Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have shown a loved-up display at the Invictus Games in Vancouver, but their decision has sparked backlash from fans
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have wowed fans with their affectionate displays at the Invictus Games – from cosying up together with champagne to a passionate on-stage kiss – but one move has sparked controversy.
On Saturday, the Sussexes were seen dancing away in the stands at the glittering opening ceremony of the Games at the 40,000-capacity BC Place Stadium before making a surprise visit to watch an NHL ice hockey match between Vancouver Canucks and Toronto Maple Leafs.
They kept up the pace on Sunday, with Meghan posting behind-the-scenes snippets via her newly reopened Instagram account. However, while fans have been delighted by her candid updates – which include footage of Prince Harry, 40, ‘dad dancing’ – one video has sparked backlash.
The pair could be seen travelling along in a golf buggy
Some believe the pair ‘should have walked through’ the group of injured veterans
The clip in question shows the couple smiling and waving at cheering crowds as they travel along on a golf buggy at Saturday’s opening ceremony, with footage showing them riding past disabled veterans. Reacting to the clip, one person commented: “So Meghan and Harry, two able-bodied people, are driven on a golf cart past disabled veterans. Some of the veterans are [in a] wheelchair. They should have walked through the group, meeting, greeting and shaking hands. All with a camera following them. Unbelievable.”
Another wrote: “Disabled veterans made to stand waiting in a mile long cold concrete corridor whilst these two very able-bodied get golf carted in the opposite direction. Just when you think they can’t sink any lower.” And a third added: “Who so being honoured here? The veterans OR Harry and Meghan being honoured by the veterans!”
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The comments come as one British soldier has spoken fondly of Harry’s Invictus project, after shocking his girlfriend by proposing to her at the tournament. Team UK wheelchair basketball competitor James Cairns, 35, got down on one knee to his partner Hannah Wild on court at the Vancouver Convention Centre.
James and Hannah have been together for four years. James said: “Invictus has been my driving force because I’ve been struggling with my mental health. This past year I’ve lost about seven people who died by suicide after battling PTSD. It’s been a big toll on me, but it was Hannah that pushed me and gave me the driving force to apply for the Invictus Games, and now we’re here in Canada.”
The Duke yesterday also showcased his goofy side during the half-time interval of a wheelchair basketball event, taking part in the ‘Moose Cam’. This cam stunt encourages spectators to smile, poke out their tongues, and waggle their hands by the side of their heads, moose-style. Harry proved game, and Meghan couldn’t help but chuckle as he appeared on the big screen amid cheers from the crowd.
Meghan couldn’t help but laugh as Harry joined in with the ‘Moose Cam’ (
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Humphrey Nemar)Prince Harry first founded the Invictus Games in London in 2014, with this year marking the seventh edition of the competition for wounded military servicemen and women. The nine-day competition will see more than 500 athletes compete in 11 different events, which will include winter sports for the very first time.
The Duke’s enthusiasm for the Games, known to be a true passion project of his, was evident in his emotional speech given at the opening ceremony. Addressing competitors, Harry said: “Beyond any differences, here at the Invictus Games we are grounded in mutual respect, competing fiercely, but believing in one another. Supporting one another. And rooting for one another.
“The Games were born more than a decade ago, from a promise I made to myself. A promise to uphold my obligation—a sacred obligation after my own decade and privilege of military service —to do whatever I could to help my fellow brothers and sisters heal, and to champion everything we stand for.
“Over the past decade, I’ve lost count of the times we’ve heard you tell us that the Invictus Games saved you. Respectfully, I disagree. Invictus didn’t save you. You saved yourself. It was you, who pushed through the doubt and despair.”
