Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Will Spend Valentine's Day Separately — Here's Why

The Duchess of Sussex and her husband spent five days together in Canada as they both attended the seventh edition of the Invictus Games.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will spend Valentine’s Day apart after the Duchess returned to Montecito alone following their trip to Canada. Fans have responded to this situation, speculating about their relationship, with some suggesting there is trouble in paradise.

Meghan is currently in California spending time with her and Harry's kids, Prince Archie, 5, and Princess Lilibet, 3. Meanwhile, Harry remains in Canada and will watch the rest of the Invictus Games before leaving after its closing ceremony on Sunday, February, 16.

In a recent Instagram Story, Meghan sent her love to those taking part in the Invictus Games while she was back home in Montecito. She posted a picture of gifts and mementos labeled with her children’s names, serving as keepsakes from the event.

She wrote in the post, “A taste of Canada and The Invictus Games for our little ones! Cheering you on from home.”

With Meghan Markle back home, speculation has spread wild on social media as fans reacted to the news that she and Harry would not be spending the special day of romance together. One user said eerily, "And so it begins," while another simply commented, "Divorce."

One fan wrote down why they thought the Duchess left, "So meeagain [sic] can be with her one true love, herself," and another fan remarked, "From the look of them that doesn't seem to bother them. Clealry [sic] trouble in paradise."

A user humorously referenced a classic song, "Billy Connelly is bringing out his old song ..D.I.V.O.R.C.E." Others pointed out Meghan’s usual routine, "She’s never worried about being home with her kids before. And Harry’s been gone for the last couple of months."

Some fans, however, suggested a simple solution, "The ticket home was all he needs [sic] to do." Meanwhile, one individual noted, "And? A lot of couples have to spend Valentine's Day apart."

Amid fans' speculations, insiders have clarified that the couple had already planned to spend Valentine's Day apart as Meghan had arranged to go back home and let Harry soak in the remaining events solo.

The source noted, “This was always planned. Meghan is going home to be with her children. Meghan left the Games in Dusseldorf early after five days to go home. This is Prince Harry's event and she is there to support him, but this was planned.”

Furthermore, Harry and Meghan celebrated an early Valentine's Day dinner with close friends Michael Bublé and his wife, Luisana. They enjoyed a two-hour meal at the upscale Il Caminetto restaurant in Whistler after completing their first day of engagements. The four had dined at the same spot last year during a two-day event to promote the Invictus Games.

The Duchess was seen arriving in California on Tuesday, February 11, after departing from Canada. Dressed in a blue sweater with white lettering, she stepped off a private jet at Santa Barbara Airport in the evening. Apart from a security guard, she was unaccompanied as she disembarked inside a hangar.

After Meghan left, Prince Harry reportedly took a day off to relax and unwind before going back to the celebrated games. At the 2023 Invictus Games held in Germany, Meghan had also only stayed for five days before leaving Harry to enjoy the rest of the events solo. This time, while she was in Canada, she enjoyed the games in Vancouver and the ski resort in Whistler.

As for Harry, he has continued enjoying the Invictus Games events as much as his wife is not by his side. He recently drew a crowd as fans eagerly gathered around him on Whistler Mountain. His bodyguard, Chris Sanchez, worked to navigate the packed scene. This marked his first solo appearance after Meghan returned to California.

Harry has always been grateful to have Meghan's support at the Invictus Games. During this year's opening ceremony, she appeared happy and comfortable, affectionately kissing Harry and resting her head on his shoulder.

"To have my wife here supporting me is amazing. I love that she's by my side. It's such an important piece to this whole adventure," Harry gushed in front of 40,000 people.

Looking ahead, he shared his excitement for the 2027 Games in Birmingham. "It's amazing how, after 10 years, we're still doing this. We will continue the Games for as long as it's needed - and the need is increasing rather than reducing," said Harry.

However, everything has not been all glorious for Meghan and Harry at the Invictus Games as online users recently bashed them for their behavior at the events. Many users accused the couple of being insensitive in their interaction with veterans.

A short video captured Harry and the Duchess of Sussex smiling and waving at cheering crowds as they rode in a golf buggy. However, what caught many viewers' attention was how they seemed comfortable taking the ride as they passed by disabled veterans, some of whom were in wheelchairs.

The scene led to mixed reactions, with some questioning why the couple didn’t choose to walk through the crowd, engaging directly with the veterans.

One user asked, "So Meghan and Harry, two able bodied people, are driven on a golf cart passed disabled veterans. Some of the veterans are wheelchair bound. They should have walked through the group, meeting, greeting and shaking hands. All with a camera following them. Unbelievable [sic]."

Another user didn't hold back, penning, "What a tone deaf couple. It was clear the last time around that the Harry and Meghan show completely overshadowed the wounded soldiers and their games yet here we are, version 2.0. Twice as unappealing [sic]."

Someone else kept it short but sharp, questioning, "Could these two be anymore [sic] insensitive?" Another user with similar views, wrote, "They drive along being taped by the cart behind them…with people being encouraged to yell out for them. When does this madness stop?"

Someone else wondered, "Did they lose the power of their legs. [sic] Shameful they couldn't walk and greet them." A different commenter sympathized with the veterans, "I feel bad for the Athletes. The two of them are making Invictus look like one big grift." Other people simply declared, "So inappropriate."

Another user pointed out, "The optics of this are hard to believe. They are RIDING past injured veterans. Some in wheelchairs. Waving to them from their cart because H/MM are too important to WALK. And of course they are being filmed. They are such odious people. This epitomizes. [sic]"

As the games kicked off, an enthusiastic Meghan took to Instagram to share a clip highlighting veterans competing in various events from past Invictus Games. The footage captured the spirit of determination as it showed athletes pushing their limits in sports like wheelchair basketball, sitting volleyball, and indoor rowing.

Injured veterans were seen giving their all by racing on the track, powering through cycling events, and displaying unwavering focus in archery. Their passion was evident on their faces as they turned each moment into a show of perseverance, while the audience cheered them on.

Meghan captioned the post, "Let the games begin! Get ready for a week of heart, hope, and heroes in action. Join us in cheering loudly and proudly to show just how much these competitors and their families mean to us."

Harry founded the Invictus Games in 2014 for wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women. He was inspired to take this bold step when in 2013, Harry attended the US Warrior Games, a sporting event for injured service members.

Seeing how the competition helped in their recovery, he went on to create the Invictus Games, which is now a global event celebrating the resilience of wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women.

Furthermore, after serving in Afghanistan, Harry witnessed firsthand the harsh realities faced by wounded soldiers. A pivotal moment came when he saw the flag-draped coffin of a fallen Danish soldier being prepared for repatriation, alongside three injured British servicemen.

Deeply moved, he sought ways to support those who had sacrificed so much. Today, the Invictus Games Foundation also provides recovery programs that help participants rediscover purpose and identity beyond their injuries, ensuring they continue to thrive despite their challenges.

The game is now in its seventh edition, running from February 8 to February 16 in Vancouver and Whistler, Canada. Coldplay's Chris Martin and singer Nelly Furtado performed at this year's opening event.

The popular games, including swimming, wheelchair curling, and indoor rowing, will see 500 competitors from 23 nations take part in them. Additionally, the event will include winter sports for the first time.

At the opening ceremony, Harry received a hero's welcome, and his speech touched the veterans deeply. He said, "Beyond any differences, here at the Invictus Games we are grounded in mutual respect, competing fiercely, but believing in one another. Supporting one another. And rooting for one another."

Harry added that it is his "sacred obligation" to support fellow military veterans.

The games, which generate respect for those who served their country, have previously been held in London in 2014. Afterwards, it moved to Orlando in 2016, Toronto in 2017, Sydney in 2018, The Hague in 2022, and Dusseldorf in 2023. In all the places the games have been held, it has managed to unite veterans and their families for moments of competition, fun, and joy.