Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s trip to Canada for the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 could lead to a Commonwealth crisis, senior aides fear.
According to a well-placed source, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s comments in the past about their concerns for the association of 56 member states has triggered a number of discussions inside Palace walls about how best to handle the Sussexes’ link to Canada.
“Harry and Meghan haven’t exactly been very supportive in the past,” the source said.
“This trip [to Vancouver in February, 2025] has been flagged as of great importance over fears that any negative sentiments made about the union during their visit could jeopardise the Commonwealth.
“It’s even been discussed that it might be beneficial to get Harry and Meghan back on side in case there are any incidents that occur while they are promoting the Invictus Games.”
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle originally left for Canada in 2020 in a move known as Megxit. The couple stepped down from royal duties and as senior royals.
It was thought at one point that Harry would take up an official role in the Commonwealth country but that was soon scrapped once it was revealed the Sussexes had move from Canada to Montecito in California.
“Meghan has a close bond with Canada as she used to live there while filming Suits,” the source said.
“The original plan was for them to set up base there and Harry would take on some kind of semi-official role, but it didn’t work out so they moved to the United States.”
Prince Harry and Meghan’s Netflix documentary was said to have been ‘deeply offensive’ to the late Queen.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s Netflix show was accused of attacking Queen Elizabeth’s legacy as it was described as “Empire 2.0” in the programme.
Harry once said: “There is no way that we can move forward unless we acknowledge the past,” while Meghan noted: “We’re going to have to be a little uncomfortable right now because it’s only in pushing through that discomfort that we get to the other side”.
The source adds that due to what’s developed within the Royal Family in recent months, communication is sparse and there is little cooperation between the Sussexes and the rest of the Firm.
“Let’s just say their [Harry and Meghan’s] views haven’t changed,” the source said.
“It will be very interesting to see how that pans out.
“There are lots of whispers about meetings and discussions going on behind the scenes, but how much of that has been discussed with Harry and Meghan is unclear.”
Meanwhile, a source told the Sunday Express that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are planning to take their children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet to a “family-focused” Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 opening ceremony in February next year.
According to the source, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are making arrangements for their children to attend the opening ceremony at BC Place Vancouver which will provide guests with a family-friendly start time of 1pm on February 8.
“The Sussexes have been very involved with the organisational elements of the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler events and it was very much their idea to make this a family-friendly games so that those taking part can bring their children along,” the source said.
