Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have captivated audiences with their displays of affection at the Invictus Games, which have ranged from cosy champagne moments to an impassioned kiss on stage. However, one gesture has caused a stir among spectators.
On Saturday, during the dazzling opening ceremony held in the 40,000-seat BC Place Stadium, the Sussexes were seen dancing enthusiastically before spontaneously dropping in to view an NHL ice hockey game between Vancouver Canucks and Toronto Maple Leafs.
They continued their energetic presence into Sunday, with Meghan sharing behind-the-scenes snippets on her reactivated Instagram account. Although fans have expressed delight at her candid updates, which include Prince Harry showing off his ‘dad dancing’ at 40, one particular video has triggered controversy.
The footage shows the couple smiling and waving to the enthusiastic crowds while being driven around the opening ceremony’s venue in a golf buggy. During the clip, they pass by disabled veterans – some of whom are wheelchair users, reports the Mirror.
This prompted critical comments online, with one user remarking: “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.”
One social media user expressed dismay at the treatment of disabled veterans, commenting: “Disabled veterans made to stand waiting in a mile long cold concrete corridor whilst these two very able-bodied [people] get golf carted in the opposite direction. Just when you think they can’t sink any lower.”
Another person questioned the focus of the event, stating: “Who is being honoured here? The veterans or Harry and Meghan being honoured by the veterans!”
These remarks follow praise from a British soldier for Prince Harry’s Invictus project, which recently featured an unexpected romantic moment when Team UK wheelchair basketball athlete James Cairns, 35, proposed to his partner Hannah Wild during the tournament. The couple, who have been together for four years, were at the Vancouver Convention Centre when James popped the question.
He opened up about how crucial the Invictus Games have been for him, especially as he has struggled with mental health issues and the loss of several friends to PTSD-related suicide. His fiancée Hannah was instrumental in encouraging him to participate in the games.
Additionally, the Duke amused spectators and his wife Meghan by joining in the ‘Moose Cam’ during a break at the wheelchair basketball event, eliciting cheers from the audience as he engaged with the lighthearted activity on the big screen.
The Invictus Games, established by Prince Harry in London in 2014, have become a prominent sporting event for wounded military personnel. This year marks the seventh edition of the Games, with over 500 athletes participating in 11 different events, including winter sports for the first time.
In his impassioned opening ceremony speech, Prince Harry emphasised the spirit of the Games, saying: “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 Prince also recounted the origins of the Games, which arose from a promise he made to himself after a decade of military service to support the healing of his fellow servicemen and women.
He praised the resilience of the athletes, stating: “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.”