Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are taking a seat at the Invictus Games!
On Feb. 9, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex made their first official appearance at a sporting event at the 2025 Invictus Games in Vancouver, attending a high-energy wheelchair basketball match between Team USA and Team Nigeria. The adaptive sports competition, founded by Prince Harry in 2014, runs from Feb. 8 to 16 across Vancouver and Whistler.
The couple’s bond with the athletes was evident during their time at the event (which was attended by PEOPLE), where they were seen clapping and encouraging competitors.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex sat attentively in the front row, taking time to interact with event organizers and members of the crowd, making the most of their time. They were all smiles, laughing and chatting animatedly as they exited the arena, pausing to take photos, exchange hugs and share brief but meaningful moments with fans.
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Meghan, 43, and Harry, 40, paused to chat with 10-year-old Wyatt Hutchison, who was sitting with his parents, Lindsay and Zach Hutchison, in the stands.
“It was amazing,” Lindsay tells PEOPLE at the event. “Wyatt plays wheelchair basketball, so to see the entire disability community come out and enjoy was just wonderful representation. It means a lot.”
Wyatt, who described Harry and Meghan as “nice” and shared that they talked about sports, particularly hockey and basketball, called out to Prince Harry “as loud as he could,” according to his mom. In return, Harry asked Wyatt what his favorite sport was.
“Once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Lindsay adds. “He’s a little starstruck!”
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The couple’s joint attendance at the Invictus Games speaks to their united front in supporting the mission that deeply matters to the prince.
Meghan’s presence at this year’s Invictus Games highlights that, despite having upcoming solo projects, she and Harry remain deeply connected both personally and professionally, with family always remaining her foremost priority.
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When asked about their thoughts on the Duchess of Sussex, 43, attending, an onlooker in Vancouver previously told PEOPLE: “I think it’s great that she’s coming. There is a lot of speculation about them and their marriage, but this reinforces one thing to me, at least — there is no separation. It looks like they present a united front when it comes to matters they both care about.”
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The Invictus Games have grown since their inception, providing a platform for injured veterans to compete in sports, regain confidence, and support one another. Athletes from around the world, including several countries in North America, are participating in this year’s Games, showcasing resilience and strength in the face of adversity.
The Vancouver-Whistler Games will also mark a new chapter for the competition, as winter sports — including alpine skiing, snowboarding, curling and skeleton — will be included for the first time.
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