Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are followed by their film crew as they lark about on skis and meet Invictus Games athletes - in first public appearance since royal rebrand backlash

Despite controversies surrounding them, including criticism over their use of royal titles and their website, the couple received a mix of cheers and boos during their visit. They appeared unaffected by the ongoing row over their website and their royal connections, emphasizing their focus on promoting the Invictus Games.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are filmed as they attend the event in Whistler

Prince Harry and Meghan seemed delighted to spend Valentine's Day in Canada, where their relationship blossomed. Their engagement in outdoor activities, such as skiing, underscored their enjoyment of the picturesque surroundings and their commitment to promoting the upcoming Invictus Games.

The Duchess of Sussex films Harry at the Invictus Games One Year To Go Event

The couple was actively involved in activities related to the Invictus Games, interacting with instructors, competitors, and disabled athletes. Their willingness to engage with the community and participate in events demonstrated their ongoing support for the Invictus Games initiative.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex attend the Invictus Games One Year To Go event in Whistler

Despite facing criticism and controversies, Harry and Meghan maintained a positive public image during their visit, appearing cheerful and engaged with the crowd. Their commitment to promoting charitable causes like the Invictus Games may have contributed to their favorable reception despite ongoing controversies.

Harry tried out one of the competitors' sit-skis and appears to be enjoying himself while being pushed down the slope by his instructor  

The Whistler trip marked the couple's first public appearance together since King Charles' cancer diagnosis. Their decision to engage in public activities despite the family's health concerns indicates their commitment to their philanthropic endeavors.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attends the Invictus Games One Year To Go Event

Meghan watched Harry and others skiing

Meghan was described as exuding glamour in her outfit, consisting of skinny white jeans, a sweater, and a quilted coat, accessorized with her £140,000 engagement ring. Harry opted for a more casual look, wearing jeans and a black Eddie Bauer anorak. Both actively engaged with athletes and officials during their visit, demonstrating their support for the Invictus Games and the participants.

Meghan looked glamorous in skinny white jeans and a sweater topped with a beige quilted coat while Harry was dressed down in jeans and a black Eddie Bauer anorak 

The couple was followed by a camera crew throughout their visit, capturing their interactions and activities.

Meghan was seen using her mobile device, possibly for content creation or documentation purposes, indicating their intention to share their experiences with their audience.

Meghan Markle could not contain her laughter as she snapped a picture of Prince Harry sit-skiing

Prince Harry tried out one of the competitors' sit-skis, showcasing his support for adaptive sports and the athletes involved.

Meghan looked delighted as she watched Harry speak to an instructor at Whistler to mark a year until the first winter Invictus Games

The couple was introduced to various groups of adaptive skiers, highlighting their interest in inclusive sports and their dedication to promoting such initiatives.

Harry and Meghan were seen talking to one group of visually impaired athletes

The Duchess of Sussex smiles during the Invictus Games event in Whistler

Harry points to one of the sit-in skis as he attends a training session with Meghan

The report acknowledges that the couple's visit to Canada occurred amidst ongoing controversies, particularly surrounding their Sussex.com website and Harry's recent visit to London following King Charles' diagnosis.

Meghan appeared to be holding a cuddly toy in her hand as she spoke with disabled skiers

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attend the Invictus Games One Year To Go Event

Despite these controversies, Harry and Meghan remained focused on their promotional activities for the Invictus Games, reflecting their determination to carry out their charitable commitments.

Meghan Markle visits the Invictus Games event in Whistler, Canada

The couple arrived in Canada on Tuesday and were photographed touching down in Vancouver after flying from Santa Barbara. Meghan announced a new podcast deal with Lemonada Media on the same day, following their departure from Spotify. They were escorted to Whistler for their promotional activities for the Invictus Games.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attend the Invictus Games event in Whistler

After their engagements in Whistler, they were expected to return to Vancouver for an event before heading back to California. Their return would reunite them with their children Archie and Lilibet.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex pose for a photo at the Invictus Games One Year To Go event

The couple is embroiled in a controversy over their rebranded website, Sussex.com, which features Meghan's coat of arms. Critics argue that this move breaches their promise to the late Queen and that they did not consult palace officials about using their titles.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle arrive at the Invictus Games event in Whistler

The Duchess of Sussex smiles during the Invictus Games event in Whistler

A source close to the couple defended their use of their royal titles, stating that they are the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, which is their surname and family name.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle arrive at the Invictus Games event in Whistler

Meghan was forced to defend the graphic design company responsible for their new website. Prince Harry faced criticism for the short duration of his visit to the UK following his father's cancer diagnosis.

The couple replaced their Archewell webpage with a site called Sussex.com that includes their biographies and lists their recent activities.

Their 'About' page reads: 'The Office of Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex is shaping the future through business and philanthropy'

Experts commented on the couple's podcast deal with Lemonada Media, comparing it to their previous contract with Spotify and questioning its value and impact.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex attend the Invictus Games One Year To Go event in Whistler

Meghan previously produced the podcast "Archetypes" for Spotify, focusing on women's issues.

Meghan will launch a new podcast, although details about its timing, content, and Harry's involvement remain unclear.

The Duchess of Sussex smiles during the Invictus Games event in Whistler

Following their inclusion in the Time 100 most influential people list, there were high expectations for Harry and Meghan's next moves. Speculations ranged from signing with prestigious brands like Dior to potentially venturing into politics.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex pose for a photo at the Invictus Games One Year To Go event

Lemonada Media, founded in 2019 during the pandemic by two women who had experienced personal tragedies, is described as a smaller entity compared to Spotify. Despite its lower brand recognition, Lemonada is praised for its diverse perspectives and alignment with Meghan's desired image. Notable personalities have been involved with Lemonada podcasts, contributing to its established reputation with specific audiences.

Harry points to one of the sit-in skis as he attends a training session with Meghan

The analysis suggests that the Lemonada partnership offers benefits for both Meghan and the company. Meghan gains a new platform and a fresh start, while Lemonada secures a high-profile partner. The comparison is drawn to a band transitioning from a major record label to an indie label, implying a shift from corporate clout to authenticity and prestige.

Despite the end of the partnership with Spotify, the Lemonada collaboration is viewed positively, emphasizing the potential advantages of aligning with a smaller, more niche platform.

Harry's trip began with an overnight British Airways flight from LAX to London on February 6. He met with his father, who is battling cancer, at Clarence House for a short 30-minute meeting, without the presence of his stepmother, Queen Camilla. Despite claims that he would have accepted a reunion with his brother, Prince William, he opted to stay in his hotel.

The plane stayed in Vancouver for 39 minutes before taking off again for Victoria where it landed at 12:47 pm

Harry then traveled to Las Vegas, Nevada, where he presented an award at the NFL Honors Awards. During his presentation, he made a lighthearted joke about rugby, showcasing his sense of humor. Despite his cheerful demeanor onstage, he appeared glum in the hotel's underground parking lot and left before the end of the event.

Prince Harry visits the event for the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025

This passage mentions the relaunch of the couple's website, with Harry's biography emphasizing his environmental credentials. There's a mention of criticism regarding his use of private jets despite his environmental focus.

Meghan's biography on the website highlights her philanthropic work but minimizes her acting career and makes no mention of her royal connections. The website emphasizes the couple's involvement in various ventures, including the Archewell Foundation and Archewell Productions, as well as their support for patronages and organizations.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attend the closing ceremony of the Invictus Games in September 2023. The photograph now appears on the Home page of sussex.com

Meghan Markle waves as she visits the Invictus Games event in Whistler, Canada

Critics argue that the website is an attempt to monetize the couple's royal connections, leading to renewed calls for their titles to be stripped. Concerns are raised about the use of the Sussex title for commercial purposes, with suggestions that any hint of commercialism could lead to repercussions.

Reports indicate that palace officials were not consulted before the website's launch, and there are claims that the crest used on the website may be outdated.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex at the Invictus Games One Year To Go event

Mail columnists Sarah Vine and Andrew Pierce are cited as believing that the couple should be stripped of their titles to prevent them from profiting off the royal family. Sarah Vine suggests that without their royal titles, Harry would be perceived as simply a former soldier, while Meghan would be viewed as a moderately successful ex-actress.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attend the Invictus Games event in Whistler