Meghan Markle and Prince Harry encountered a tumultuous welcome as they arrived in Vancouver on Tuesday for the Invictus Games, a renowned sporting event dedicated to wounded veterans established in 2014.
The duo, who have been residing in Canada since their announcement to step back from royal duties in January 2020, were met with vehement protests from Canadians branding them as freeloaders, traitors, and hypocrites.
Demonstrators brandishing signs urging them to return to England and cease squandering tax money hurled insults and obscenities as the couple departed the airport.
Amidst the chaos, some protesters resorted to throwing eggs and tomatoes at their vehicle while others attempted to impede their progress.
Clearly affected by the hostile reception, Meghan and Harry appeared visibly shaken and chose not to engage with the crowd or media.
Their visit to Vancouver was intended to be discreet and private, focusing on attending the Invictus Games’ opening ceremony and engaging with participants and organizers.
Launched by Prince Harry following his service in Afghanistan, the Invictus Games stand as a significant source of pride and dedication for the prince, who regards them as his most meaningful endeavor.
With 500 competitors from 20 nations, the games are designed to honor the resilience and valor of wounded, injured, and ill service personnel and veterans.
Nevertheless, the couple’s Vancouver visit has been overshadowed by the backlash stemming from their decision to depart from the royal family and pursue an autonomous and financially sustainable lifestyle.
Dubbed “Megxit” by the media, Meghan and Harry have been accused of disrespecting the queen, betraying the monarchy, and shirking their obligations.
Criticism has been directed at their opulent lifestyle, security expenses, and environmental contradictions.
Their choice to settle in Canada has drawn widespread disapproval from Canadians, with a recent Angus Reid Institute poll revealing that 73% of respondents oppose funding the couple’s estimated $10 million annual security costs.
The timing of the royal couple’s arrival in Vancouver coincided with a pressing political turmoil in Canada, as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau grapples with protests and blockades from indigenous groups and environmental activists opposing a contentious pipeline project.
The demonstrators, objecting to the construction of the coastal gas-linked pipeline traversing the traditional lands of the Wet’suwet’en First Nation, have disrupted transportation networks nationwide, instigating economic and social disruption.
Trudeau, facing criticism for his perceived indecisiveness, is striving to resolve the conflict amicably.
In addition to facing detractors, Meghan and Harry have also encountered backlash from their own supporters, who view their attendance at the Invictus Games as insensitive and out of touch with Canadian issues.
Some fans expressed disappointment and urged the couple to renounce their titles and adopt a more humble and conscientious lifestyle.
Currently residing in a $14 million mansion on Vancouver Island with their son Archie, the couple has refrained from addressing the controversy or protests surrounding their visit.
A spokesperson representing the duo emphasized that the visit was personal and private, underscoring their respect and admiration for the Canadian populace and their concerns.
The spokesperson affirmed Meghan and Harry’s commitment to remaining in Canada and continuing to contribute to and endorse the country.