Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are embracing the winter sports spirit as they continue their visit to Canada for the Invictus Games. On February 10, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were in Whistler to support athletes competing in the debut of the skeleton event. This marks the first time winter sports have been included in the games since Harry founded the adaptive sports competition for wounded service members and veterans in 2014.
Harry’s Playful Stage Moment with Meghan
Upon arriving in Whistler, Prince Harry took the stage, where he was introduced by his friend, Canadian singer Michael Bublé. The Grammy-winning artist couldn’t resist singing a snippet of Feeling Good, prompting Harry to joke, “Well, thank God Michael Bublé sang. Can you imagine bringing him out here and him saying, ‘You know what? I didn’t come here to sing…’ Thank you for the introduction.”
During his speech, Harry also gave a shoutout to Whistler’s mayor, Jack Crompton, referring to him as “my ginger friend” before humorously asking the crowd, “Are there any other gingers in the house?” He went on to express his gratitude to the audience for their support of the athletes, acknowledging the chilly weather: “You all came up here knowing you were going to get cold, so thank you for the support!”
Then, with a grin, he called Meghan to the stage: “My wife and I—come on out here! Come on!” As Meghan joined him, they shared a warm embrace before Harry quipped, “Now she’s going to sing!” Meghan laughed and quickly shut down the idea, exclaiming, “No!” before bidding the crowd farewell: “Thank you, everybody. Have the best time!”
Harry Takes on the Skeleton Challenge
As part of the One Year to Go celebration, Prince Harry participated in the skeleton event himself, lying headfirst on a sled and racing down a frozen track. Meghan was seen recording the moment on her phone, capturing his exhilarating ride.
After completing a second run, a photographer jokingly suggested Meghan give it a try. Without hesitation, she laughed and replied, “No way!”
Connecting with Invictus Athletes
Throughout their visit, the couple has been actively engaging with athletes, from sharing breakfast with Team U.S.A. to posing for selfies at events like wheelchair basketball and curling.
Leandra Moehring, an American athlete competing in skiing, skeleton, indoor rowing, and swimming, shared her admiration for Harry and Meghan’s genuine interest. “They really took the time with each and every one of us. And despite people trying to keep them on schedule, they didn’t mind taking pictures at all. It was just super neat. I loved them,” she told PEOPLE.
Harry’s Emotional Speech on the Power of the Invictus Games
At the opening ceremony on February 8, Prince Harry delivered a heartfelt speech, reflecting on his commitment to supporting veterans through the Invictus Games.
“Over the past decade, I’ve lost count of the times we’ve heard you say that the Invictus Games ‘saved you.’ Respectfully, I disagree. Invictus didn’t save you. You saved yourself,” he declared. “You pushed through the doubt and despair, summited your own mountain, and brought us along with you. You kept going even when you thought you had nothing left to give. That’s the magic of the Invictus Games—revealing the strength and perseverance already within you.”
A Legacy of Resilience
The Vancouver-Whistler Invictus Games, running until February 16, follow previous editions in London (2014), Orlando (2016), Toronto (2017), Sydney (2018), The Hague (2022, delayed due to COVID-19), and Düsseldorf (2023).
With their continued involvement, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle remain dedicated to uplifting the spirit of the Invictus Games and celebrating the extraordinary resilience of its athletes.
