Meghan Markle has reportedly headed back to California without Prince Harry, after spending a few days supporting him at the Invictus Games in Vancouver and Whistler.
The Duchess of Sussex, 43, attended multiple events at the adaptive winter sports tournament, which celebrates injured and wounded servicemen and women.
Meanwhile, Prince Harry, 40, is expected to remain in Canada until the closing ceremony on Sunday (February 16).
Meghan Markle ‘leaves Invictus Games early’ as it was ‘always planned’
A source close to Invictus confirmed that Meghan’s early departure was not unexpected.
“This was always planned. Meghan is going home to be with her children,” they told HELLO!.
The source also referenced Meghan’s early departure from last year’s Invictus Games in Düsseldorf.
They said: “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.”
The couple’s two children, Prince Archie, five, and Princess Lilibet, three, did not join their parents on the trip.
Since arriving in Canada on Saturday (February 8), Meghan has been sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses from the games on her newly launched Instagram account.
This was always planned. Meghan is going home to be with her children.
The couple also kicked off their time at the games by attending the grand opening ceremony at BC Place stadium in Vancouver.
The opening ceremony included performances by Katy Perry, Nelly Furtado, and Coldplay’s Chris Martin.
During Coldplay’s performance, frontman Chris Martin humorously acknowledged Harry’s invitation to perform.
“I’d like to say thanks, of course, to Prince Harry. When he called me, he said, ‘I’ve called every other musician in the world, they all said they’re not available, so I have to call you,'” he joked. “And I said, ‘Your royal holiness, I’m honoured.'”
He also went on to praise the Duke of Sussex.
Chris said: “Thank you, Harry, for being such an inspiring leader and kind and sweet man. I hope you have the most wonderful Games of all. It’s a pleasure to be here.”
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the Invictus Games
Throughout the games, Harry and Meghan have been spotted sharing affectionate moments, from holding hands to exchanging kisses.
After the opening ceremony on February 8, Harry and Meghan also reportedly enjoyed a double date night with Canadian singer Michael Bublé and his wife, Luisana Lopilato, at Vij’s, a renowned Indian restaurant in Vancouver.
On Monday (February 10), as the event shifted to Whistler, Harry playfully brought Meghan on stage during a speech.
“Now she’s going to sing!” He teased.
The comment sparked laughter among the crowd.
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Nelly Furtado shares funny video with Meghan and Harry at Invictus Games
In other news, singer Nelly Furtado was bashed for sharing a video with the royal couple.
The Canadian singer performed at the opening ceremony. She later posted a selfie video on her Instagram cosying up to Meghan. As the duo smiled and posed, Prince Harry also popped up in the background for a photobomb.
Some fans were unimpressed with Nelly’s association with the couple, though.
Deal or No Deal viewers have called out Stephen Mulhern over his behaviour towards a contestant on the show.
The iconic ITV gameshow was back on screens on Wednesday (January 22) – fronted by Stephen. The lucky contestant taking part was midwife Meg.
However, some fans took issue with Stephen Mulhern and ‘silly’ advice he gave to Meg.
Stephen Mulhern on Deal or No Deal
On Deal or No Deal, Meg sat at the iconic table with box number four in front of her. She had a fantastic start to the game, getting rid of several blues in her first round.
Several rounds in and Meg still had the jackpot prize of £100,00 on her board.
In the rebooted series so far, no contestant has bagged the top amount – but Stephen was sure Meg was about to change that….
Meg’s game on Deal or No Deal
However, fans took issue with Stephen frequently telling Meg that the show is “so close to getting the first ever jackpot winner,” seeming to persuade her not take the banker’s offer and play on.
Ultimately, near the end of the show, Meg ignored Stephen and went and dealt on an impressive £10,700.
The decision worked in Meg’s favour though as right after she dealt, she ended up picking the £100,000 box. What’s more, at the end of the episode she had £250 in her own box.
Deal or No Deal fans call out Stephen Mulhern
Reacting to Stephen on X, one person said: “Shut up Stephen…. ‘we are so close to getting our first ever jackpot winner’. It’s bloody random, mate. There is a far higher probability she doesn’t have that box. Stop selling her dreams.”
At the end of the episode, and reflecting on Meg’s win, someone else wrote: “Turns out you weren’t actually that close to the first ever jackpot Stephen. I’m glad she didn’t listen to you and dealt at exactly the right time.”
Seeming to refer to Stephen’s “first every jackpot winner” comment, a third person penned: “Oh fgs shut up Stephen!! Why does he keep repeating himself!”
Other fans were loving Stephen on Deal or No Deal though, on Facebook, one person gushed: “Stephen is great, he cares about the contestants.” Someone else added: “Stephen is absolutely brilliant on deal or no deal.”
Read more: Deal or No Deal viewers slam ITV reboot as too emotional: ‘Wasn’t like this with Noel Edmonds’
So what do you think of the new Deal or No Deal story? You can leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know.
“Nelly you don’t want to be hanging out with these two. You’re so much more classier than them. Seriously,” one commented.
However, many others shared their love.
“Love this. Love Harry in the background,” a fan gushed.
While Meghan returns home to California, Prince Harry will continue his work with Invictus, attending various events before the closing ceremony on Sunday.
Read more: Prince Harry shares statement as he celebrates engagement news at Invictus Games
What do you think of Meghan and Harry’s appearances at the Invictus Games? Let us know by leaving a comment on our Facebook page @RoyalInsiderOfficial.