In a moment that spoke volumes without uttering a single word, Meghan Markle tenderly rested her head on Prince Harry’s shoulder as they held hands amidst the crowd of over 40,000 people at the Invictus Games opening ceremony.
Despite the speculation surrounding their marriage and the many eyes upon them, it was evident that they only had eyes for each other.
As they shared a moment of satisfaction in what Harry, 40, has achieved in changing perceptions of injured military veterans worldwide, they also conveyed a message of love, unity, and togetherness.
A Mirror reporter, who attended the 2025 Invictus Games in person has given their verdict of Harry and Meghan’s real relationship up close.
Patrick Hill said: “Some may criticise the former actress and Harry’s public displays of affection during these Games, including a Hollywood-worthy kiss, but having observed them up close here in Canada, I am convinced that every gesture is genuine and heartfelt.
“As an accredited journalist, I have had the privilege of witnessing their journey at three previous Invictus Games, including their first public appearance together in Toronto, their joyous wedding parade through Windsor’s streets in May the following year, and their royal-style tour of Colombia last August.
“However, never before have I seen them appear as content and synchronised as they have been here in Vancouver and Whistler.”
It comes after Harry publicly addressed rumours last December that he and Meghan Markle had split, as he provided an explanation over why they have undertaken projects independently in the past.
He couldn’t help but chuckle at the speculation as he quipped: “Apparently we’ve bought or moved house 10, 12 times. We’ve apparently divorced maybe 10, 12 times as well. So it’s just like, what?’.”
Shrugging off the relentless rumours, he added: “It’s hard to keep up with, but that’s why you just sort of ignore it. The people I feel most sorry about are the trolls. Their hopes are just built and built, and it’s like, ‘Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes,’ and then it doesn’t happen. So I feel sorry for them. Genuinely, I do.”
In a heartfelt conversation during an event in New York City, Harry also shared his fondness for his life with Meghan, 43, and their two children, Archie, five, and three-year-old Lilibet in Montecito, California. With sentiment, he said: “I feel as though it’s the life that my mum wanted for me.”
Harry expressed his thankfulness for the moments he can spend with his kids – opportunities he feels would not be possible if they were in the UK – and stated: “To be able to do the things I’m able to do with my kids that I undoubtedly wouldn’t be able to do in the UK – it’s huge. I’m hugely grateful for that.”
Meanwhile, negative press has encircled Meghan’s forthcoming Netflix series titled ‘With Love, Meghan. ‘ The couple has been visibly distressed by a recent book and a salacious cover story in Vanity Fair, both featuring sensational allegations.
Opinions vary widely on the public perception of Harry and Meghan, including from a group of women linked to the Nigerian Invictus team who, due to their stance against Meghan, refused to engage with British journalists during one event on Sunday.
Best-selling biographer Tom Bower reportedly experienced some pushback from a Harry and Meghan supporter in Vancouver earlier in the week while occupying press seating at the opening ceremony.
However, the overall atmosphere surrounding Harry and Meghan throughout their five-day visit has been overwhelmingly positive. From their arrival in a procession of vehicles, the couple have been seen smiling and laughing together repeatedly.
At the wheelchair basketball finals on Sunday night, Meghan was spotted laughing heartily at Harry’s comical Canadian moose impersonation. She playfully scolded him after he quipped that she would next be singing on stage like their good friend Michael Buble to more than 1,000 attendees on Monday.
Additionally, Meghan looked delighted at the idea of Harry racing ten year old Australian pupil Hamish Greenstreet down the Whistler slopes, cheering “yes! ” at the finish line come Tuesday.
Cynthia Phelps, whose spouse James was a comrade of Prince Harry in Camp Bastion during their 2012 Afghanistan tour, perfectly encapsulated the local sentiment towards Harry and Meghan.
She told the Mirror: “Meghan is always personable and very down to earth and just really cares about us. Every time she talks to us it’s very visible and genuine.”
She added: “They genuinely care about the healing journey of every single one of the competitors. It’s a blessing to be able to spend time with them.”
The former Suits actress, who was seen cradling Cynthia’s seven-month-old baby Laramie while sharing her longing for her own children, has since returned to California for her motherly responsibilities.
Although Meghan’s presence at this year’s Invictus Games has concluded, the lasting impressions and powerful statement she and Harry have made will be reflected upon and cherished for many years ahead.