Prince Harry reportedly showcased his “old” and “happy” self as he spent time “relaxing” with pals in Canada during the Invictus Games without his wife, Meghan Markle, a royal expert has claimed.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex travelled to Canada last week for the seventh edition of the Invictus Games – however since Tuesday, Harry was left on his own after Meghan flew back to California to look after their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
Following Meghan’s departure, new pictures of the duke have emerged, where he is seen laughing and sipping pints with friends during the events and according to a royal expert it appears to be “the old Harry” that people are used to seeing when he is undertaking solo engagements.
Royal biographer Phil Dampier told The Sun: “I think that Harry looks happier on his own away from Meghan.
“Sometimes I think when he’s with her, he feels a little bit in her shadow, and she tends to sort of dominate proceedings.
“But I think when he’s on his own he looks more relaxed, and he’s been seen having a few beers with friends.”
Mr Dampier added that Harry enjoying time with friends is “a good thing for him”, noting how “comfortable” he looks at the Games.
He stressed that the duke “does come across as more relaxed and more at home”.
The seventh edition of the games, established by the Duke of Sussex – a former British Army captain – in 2014, began in Vancouver last Saturday.
More than 500 competitors from 23 nations will take part in the games, which go on until tomorrow, Sunday, February 16.
The games aim to “inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding and respect for those who have served their country”, the Royal British Legion said.
The Invictus Games were held in London in 2014, in Orlando in 2016, Toronto in 2017, Sydney in 2018, The Hague in 2022 and Dusseldorf in 2023.
