Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Depart for Invictus Games After Royal Announcement
2025-02-07 10:00:26
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, left their U.S. home in Santa Barbara on Friday for Vancouver, Canada, ahead of their fifth appearance at the Invictus Games. The couple’s departure coincided with a “delightful” announcement from King Charles and Queen Camilla regarding their upcoming State Visits to the Holy See and Italy in April 2025.
Invictus Games Details:
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Travel: The Sussexes boarded a private chartered jet for the three-hour flight to Vancouver, where they will stay at a downtown hotel.
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Event Role: Harry will deliver a welcome speech at the opening ceremony of the 2025 Invictus Games, an international sports event for injured and ill military veterans.
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Participants: The Games will feature 500 competitors from 23 nations, competing in sports like archery, wheelchair basketball, and swimming. Organizers are finalizing preparations amid sub-zero temperatures, with snow clearance underway at key venues.
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Venue: Vancouver’s Convention Centre, adorned with black and yellow banners bearing the slogan “I Am,” will host indoor events.
Royal Announcement:
Earlier Friday, King Charles and Queen Camilla revealed plans for State Visits to the Holy See (Vatican City) and Italy in early April. The trips aim to strengthen diplomatic ties and cultural exchanges.
Earlier Friday, King Charles and Queen Camilla revealed plans for State Visits to the Holy See (Vatican City) and Italy in early April. The trips aim to strengthen diplomatic ties and cultural exchanges.
Historical Context:
This marks the Sussexes’ fifth Invictus Games appearance since 2018, following events in Sydney (2018), The Hague (2022), and Düsseldorf (2023). Harry founded the Games in 2014 to support veterans’ recovery through sports.
This marks the Sussexes’ fifth Invictus Games appearance since 2018, following events in Sydney (2018), The Hague (2022), and Düsseldorf (2023). Harry founded the Games in 2014 to support veterans’ recovery through sports.
Public Reaction:
Canadians have expressed excitement about hosting the couple, with local media highlighting their advocacy for veterans. Organizers praised the Sussexes’ commitment to the Games’ mission.
Canadians have expressed excitement about hosting the couple, with local media highlighting their advocacy for veterans. Organizers praised the Sussexes’ commitment to the Games’ mission.