King Charles has delivered a ‘message to the people of Canada’ just days after Meghan Markle’s departure from the country. The Duchess of Sussex had been in British Columbia with Prince Harry for the seventh Invictus Games, held in Vancouver and Whistler.
However, Meghan left as scheduled on Tuesday (February 11) to return to their California home and be with their two children. Days later, the monarch shared a heartfelt message on X, marking the 60th anniversary of the National Flag of Canada.
“On this day in 1965, Canada’s red and white maple leaf flag was raised for the very first time on Parliament Hill,” read the post, shared on Saturday (February 15). Attached was a letter in English and French – Canada’s official languages – honouring the occasion.
“Today my wife [Queen Camilla] and I [Charles] join with Canadians across Canada, and around the world, to commemorate an important milestone – the 60th anniversary of the Canadian flag,” the letter read.
“On February 15, 1965, the red and white maple leaf was first flown on Parliament Hill in Ottawa. Since that time, it has become internationally recognised as a symbol of a proud, resilient and compassionate country.”
“For my own part, it is a symbol that never fails to elicit a sense of pride and admiration, as I recall with the deepest affection my many Canadian visits and friendships.”
Before adopting the iconic red and white maple leaf flag, Canada was represented by the Canadian Red Ensign. This featured a Union Jack in the upper-left corner alongside the Canadian coat of arms shield set against a red backdrop.
Shortly after Meghan’s departure, royals from other nations made their way to the North American nation to take in the final two days of the Invictus Games. Danish royalty, including Prince Joachim and Princess Marie, are among the stars who have flocked to Canada to join Prince Harry.
Over the course of Friday and Saturday, the Royal duo attended various sporting events which saw wounded and sick servicemen and women compete for their countries. Notable figures in attendance besides the royals are Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, Nelly Furtado, and Michael Buble.
The closing ceremony of the Invictus Games is scheduled for today (Sunday, February 16). Harry previously expressed his enthusiasm about bringing the competition back to Canada, saying: “There’s a reason the Invictus Games have come back to Canada, because you guys have snow!”
He continued: “It is one of the most incredible things. I am so grateful is the entire organizing committee and the government-every single level, here in Canada, for making this, we couldn’t have done this without support right from the get-go.
“And for those of you that don’t know, it is a logistical nightmare to be able to pull this together and the team have done it and we’ve now got one year to work all together and to give people incredible – in some instances, life-changing – experience to these competitors and their families.”
