Prince Harry participated in a NATO military committee meeting on October 31. He spoke via video link to share his involvement in the Invictus Games project, a charitable initiative supporting wounded and ill service members and veterans, as reported by The Daily Express.
Although his wife, Meghan Markle, was not present at the meeting, observant fans noticed a photograph from their wedding day in May 2018 in the background. The picture, showing Harry in military dress and Meghan in her wedding gown as they rode in a carriage through London, reignited interest in their relationship.
The photograph’s appearance behind Harry was especially symbolic amidst their increasingly frequent solo appearances, sparking rumors of a new PR strategy. While the Duke did not attend the New York meeting in person, he was represented by Invictus Games delegates. This gathering occurred one year after Harry’s documentary Heart of Invictus was released on Netflix.
During his remarks, Harry highlighted the importance of the Invictus Games mission: “I believe the work of the Invictus Games Foundation is extraordinarily important, reflecting our shared values as service members.”
In February 2024, Harry and Meghan met with future participants at Whistler Blackcomb Resort, where a “One Year to Go” celebration marked the countdown to the 2025 Games.
The Winter Invictus Games 2025 will feature around 550 athletes from 25 countries. Alongside traditional sports like sitting volleyball, swimming, and wheelchair basketball, winter disciplines such as alpine skiing, snowboarding, and wheelchair curling will be introduced.
According to a source cited by Express.co.uk, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex plan to attend the opening ceremony in Vancouver with their children, Archie and Lilibet, to emphasize the Games’ new “family” format.
Meanwhile, according to PR expert Ed Coram James, Harry and Meghan have shifted their approach to promoting their projects, focusing on individual appearances.
He noted that while the “Sussex” brand was initially built on their union, the image became associated with conflicts and “toxicity” following their controversial Oprah Winfrey interview, deterring major brands. “Not many companies are willing to bet on their joint image anymore,” James asserts, adding that dividing their projects allows them to strengthen their positions individually.