Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, had been with Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, for the beginning of the Invictus Games in and near Vancouver, Canada, before flying home

An athlete at the Invictus Games described Meghan Markle as “really caring” and “so down to earth” after meeting the duchess.

Others also praised the Duchess of Sussex, who spent time with competitors before returning home alone on Tuesday. Bryce Ewing, who competes in snowboarding, rowing, and swimming, said: “When Meghan looks at you, she really looks at you, and you feel it in your soul. She’s really caring. She’s very intuitive. She’s so down to earth, and she looks like she really cares.”

And Leandra Moehring, who competes in skiing, rowing, skeleton, and swimming for Team USA, said: “We told her we saw her on Suits. And she’s like, ‘I’m sorry I’m not wearing a pencil skirt.'”

She told People magazine: “They [Harry and Meghan] really took the time with each and every one of us. And despite people who are trying to keep them on schedule, they just did not mind taking pictures at all. And it was just super neat.”

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will spend Valentine’s Day apart ( 
Image:
Humphrey Nemar/staff Photographer.)

Prince Harry, 40, remains in Canada as the tournament is to end on Sunday. His 43-year-old wife is back in California to spend time with their children; Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

But the Duchess of Sussex still found time for the lighthearted moments with some of Team USA’s competitors and fans. One supporter, Cynthia Phelps, told reporters: “She said her kids were at home and she missed them.”

Aides said it was always the plan for Meghan, the former Suits actress, to leave Canada earlier, as was the case at previous games. It means, though, she and Harry will spend Valentine’s Day apart, following their loved-up display at the Games earlier this week.

A source said: “This was always planned. Meghan is going home to be with her children. Meghan left the games in Dusseldorf early after five days to go home. This is Prince Harry’s event and she is there to support him, but this was planned.”

Prince Harry co-founded the Invictus Games in 2014, following his visit to the Warrior Games in the United States, where the royal witnessed the ability of sport to help both psychologically and physically. It has since been held across the world, including in London in its maiden year and Sydney in 2018.