Meghan Markle sparks backlash over ‘cringe’ impromptu speech at Invictus Games praising Prince Harry

Meghan Markle sparks backlash over ‘cringe’ impromptu speech at Invictus Games praising Prince Harry
Meghan Markle spoke about the significance of the Invictus Games to their family and lauded Prince Harry's tireless commitment to the Games (Getty Images)

VANCOUVER, WEST CANADA: Meghan Markle’s impromptu speech at a private Invictus Games event in Vancouver on February 8, Saturday, has garnered widespread praise after she expressed her admiration for her husband, Prince Harry, and his dedication to the event supporting disabled military veterans.

Arriving in Canada just hours before the event, Meghan surprised the audience by taking the stage to speak about the significance of the Invictus Games to their family.



 

Meghan Markle praises Prince Harry's dedication to Invictus Games

“I was not planning on speaking tonight, and we just arrived, I don’t know, a couple of hours ago, and I touched Canadian soil and I went, oh, it feels like home,” Meghan Markle shared, describing how the moment felt like a return to a place that holds deep meaning for her.

Meghan went on to praise Harry’s tireless dedication to the Games, explaining how it has become an integral part of their family life.

Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, Founder and Patron of the Invictus Games Foundation and Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex, deliver remarks at the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 Nation Home Welcome Reception on February 7, 2025 in Vancouver, Canada. (Photo by Jeff Vinnick/Getty Images for Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025)
Prince Harry, founder and Patron of the Invictus Games Foundation, and Meghan Markle deliver remarks at the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 Nation Home Welcome Reception on February 7, 2025, in Vancouver, Canada (Jeff Vinnick/Getty Images)

"What you won't have seen is all of the moments that have happened in the lead-up to these Games, all of the moments where, as you know, with families, the big rush in the morning - getting ready for school, packing the lunch boxes, making breakfast," she said.

She further added, "My husband's in all of that with us, and then he'll be on his phone, and Archie will say: 'Papa, why are you on your phone?' And he's like: 'That's Invictus. I'm getting ready for Invictus'.''

The duchess continued by highlighting how much the Invictus Games mean to Harry, referring to the veterans involved as his “family".

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex during the opening ceremony of the 2025 Invictus Games at BC Place on February 08, 2025 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage)
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, during the opening ceremony of the 2025 Invictus Games at BC Place on February 8, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (Karwai Tang/WireImage)

She remarked, "It means so much to him. You are his family, just as we are his family, and I hope you recognize how much of his heart he has poured into every single thing that has gotten all of you to this week, which is going to be spectacular. I just need you to know that."

Meghan went on to say, "I need you to know how much it means to him and how much each of you means to him," adding that her "sweet children", Archie and Lilibet, are "cheering [everyone] on from California".

Meghan Markle's heartfelt speech at Invictus Games earns cheers

Meghan Markle's speech, filled with emotion, resonated with many attendees and viewers who appreciated her candid and heartfelt words.

Meghan’s tribute not only praised Harry’s hard work for the Games but also emphasized the love and dedication their family has for the veterans and the cause, Daily Mail reports.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex during the opening ceremony of the 2025 Invictus Games at BC Place on February 08, 2025 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage)
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle during the opening ceremony of the 2025 Invictus Games at BC Place on February 8, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (Karwai Tang/WireImage)

As Meghan spoke, the audience responded with cheers, supporting her reflections on the importance of the Games to both Harry and their family. Her genuine admiration for her husband was evident as she highlighted his ongoing commitment to the event and how it plays a significant role in their lives.

The couple, who have made Vancouver their home since 2020, are known for their passionate advocacy of causes they care about, with the Invictus Games being one of Harry’s most personal projects. Meghan’s words further illustrated her commitment to supporting Harry and the military veterans participating in the Games.

Meghan Markle slammed over impromptu speech at Invictus Games

While Meghan Markle's speech was a spontaneous moment, it served to reinforce her support for Prince Harry's mission. But many on social media criticized her speech.

A user said, "Cringe!! Meghan Markle gives a very over the top speech at the Invictus Games gushing over how Canada feels like home and of course l’m a mom by name dropping her kids! My favorite part is I wasn’t planning on speaking lol… right."



 

Another added, "I love how she acts like June Cleaver with her constant name dropping the kids and “ I’m a mom” act! Very over the top and you can tell the audience wasn’t into it. Awkward!!"



 

One remarked, "Wait is she literally telling athletes who got up to grind every single day to hone their sport, who sacrificed family time or social time to be competitive warriors for this event that it is whimpy harry who was handed this platform, that HE deserves the praise for his preparation which required him taking a call? Is this b***h nuts."



 

"Wow. You better recognize how great we are and appreciate we are here. Understand harry takes a phone call and cuts time away from being papa. Never mind about you and your disabilities. Look at us coming here to do this for you. Hope you recognize," said a critic.



 

A person said, "Desperation to hold on to these games costing £41m. Poor vets but the concert will benefit them?????"



 

Another chimed in, "She speaks as if the room erupted with cheers when she came to the podium. But no, silence and disinterest. Does she really think these people are interested in her? NOT AT ALL."



 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.

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