Harry and Meghan Attend Invictus Games Amid Political Buzz

Prince Harry and Meghan's presence at the games highlights the spirit of unity, while political tensions regarding the prince's immigration status linger in the background.

 

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Harry and Meghan, cheered from the stands during the opening ceremony of the Invictus Games in Vancouver, Canada. Prince Harry encouraged competitors to rise above a "moment of difficulty and division in many parts of the world" while welcoming the crowd of 40,000 attendees. The Duke founded the Invictus Games in 2014, a multi-sport event for wounded military veterans, which is celebrating its seventh edition this year with 500 athletes participating across 11 events, including winter sports for the first time.

Their appearance coincided with US President Donald Trump's remarks about the couple during an interview, where he said, "I'll leave him alone" when questioned about the potential for Prince Harry's deportation. Trump noted, "He's got enough problems with his wife," referring to Meghan, who has been outspoken about her critical views on the former president.

During the ceremony, Prince Harry addressed competitors directly, 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." The event showcased performances from artists including Katy Perry and Chris Martin of Coldplay.

Trump's comments have reignited discussions regarding Prince Harry's US visa status, particularly following admissions of past drug use in his memoir, which led the conservative think tank Heritage Foundation to file a lawsuit for his immigration records. Although admitting drug use does not necessarily lead to visa denial, it can complicate matters. Trump, however, explicitly stated he did not wish to pursue deportation of the Duke.

Despite the political undertones surrounding their appearance, the couple’s focus at the Invictus Games seems to be on the event's mission of support for wounded veterans. Since its inception, the games have been a platform for resilience and camaraderie among service members and athletes alike. Harry's journey to establish the games began after he witnessed the Warrior Games in 2013, which inspired him to promote the power of sports in healing and rehabilitation.