The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, captured hearts during the 2025 Invictus Games held in Vancouver, Canada, reinforcing their commitment to wounded servicemen and women through engaging activities and playful moments.
During the Invictus Games, which began on February 8 and will conclude on February 16, Prince Harry shared a light-hearted moment with Team Australia. A video shared on Meghan's Instagram Stories showcased Harry's reaction to receiving a cheeky gift from the team: a pair of tiny swimsuits, affectionately called “budgie smugglers” in Australia. “And Team Australia, you’ve done it again!” Meghan remarked, capturing the jovial atmosphere surrounding the sweet exchange. Harry, with contagious laughter, exclaimed, “So inappropriate! I love it. Thank you so much,” reflecting the close camaraderie built through the games.
This year's Invictus Games marks another milestone as it not only features familiar sporting events, such as wheelchair basketball and sitting volleyball, but also includes winter sports for the first time, which adds to the excitement and diversity of the competition. Prince Harry founded the Invictus Games in 2014, creating a platform for wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women to showcase their resilience and determination.
On the night of the opening ceremony, the couple was spotted enjoying the vibrant atmosphere, basking in the presence of friends and fellow attendees. They attended an NHL game where Prince Harry participated by ceremoniously dropping the puck to start the match between the Vancouver Canucks and the Toronto Maple Leafs, showcasing his enthusiasm for Canadian sports.
Meghan, visibly stylish, wore a black Givenchy coat lined with red and complemented her look with high-heeled Valentino boots. The Duchess shared touching moments, including sharing kisses with Harry, as they expressed their joy for the occasion. "We are just thrilled to be here, and I would be remiss if I didn’t take the opportunity to introduce someone who means a lot to me,” she said during her speech at the opening ceremony, highlighting Harry’s tireless efforts for the games and his deep commitment to the athletes.
The royal couple also enjoyed dinner at Vij’s, known for its Indian cuisine, together with friends such as Michael Bublé and his wife. The restaurant, which they visited previously, holds sentimental value as it also hosted Prince William and Princess Kate. Vikram Vij, the restaurant’s owner, revealed Meghan’s fondness for Indian food, which she embraced during her pregnancies. “Meghan said during her pregnancy, she had eaten only Indian food, and I told her it was the best thing for her!” he noted.
Meghan’s public appearances have become more frequent, especially after her return to Instagram earlier this year. She shared multiple moments from the opening festivities on her social media, including clips of Harry jokingly showcasing his dance moves prior to joining the photo sessions. “Dancing With Myself,” played fittingly during one of her posts, illustrating the joyous spirit surrounding the event.
During her spontaneous speech on the opening night, Meghan expressed admiration for Harry’s dedication, emphasizing, “We are so excited.” She reiterated the importance of the games not just to him personally but how they resonate with all athletes involved: “You will see him throughout this week, curling with you, cheering you on.”
The games witnessed not only revelry and celebration but also poignant moments reflecting the prevailing spirit of camaraderie among veterans. The couple’s affectionate display, including Harry’s heartfelt sentiments shared with the audience, contributed to the engaging atmosphere reverberated throughout the stadium. “Your leadership did not end when you stepped off the battlefield or took off the uniform,” he asserted to veterans present, highlighting the continued impact they have on the community.
Throughout the opening ceremony, performances by prominent artists like Chris Martin of Coldplay and Katy Perry added to the entertainment, underscoring the star-studded backdrop of the games. Meghan thoughtfully captured snippets of these performances and shared them with her audience.
The Invictus Games Foundation even shared heartwarming moments on social media, including the excitement of proposals occurring during the event. The emotional engagement extended beyond competitions as love blossomed amid the sporting events.
With their engaging interactions and cheerful demeanor throughout the games, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex continue to assert their roles as champions for veterans, spreading awareness of their cause and celebrating the strength of community. Through their activities, they showcase not only their personal commitment to the Invictus Games but also their enduring partnership, confirmed by their shared aspirations for empowering others.
This year's Invictus Games stand not only as a celebration of physical achievement but also as affirmation of resilience and unity among individuals from across the world—the very essence championed by Prince Harry’s vision when he first launched the games.