Prince Harry Says His Family Is 'Proud of Me' After Meghan Markle Skips Invictus Event
Although he appeared cheerful throughout the day's sporting activities, Prince Harry became visibly emotional while speaking about his family.
Prince Harry has been fulfilling his obligations as the founder of the Invictus Games by attending various charity events and activities during the past three days. It was also reported that the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, was scheduled to join him today at the Invictus Games One Year To Go ceremony in Birmingham. However, she declined at the 11th hour, leaving the Duke to make a solo appearance. Despite her absence, Harry appeared in high spirits and used the ceremony to publicly praise his family.
In keeping with the traditions, Prince Harry was seen exhibiting sportsman spirit while participating in several games at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC). He tried his hand at pickleball, wheelchair rugby, and a Laser Run. Additionally, the Duke competed with TV presenter Alison Hammond and former Labour minister Al Carns during the Laser Run. He then gave a brief interview to Hammond, who has been chosen as a media representative for the 2027 games. Although sporting a cheerful demeanor throughout the sporty activities, Prince Harry grew a bit emotional while remembering his family. He revealed that he missed his family, but they were "proud of him" before adding: "I love my family". Then, in a surprise move, he shared a warm embrace with Hammond, making it the highlight of the event. It has been reported that next year's event will be hosting 550 veterans and their families from 26 nations.
Along with the heartfelt admission, speculations are rife that Markle might bring Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet to the UK this week. The Telegraph reported the news, also suggesting that while she would be in the country, she won't be making any public appearances. Sources have also suggested that the Duke had been hoping for a reconciliation with the royal family, but those plans were allegedly put on hold after he learned his family would not receive automatic police protection in the UK. The Sussexes also missed the deadline set by King Charles to respond to his offer of a royal residence, leading Buckingham Palace to withdraw the proposal.
Whether the reported UK trip by Markle and the children ultimately materializes remains to be seen. But Harry's emotional tribute to his family during the Invictus Games ceremony offered a rare glimpse into the personal side of the Duke, even as questions continue to swirl over his relationship with the royal family and whether a long-awaited reconciliation is still possible.
