and Harry’s presence at the Invictus Games detracts attention and resources from the athletes themselves.
They believe that the couple’s involvement is more about self-promotion and enjoying the perks of a lavish lifestyle than supporting the cause.
A source close to an insider even revealed that the couple plans to fly to Canada on a private jet and has requested the foundation to cover their expenses, including food, accommodation, clothing, grooming services, transportation, and potentially security.
This decision has sparked anger among Canadians, who feel that the money should be directed towards supporting veterans instead.
The public sentiment in Canada has led to calls for people to withhold donations from the Invictus Foundation until Meghan and Harry disassociate themselves from the event.
Instead, they encourage individuals to contribute to other veterans’ charities that prioritize the well-being of those who have served their country.
Critics argue that Meghan treats the Invictus Games as her personal stage, likening it to the Oscars, Super Bowl, Miss USA and Universe pageants, the Rose Parade, and the World Cup combined.
They express concern over her seemingly delusional belief that she has a legion of adoring fans.
As Meghan Markle and Prince Harry prepare for their trip to Canada, the Invictus Games stand at a crossroads.
While the event continues to inspire and empower wounded veterans, it now finds itself entangled in a web of controversy surrounding the Sussexes.