The Duke and Duchess of Sussex recently spent five days together in Canada as they attended the seventh edition of the Invictus Games.
However, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry will be spending Valentine’s Day apart, as the Duchess has returned to Montecito alone following their trip. This has sparked speculation among fans, with some wondering if there might be trouble in paradise.
Meghan is currently back in California, spending time with their children, Prince Archie, 5, and Princess Lilibet, 3. Meanwhile, Harry remains in Canada to watch the remainder of the Invictus Games and is expected to leave after the closing ceremony on Sunday, February 16.
In a recent Instagram Story, Meghan showed her support for those competing in the Invictus Games while staying in Montecito. She shared a photo of gifts and souvenirs labeled with her children’s names—special keepsakes from the event.
Alongside the image, she wrote: “A taste of Canada and The Invictus Games for our little ones! Cheering you on from home.”
With Meghan Markle back home, social media buzzed with speculation as fans reacted to the news that she and Harry wouldn’t be spending this romantic occasion together.
One user ominously remarked, “And so it begins,” while another bluntly stated, “Divorce.”
Some users shared their theories on why the Duchess left, with one writing, “So meeagain can be with her one true love, herself.” Another added, “From the look of them, that doesn’t seem to bother them. Clearly trouble in paradise.”
A user jokingly referenced a classic tune, “Billy Connelly is bringing out his old song … D.I.V.O.R.C.E.” Others pointed to Meghan’s past behavior, noting, “She’s never worried about being home with her kids before. And Harry’s been gone for the last couple of months.”
Some, however, took a more neutral stance. One person suggested a simple fix: “The ticket home was all he needs to do.” Another shrugged off the speculation, saying, “And? A lot of couples have to spend Valentine’s Day apart.”
While fans speculated about the couple’s plans, insiders have clarified that Meghan and Harry had always intended to spend Valentine’s Day apart. Meghan had arranged to return home, allowing Harry to attend the remaining events on his own.
A source explained, “This was always planned. Meghan is going home to be with her children. 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.”
Before parting ways, Harry and Meghan had an early Valentine’s Day celebration with close friends Michael Bublé and his wife, Luisana. The group enjoyed a two-hour dinner at the upscale Il Caminetto restaurant after wrapping up their first day of engagements at the ski resort. Coincidentally, they had dined at the same venue last year during a two-day event promoting the Invictus Games.
The Duchess touched down in California on Tuesday, February 11, after leaving the Invictus Games in Canada. Wearing a blue sweater with white lettering, she stepped off a private jet at Santa Barbara Airport in the evening. Aside from a security guard, she had no company as she exited inside a hangar.
Following Meghan’s departure, Prince Harry reportedly took a day off to relax before returning to the highly anticipated games. This time, while in Canada, she attended the games in Vancouver and also spent time at the ski resort in Whistler.
Harry has been making the most of the Invictus Games events, even in Meghan’s absence. Recently, he attracted a large crowd on Whistler Mountain, where excited fans gathered around him. His bodyguard, Chris Sanchez, had to step in to help him move through the packed crowd. This was his first solo appearance since Meghan returned to California.
Harry has always appreciated Meghan’s presence at the Invictus Games. During this year’s opening ceremony, she looked happy and at ease, sharing affectionate moments with Harry—kissing him and resting her head on his shoulder.
“To have my wife here supporting me is amazing. I love that she’s by my side. It’s such an important piece to this whole adventure,” Harry told a crowd of 40,000, clearly moved by the moment.
Looking to the future, he expressed his enthusiasm for the 2027 Games in Birmingham. “It’s amazing how, after 10 years, we’re still doing this. We will continue the Games for as long as it’s needed – and the need is increasing rather than reducing,” he said.