Heading to the Canadian ski resort of Whistler, the Sussexes looked loved-up on Valentine’s Day
WORDS: REBECCA RUSSELL PHOTOS: GETTY, SHUTTERSTOCK
THRILLS AND CHILLS
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex made a return to the public stage last week as they travelled to Canada to attend the Invictus Games 2025’s One Year To Go celebrations.
The couple were in the picturesque ski resort of Whistler for two days to highlight next year’s event and were all smiles as they returned to the country where they spent a great deal of time at the start of their relationship. Walking hand-in-hand on Valentine’s Day, Meghan, 42, laughed as she then filmed her 39-year-old husband trying out a ski chair for disabled athletes, before he had a go at sit-skiing and joked, “Do I need to sign a waiver?” as he set off.
Despite a loved-up atmosphere, their visit occurred during a storm of controversy surrounding the launch of their new website – Sussex.com.
Criticism came when it was speculated that the new venture clashes with promises made to Queen Elizabeth II that they wouldn’t capitalise on their royal connections, but a spokesperson said the couple were weathering the negative publicity, adding, “We’ve heard time and time again that certain opportunities are make or break for the couple. They’re still here. This couple will not be broken.”
While the strongly worded statement came as a surprise, former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond tells OK! that it was not necessary. “I don’t understand a statement that says they cannot be broken because this visit has shown that they are a united couple who are still very much in love,” says Jennie. “They are publicising something that is dear to Harry’s heart and it was great to see him behaving in his carefree, daredevil way as he took part in the activities. To see him acting with that youthful, boyishness and zest for life was refreshing.”
The countdown is on for the next Invictus Games which will take place in February 2025 and will be held in Vancouver and Whistler, with winter sports featured for the first time. The visit will have no doubt been emotional for Harry as he had previously joined his father and brother for a trip to Whistler in 1998 – the first one since the death of Diana, Princess of Wales just six months earlier.
Jennie remembers that tour clearly as she tells us, “The trip to Whistler was so soon after Diana’s death and William and Harry were obviously feeling incredibly raw, and und
