Prince Harry and Meghan at the Invictus Games: A Teasing Joke, a Golf Cart Ride, and the Backlash That Followed

The controversy surrounding Harry and Meghan at the Invictus Games quickly became a hot topic. According to the Daily Mail, the couple enjoyed drinks and laughter at the welcome event in Whistler, where Harry playfully teased Meghan about singing on stage. The unexpected moment led to cheers from the crowd, but soon after, their golf cart ride stirred online backlash.

Harry and Meghan’s Lighthearted Moment at the Invictus Games

At the luxury ski resort in Whistler, Prince Harry took the stage, addressing the enthusiastic crowd. By his side, Meghan Markle looked effortlessly chic in a white Mackage coat, a black top, and a beanie hat. Just as the moment seemed routine, Harry caught his wife off guard, turning to the audience and announcing with a grin:

“Now she’s going to sing!”

The Duchess of Sussex, clearly surprised, laughed and shook her head as the crowd erupted in cheers and clapping, urging her to perform. But Meghan, always poised, smiled through the moment, politely declining the unexpected request.

This lighthearted moment came just after Canadian music legend Michael Bublé had delivered an impromptu performance of his hit song Feeling Good. His surprise appearance added an extra spark to the event, setting the stage for Harry’s spontaneous joke.

Braving the Cold to Support Invictus Games Competitors

Before the event, Harry and Meghan stayed inside a restaurant, trying to keep warm. Since the freezing temperatures made the wait uncomfortable, they eventually stepped outside to greet competitors and spectators. The Duke, ever energetic, stamped his feet against the cold before finally taking the stage.

In a lighthearted moment, Harry gave a shoutout to the Mayor of Whistler, playfully pointing out their shared ginger hair. Smiling, he then asked the crowd:

“Are there any other gingers in the house?”

However, beyond the fun, their visit had a deeper purpose. They were there to support wounded and disabled veterans competing in the adaptive winter sports events. As part of their visit, the couple attended the Skeleton event, braving the -11°C temperatures to connect with athletes and their families.

Moreover, Meghan shared a special moment with young brothers Benjamin and Sebastian Evans, whom she recognized from the 2023 Invictus Games in Düsseldorf. She knelt down to chat with them, warmly hugged their mother, Rachel, and eventually posed for family photos.

The Golf Cart Backlash: Harry and Meghan Under Scrutiny

Despite their warm welcome in Canada, Harry and Meghan once again found themselves facing online criticism. The controversy stemmed from a short video—widely shared on social media—showing the couple riding in a golf buggy past a group of disabled veterans.

While many in the crowd cheered and chanted Harry’s name, some viewers saw the moment differently. Social media users accused the Sussexes of being out of touch, arguing that walking through the crowd and personally engaging with the veterans would have been more appropriate.

Comments on social media ranged from confusion to outright frustration:

“So Meghan and Harry, two able-bodied people, are driven on a golf cart past disabled veterans? They should have walked and greeted them properly.”

“Who is being honored here? The veterans or Harry and Meghan?”

“They drive past, cameras rolling, people cheering. When does this madness stop?”

This backlash highlights the ongoing scrutiny the couple faces, with every move examined under a microscope.

Meghan Markle’s Support for Prince Harry and the Invictus Games

Despite the criticism, Meghan’s attendance at the games remains a symbol of her unwavering support for Harry and the Invictus mission. Reports suggest that her primary focus during these events is to uplift her husband, the competitors, and their inspiring stories.

Her presence at Invictus Games 2024 also holds sentimental value. The couple’s very first public appearance together took place at the Toronto Invictus Games in 2017, where they were famously photographed holding hands at a wheelchair tennis event.

Fast forward to today, and they continue to be inseparable—displaying public affection, cheering from the stands, and even sharing a passionate kiss during one of the events. Their bond remains strong, even as they navigate the public’s mixed reactions to their every move.

Invictus Games 2024: A Celebration of Strength and Resilience

Beyond the personal moments and the controversies, the Invictus Games continue to serve as a powerful platform for wounded veterans. This year’s edition is particularly historic, as it marks the first time winter sports have been included in the competition.

Harry and Meghan’s continued involvement underscores their dedication to veterans and service members, despite the polarizing opinions surrounding them.

What Do You Think?

Was the criticism of Harry and Meghan at the Invictus Games fair, or did the public judge them too harshly?