The Duchess of Sussex has departed the Invictus Games in Canada after spending five days at the competition, leaving Prince Harry to continue his duties until the closing ceremony.
Meghan Markle, 43, flew home to California on Tuesday evening to reunite with Prince Archie, five, and Princess Lilibet, three.
Before her departure, the Duchess joined Prince Harry at a family-and-friends tubing event on Tuesday in Whistler, where winter sports are being held for the first time in Invictus Games history.
The event marked her final appearance at the games before leaving in the afternoon local time.
The Duchess of Sussex has departed the Invictus Games in Canada after spending five days at the competition, leaving Prince Harry to continue his duties until the closing ceremony.
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A source close to the couple confirmed: “This was always planned. Meghan is going home to be with her children.”
“Meghan left the games in Düsseldorf early after five days to go home. This is Prince Harry’s event and she is there to support him, but this was planned,” the source added.
Prince Harry, 40, will remain at the games until Sunday’s closing ceremony.
Following Meghan’s departure, the Duke presented medals for the alpine skiing event, drawing a substantial crowd despite the cold weather.
Prince Harry, 40, will remain at the games until Sunday’s closing ceremony.
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He was seen braving temperatures of -9C in the mountains, wearing a grey beanie hat and sunglasses, and joked with spectators that it was “very cold”.
The Duchess had previously expressed missing her children during the games, telling fans at a wheelchair basketball game in Vancouver on Sunday.
Officials kept the Duchess’s travel arrangements confidential until after her departure, citing security considerations.
Invictus Games athletes praised Meghan Markle prior to the Duchess of Sussex leaving Canada.
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Invictus Games athletes praised Meghan Markle prior to the Duchess of Sussex leaving Canada.
“When Meghan looks at you, she really looks at you, and you feel it in your soul,” athlete Bryce Ewing shared with People magazine.
Ewing further praised the Duchess’s genuine approach, noting: “She’s really caring. She’s very intuitive. She’s so down to earth, and she looks like she really cares.”
