Prince Harry is aiming to “win back the trust” of the public and “restore his image” during his visit to Canada to promote the Invictus Games ahead of the Winter Games season in Vancouver and Whistler in 2025, it has been claimed.
Tongues have been wagging since Harry decided to visit Canada alone, while Meghan Markle remained in Montecito, California, with their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
PR expert and founder of No Strings Public Relations Riley Gardiner, exclusively told Express.co.uk: “It’s a smart move for Prince Harry to promote the Invictus Games on his own this year – it means the spotlight can stay on the games and away from every little thing Meghan does. He’s showing respect for the athletes and the cause without any distractions.”
The Invictus Games were co-founded in 2014 by Prince Harry, who served in the British Army for 10 years and completed two tours in Afghanistan. The international event features paralympic-style competitions for wounded, injured and sick service members and veterans and is an event Harry has been passionate about.
To promote his 2025 event, Harry made a surprise appearance at the Canadian football cup final in Vancouver at a game between Toronto Argonauts and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
He gave an interview to The Sports Network and was snapped on the pitch waving to the cheering crowds before he left.
The PR expert believes every move is “highly co-ordinated”. Riley explained: “Every move is clearly highly coordinated, but his surprise Grey Cup visit makes him look spontaneous and passionate. I think his confidence comes across as real, which is key to winning back trust and restoring his image after some tough moments. It feels like a well-thought-out brand launch mixing meaningful engagements with unexpected public appearances.”
While in Canada, the Prince also launched a new online programme which introduces the Invictus Games into schools on November 18. The father of two visited the Seaforth Armoury, spoke to pupils, and even had a fun game of sitting volleyball with players.
Riley explained: “With the launch of the school programme, Harry is helping teach kids about heroism and resilience. He’s fostering empathy and understanding from a young age like the charitable work his mum championed.”
In a heartfelt speech shared on the social media platform X, Harry spoke of the pupils learning about the event, saying: “Seeing them learn about the Invictus Games has had a profound impact on me because this is where Invictus starts to go even wider. Outside of the Invictus community and into schools in Canada and hopefully schools around the world.”
The upcoming games will be the first time the event returns to former host country Canada and features a new debut of winter sports including alpine skiing, snowboarding, biathlon, Nordic skiing, skeleton, and wheelchair curling.
In February this year, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex both officially kicked off the countdown of the Winter Invictus Games 2025 by attending the Invictus Games ‘One Year to Go’ celebrations in Whistler.
Harry has been in Canada to promote next year’s games, which take place in Whistler and Vancouver from February 8 to February 16.
