Exclusive: Harry and Meghan set to give ‘show of strength’ at the Invictus Games, starting today

The event, which the prince founded for wounded veterans in 2014, is deeply personal to them both and Meghan also wants to support Harry

Prince Harry and Meghan are set to give a public show of strength at the Invictus Games – in what will be their first public outing together since the publication of a distressing Vanity Fair cover.

The couple arrived together at the nine-day event in Canada after travelling from Santa Barbara to Vancouver on a private plane on Friday night local-time. The Invictus Games will begin on Saturday with an opening ceremony featuring live performances by a host of stars, including Katy Perry, Chris Martin and Nelly Furtado, in front of a sold-out audience of 40,000 people at the city’s BC Place stadium, where Harry is also set to make a speech on stage.

Meghan and Harry were reportedly left upset by last month’s report in Vanity Fair, which included speculation, which has been strongly denied, about the state of the couple’s marriage. It also included anonymous allegations about Meghan’s alleged management style towards staff.

Harry seen arriving in Vancouver in the back of a blacked out SUV on Friday evening
Harry seen arriving in Vancouver in the back of a blacked out SUV on Friday evening 
Image:
Humphrey Nemar/staff Photographer.)
Harry, 40, and Meghan, 43, who have also been hit by unverified allegations in a new book, have made separate public appearances at events in recent months amid claims they want to pursue separate professional endeavours.

Meghan is now set to launch her own Netflix TV show later this month and has other solo projects planned. But it is understood the couple made the decision to appear together at the Invictus Games as it is an event that is deeply personal to them both and Meghan also wanted to support Harry, who founded the event for wounded veterans in 2014.

Harry and Meghan were seen arriving in Vancouver on Friday evening after landing in the city on a private jet that had set off from Santa Barbara, close to their Montecito mansion. Organisers say this year’s event, which comes after previous Games’ were held in London, Orlando, Toronto, Sydney, The Hague and Dusseldorf, will be the biggest ever.

It will be held at eight separate venues in Vancouver and the ski resort of Whistler, which are on the traditional territories of the Four Host First Nations of Lílwat, Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil Waututh.

Invictus 2025 CEO Scott Moore is looking forward to the Games, which are being held in Vancouver and Whistler
Invictus 2025 CEO Scott Moore is looking forward to the Games, which are being held in Vancouver and Whistler 
Image:
AP)

More than 1,900 volunteers have signed up to help stage the £34million event, which will see up to 550 participants from up to 25 nations compete in eleven sports, including six winter ones for the first time in Invictus Games history. They will include Alpine Skiing, Snowboarding, Biathlon, Cross Country Skiing, Skeleton and Wheelchair Curling, as well as Indoor Rowing, Sitting Volleyball, Swimming, Wheelchair Basketball and Wheelchair Rugby.

Chief Executive Officer Scott Moore said: “We will deliver the best ever Invictus Games over the next nine days. These Games will be life-changing. Mr Moore, who has over 40 years of senior management experience in sports broadcast, media and sponsorship sales, added: “I was lucky enough to do eleven Olympic Games in my career.

“People ask me what is the difference between the Olympic Games and the Invictus Games. The Olympic Games changes lives… the Invictus Games saves lives.”

Related Posts

Inside Loose Women icon Lynda Bellingham’s life – including husband’s feud with children

Loose Women is set to honour the beloved late panelist Lynda Bellingham OBE with a special tribute episode of the ITV show, marking the 10th anniversary of…

Loose Women’s Christine Lampard admits bad habit that ‘drives husband Frank insane’

Loose Women were discussing forgetfulness when panelist Christine Lampard admitted that her husband Frank is not impressed with her constantly misplacing her mobile phone Christine Lampard has revealed…

Loose Women’s Denise Welch admits ‘life will never be the same’ after ‘tough’ Matty Healy moment

Singer Matty Healy started The 1975 with school friends, rehearsing in his mum and dad’s garage before finding fame View 3 Images Denise Welch has opened up…

Lorraine Kelly chaos as huge bang interrupts emotional interview

ITV’s Lorraine was left in chaos when a huge bang was heard during Tuesday’s episode and left The Wanted star Nathan Sykes, who was in for an…

Pride of Britain winner sets sail on ‘magical’ surprise trip

After years campaigning for fellow victims of the infected blood scandal, Michelle Tolley couldn’t believe she had been gifted a P&O Cruises holiday When Michelle Tolley won…

Carol Vorderman reveals huge lifestyle change after chronic illness left her ‘crying in pain’

Pride of Britain Award presenter Carol Vorderman has opened up about suffering with ‘chronic pain’ over the last year – and how her lifestyle has completely changed…