Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s marriage has been under intense scrutiny in recent months, with their public appearances—or lack thereof—fueling speculation about the state of their relationship.
Now, royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams has made a bold claim about the couple’s future, suggesting that Meghan’s potential absence from the 2025 Invictus Games in Canada could raise serious questions about their bond.
The Invictus Games, a cornerstone of Prince Harry’s philanthropic work, has historically been a significant event for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
Meghan has attended previous iterations of the Games alongside Harry, with the event often showcasing their shared commitment to supporting wounded veterans and military personnel.
Fitzwilliams argues that Meghan’s attendance at the upcoming Games in Vancouver and Whistler will be pivotal.
Speaking to GB News, he stated, “I can say with absolute certainty that they will be there as a couple. They have a history of being there together, and if she did not [attend], it would indicate some form of separation.”
The expert emphasized that Meghan’s absence could spark rumors of a rift or even a “form of separation” between the two, particularly given the heightened attention their relationship has garnered since stepping back from royal duties in 2020.
While an absence might fuel separation rumors, Fitzwilliams also floated the idea that such a move could be a deliberate tactic.
The Duke and Duchess have become known for their carefully managed public image, and some speculate that Meghan skipping the Games might be a calculated effort to generate headlines and reinvigorate the couple’s brand, Sussex.
“This is obviously a new tactic,” Fitzwilliams said. “As in every brand, the Sussexes want to promote their brand as best as they can.”
This theory aligns with Meghan’s quieter public profile in recent months. While Prince Harry has been actively attending events worldwide—including solo trips to the UK, South Africa, New York, and Canada—Meghan has focused on more localized engagements, including a recent appearance at a Los Angeles haircare product launch.
Throughout their relationship, Harry and Meghan have often appeared as a unified front, particularly during high-profile events.
Their first public appearance as a couple at the 2017 Invictus Games in Toronto marked a defining moment in their romance.
Since then, they have continued to attend the Games together, reinforcing their shared commitment to the causes Harry champions.
The Games have also been a platform for the couple to highlight their relationship.
At the 2023 Invictus Games in Düsseldorf, Meghan joined Harry midweek, delivering a heartfelt speech and engaging with participants. Her presence underscored the couple’s partnership, even as rumors of tension swirled in the media.
Despite their history of unity, Harry and Meghan’s recent schedules have raised eyebrows. Harry has been increasingly visible on the international stage, attending events like the WellChild Awards and engaging with key organizations, while Meghan has taken a step back from global appearances.
Observers have noted Meghan’s absence during Harry’s solo trip to Canada earlier this year, where he met with veterans and supporters of the Invictus Games.
The trip, which included a stop in Toronto—a location with sentimental value for the couple—fueled speculation about a potential shift in their dynamic.
Should Meghan choose not to attend the 2025 Invictus Games, the move would undoubtedly spark widespread speculation.
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Fitzwilliams suggests it could indicate underlying tensions in their relationship or even a deliberate decision to foster curiosity about their partnership.
Public perception of the couple has been a critical component of their post-royal brand, and any perceived cracks in their relationship could have significant implications for their future endeavors, from media projects to philanthropic work.
The Sussexes have always been subject to intense media scrutiny, a reality they’ve both criticized and leveraged to amplify their causes.
Their decision to step back as senior royals in 2020 was partly driven by a desire for greater control over their narrative.
However, even in California, where they hoped for more privacy, their every move continues to make headlines.
For Meghan, any absence at a major event like the Invictus Games would be dissected in the press, with speculation ranging from strategic branding to marital strife.
Conversely, her presence would likely quell rumors and reinforce the image of a united couple.
As the 2025 Invictus Games approach, all eyes will be on Harry and Meghan to see how they navigate the event.
Whether they attend together or apart, their choices will inevitably be interpreted as a reflection of their relationship dynamics.
While Fitzwilliams remains confident they will appear as a couple, Meghan’s potential absence would mark a significant departure from their established pattern and could signal broader changes in their partnership.
Regardless, the Games will serve as a critical moment for the Sussexes to either reaffirm their unity or continue down increasingly separate paths.
