The first-ever winter Invictus Games have come and gone, but something felt different this year compared to past events—and many people noticed. Unfortunately, over the last few years, the focus hasn’t been on the incredible athletes and competitors but rather on Meghan Markle’s wardrobe. It’s been almost impossible to find a tabloid referencing the games without mentioning what the Duchess was wearing and which designer she was showcasing. This hasn’t been a good look for the games, with some even dubbing it the “Meghan Fashion Show.”
This year, however, things were noticeably different. The focus shifted away from Prince Harry’s wife prancing around in expensive dresses and eye-catching outfits. While Meghan’s clothes at the 2025 games weren’t exactly budget-friendly, there was a simplicity to her style—think sweaters and jeans. She also wore significantly less jewelry compared to previous years.
According to a PR expert, this was all deliberate. Meghan left the event a few days early, ensuring the spotlight couldn’t stay on her the entire time. And when she was present, her toned-down looks were a stark contrast to her usual glamorous ensembles. Edward Coram-James, CEO of Go Up, spoke to GB News about how this was a calculated move to make Meghan appear more relatable.
“The choice of the Invictus Games as the primary focus seems deliberate. It’s a bulletproof cause,” he explained. “Notice what’s missing? Any luxury, any Hollywood glam, any over-curation. This is intentional. She wants people to see her as relatable, hardworking, and philanthropic.”
While Meghan’s public appearance was all about simplicity, behind the scenes, it was a different story. The Sussexes arrived in British Columbia via private jet and were driven to the five-star Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel. They stayed in the ultra-exclusive Chairman’s Suite, nicknamed the “Rockstar Suite,” which has previously hosted celebrities like Tom Cruise and Ed Sheeran.
The two-story suite offers breathtaking views of Coal Harbor and the North Shore Mountains. It features an open floor plan with over 2,250 square feet of space, including two living rooms, a custom Swarovski crystal chandelier, a modern kitchen, a wet bar, and a rooftop patio with a private gazebo, meditation pond, and fire pit. The suite also boasts a king-size bedroom with a fireplace and a 500-square-foot marble bathroom complete with a hand-carved soaking tub.
The hotel itself is rated as the most luxurious in British Columbia, offering amenities like a heated outdoor pool with cabanas, a spa, meditation pods, and an infrared sauna.
During her time in Canada, Meghan debuted a new signet ring featuring the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s joint royal monogram. The gold signet ring, which she wore alongside her diamond engagement ring, gold wedding band, and eternity ring, represents a shift from her previous jewelry choices, which typically featured pieces from independent designers.
The new ring showcases the couple’s joint royal cipher, combining an “H” and “M” in cursive writing, crowned with an ornate coronet. The coronet design includes two cross pattées and two strawberry leaves, paying tribute to their shared royal heritage.
Meghan left the Invictus Games after five days, returning to California to reunite with her children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. Before her departure, she joined Prince Harry at a family and friends tubing event in Whistler, where winter sports were featured for the first time in Invictus Games history.
A source close to the couple confirmed that her early departure was always planned. “Meghan is going home to be with her children. This is Prince Harry’s event, and she is there to support him, but this was planned,” the source said.
Meanwhile, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle faced criticism from 80s Hollywood star Justine Bateman, who slammed them as “disaster tourists” after they were spotted distributing food to help Los Angeles wildfire victims. Bateman took to X (formerly Twitter) to voice her disapproval, calling their efforts a “repulsive photo op.”
A source close to the couple responded, stating that they found the claims offensive. “It’s offensive to Meghan and Harry that anybody would think this is merely a photo opportunity. She is not just a tourist. Her heart is completely broken for all the lives that have been lost and for those whose homes have been destroyed in these fires. They have donated money, essential items, and countless hours of volunteering long before the media caught wind of their involvement.”
In light of the tragedy, Meghan also postponed the release of her Netflix cookery show, With Love, Meghan, from January 15 to March 4.
