Royal Couple’s First Public Appearance Since King’s Diagnosis Sparks Controversy

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle recently made a highly-anticipated public appearance as a couple, marking their first outing since King Charles' cancer diagnosis.

The pair graced the picturesque ski resort of Whistler in British Columbia, Canada, where they embarked on a two-day mission to bring attention to the upcoming Winter Invictus Games scheduled to be held in the city next year.

Meghan, clad in a chic white sweater and pants beneath a cozy beige coat, sported a black beanie during the event.

Observers couldn't help but wonder if she was once again pressured to stick to neutral tones.

The couple engaged with athletes participating in the 2025 Winter Training Camp of the Invictus Games, with Harry even trying out one of the sit skis used by competitors, all under the watchful eye of a camera crew.

Exiting the gondola on Whistler's Blackham Mountain around 2:30 pm, Harry and Meghan were greeted by three groups of adaptive skiers, each showcasing different skiing techniques.

Among them was Alex Cairns, a sit skier from Canada, who impressed the Sussexes with a demonstration of the sport, receiving cheers from Harry as he reached the base of the slope.

Arriving in Canada via private jet earlier in the week, the couple was swiftly whisked away to Whistler by a convoy of cars.

Their itinerary included engagements in Whistler on Wednesday and Thursday before heading back to Vancouver for an event in the City of Glass on Friday.

However, keen-eyed fans noted the absence of Harry and Meghan on the official Invictus Games X account, leading to speculation and criticism from viewers.

Questions arose regarding the couple's attire, or lack thereof, related to Invictus Games merchandise during their promotional visit.

Some critics accused the duo of snubbing the organization by not donning any official gear, insinuating a disconnect between the Sussexes and the games they aimed to support.

The situation escalated further when Nick Booth, a trusted aide to Prince Harry and a key figure in the Invictus Games' history, assumed the role of interim CEO for the Vancouver and Whistler 2025 Games.

Booth's appointment stirred mixed reactions within the organization, as staff morale reportedly plummeted following the unexpected changes in leadership.

Despite his close ties to Prince Harry and past contributions to the Royal Foundation, Booth faced skepticism and doubts regarding his ability to steer the upcoming Olympics successfully.

The internal turmoil within the Invictus Games organization intensified, casting a shadow over the event's future.

Meanwhile, a growing movement in Canada advocated for the postponement of the upcoming Invictus Games, citing concerns over the event's evolving focus on the royal couple rather than the athletes.

Angela Leon, a vocal critic of the current narrative, highlighted the overshadowing of participants' achievements by Harry and Meghan's grand appearances.

She accused the couple of exploiting the event for personal gain, undermining the essence of courage and determination it originally aimed to celebrate.

Criticism also targeted Meghan's alleged intrusion into the contestants' personal space and her attempts to involve her family and friends in the proceedings, diverting attention from the competitors' efforts.

The shift towards a more publicity-driven approach, fueled by the couple's presence, raised questions about the event's core values and its alignment with Meghan's advocacy for social awareness.

Leon emphasized the need for respect towards the participants and a reevaluation of the event's priorities to uphold its original spirit of honoring resilience and triumph.