Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, left Vancouver, Canada, on Tuesday having spent several days with Prince Harry at the start of the Invictus Games but Harry remains at the event

Meghan Markle was spotted disembarking a private jet in California this week after leaving Prince Harry behind at the Invictus Games.

The Duchess of Sussex, 43, was snapped stepping out of the aeroplane inside a hangar at Santa Barbara Airport on Tuesday evening. Donning a chic blue jumper, the mum was unaccompanied except for a security guard.

She’s back home in Montecito, California, while Harry, 40, remains at the Invictus Games, which conclude on Sunday. It means the couple, who tied the knot nearly seven years ago, will spend Valentine’s Day apart tomorrow.

Meghan was pictured loved-up with her husband at the event in Canada, images which have split opinion. One scathing critic even described the public display of affection as “miscalculated and nauseating”.

Others, though, said it shows Meghan and Harry’s relationship is as strong as ever and so it is thought they’ll overcome their different Valentine’s Days with ease.

Harry will be busy in Whistler, near Vancouver, as the swimming finals are expected to take place tomorrow. Meghan, however, is believed to be looking forward to spending time with their children; five-year-old Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, who is three.

The Duke of Sussex attended the Alpine Skiing and Snowboarding Novice Finals on Tuesday ( 
Image:
PA)

Harry had a day off scheduled on Wednesday but, without Meghan’s company, the royal instead surprised fans at a presentation ceremony. The father of two gave out medals at the event, which was held in a restaurant in Whistler.

Meghan, meanwhile, is back in the couple’s £12million home. Aides, though, said that Meghan had always planned to leave and let Harry attend the remaining events solo.

Plans were not given in advance for security reasons, and a source close to the couple said: “This was always planned. Meghan is going home to be with her children.

“Meghan left the Games in Düsseldorf early after five days to go home. This is Prince Harry’s event and she is there to support him, but this was planned.”

But the Düsseldorf event was held in September 2023, and so did not clash with Valentine’s Day. However, neither Harry or Meghan have referred to altering February 14 plans. The Duchess has posted on Instagram, writing: “A taste of Canada and The Invictus Games for our little ones! Cheering you on from home!”

Following her five-day visit to Canada, Meghan delighted her 1.7 million followers when she shared a video of walking hand in hand with Harry as they were bundled up against the cold during an event in Whistler, Vancouver. Meghan looked chic in cream boots, a long black coat, a knitted beanie and dark sunglasses as she participated in the sporting activities.