Amid swirling rumors of a rift in their marriage, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are poised to make a public appearance at the upcoming Invictus Games. The Duchess of Sussex is slated to host a "Lifestories Scene" during the event's closing ceremony on September 16. This engagement is particularly notable as it represents her first public address since being honored with the Woman of the Year Award in New York City earlier in May, an event that was shortly followed by a controversial car chase involving the couple.
While the royal pair seem to be maintaining a united front for their public engagements, speculations about the state of their marriage persist. Noted royal author, Lady Colin Campbell, has voiced concerns about the couple's relationship, citing multiple sources that suggest Prince Harry had sought legal counsel several months prior. Campbell points out a disparity between the couple's public image and the information she has received, suggesting that their public persona might be a facade primarily for financial gains.
In the lead-up to the Invictus Games, Prince Harry is also scheduled to attend a charity awards dinner in the U.K. on September 7. This date is significant as it falls a day before King Charles III's "Accession Day" and marks the first anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's passing. The King is expected to commemorate the day in solitude at Balmoral Castle. Interestingly, Meghan Markle is not anticipated to accompany her husband on this U.K. trip, further fueling speculations. The Duchess has not visited the U.K. since September 2022, and her joint appearances with Prince Harry have been limited this year.
A potential point of contention in their relationship, as highlighted by royal author Angela Levin, is Prince Harry's apparent hesitance to fully immerse himself in the Hollywood lifestyle. Levin shared insights suggesting that while Meghan thrives in the limelight, Harry might be seeking a more subdued presence. She further speculated on the dynamics of their relationship, suggesting that Meghan's global prominence is intrinsically linked to her royal status and her marriage to Harry. Levin opined that a potential split could diminish public interest in Meghan, as the public's fascination primarily revolves around their union.
The Invictus Games, an international adaptive multi-sport event for wounded, injured, or sick armed services personnel, has always been close to Prince Harry's heart. Founded by the Duke of Sussex in 2014, the event serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of servicemen and women. As the world awaits the couple's appearance at the games, all eyes will undoubtedly be on Meghan and Harry, not just for their contributions to the event, but also for any signs that might shed light on the state of their relationship.