Royals
Meghan Markle’s Absence at Invictus Games Event With Prince Harry Was ‘a Real Sense of Relief’
Prince Harry marked the one-year countdown to the 2027 Invictus Games without wife Meghan Markle — which may have been for the best.
On July 10, the Duke of Sussex, 41, visited Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre, where he spoke to athletes and volunteers in attendance in anticipation of the multi-sport event to be held there next year.
Without the Duchess of Sussex, 44, joining her husband, there “was a real sense of relief backstage,” a source told journalist Rob Shuter for a Monday, July 13, post on his Naughty But Nice Substack.
Harry founded the Invictus Games, the sporting event for wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans.
When the Spare author is flying solo, said the source, “the focus stays exactly where he wants it — on the veterans, not on the media frenzy that can surround a royal couple. Everyone could relax and let the event shine.”
A second Naughty But Nice source described Harry as “incredibly low-maintenance,” adding: “He’ll happily change plans, stay longer with athletes, and go wherever he’s needed.”
“The whole atmosphere feels lighter when it’s just Harry,” the second source said.
Meghan, on the other hand, could allegedly be more high maintenance.
“Her visits usually involve extra security meetings, tighter schedules, and constant last-minute adjustments,” a source claimed to Shuter.
As In Touch previously reported, security has been top of mind for Meghan and Harry when it came to their visit to the U.K.
King Charles III initially extended an invitation for Harry and Meghan and their children — Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5 — to stay at Buckingham Palace.
Amid security concerns for Harry’s family, given that they were declined taxpayer-funded security for his stay, their travel plans were temporarily up in the air.
Ultimately, Buckingham Palace confirmed (via People) that the king, 77, and his wife, Queen Camilla, hosted Harry, Meghan and the kids on July 10, at Highgrove House in Gloucestershire, England.
