Meghan Markle's PR nightmare at Invictus Games 2025 — What went wrong

Meghan Markle stood right beside Prince Harry as he kicked off the 2025 Invictus Games in Whistler and Vancouver, but while some royal fans saw it as a supportive gesture, PR experts believe it was a publicity blunder.

PR strategist Edward Coram James, CEO of Go Up, told the Mirror that Meghan’s involvement was always bound to backfire—regardless of what she did.

"Meghan’s presence was always going to be a lose-lose situation — damned if she did, damned if she didn’t. But ultimately, it’s a distraction for many people," said James.

However, he acknowledged that she handled it well from a PR standpoint: "She was engaged but not overbearing, affectionate but not too performative. Still, she needs to recognize that no matter what she does, her critics will say she’s making it about herself."

Meghan has been using Instagram to share behind-the-scenes moments from the games, which James views as a strategic move to reclaim her image.

"It looks like she’s out to reclaim that autonomy, one Instagram Story at a time. Even her handle says a lot. Literally just ‘Meghan’—clean, simple, powerful. No ‘MeghanDuchessOfSussex.’ No fluff. How she managed to snag that coveted handle, who knows, but it’s a statement in itself."

Despite her efforts, James suggested that Meghan step back and let Harry take the lead on the project.

"Meghan should leave the Invictus Games to Harry. It’s his project, and he’s more than capable of drumming up support and publicity for this incredible cause. Their joint brand has become tainted over the years—not through any fault of their own, but due to woeful PR."