Prince Harry and Meghan Markle resurface in Vancouver amid website furore

The couple has shaken off fierce criticism over their bold new strategy with a loved-up display in Vancouver.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attend the 'One Year To Go' Invictus Games event in Vancouver. Picture: Andrew Chin/Getty Images

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have resurfaced for a Valentine’s Day appearance in Canada amid backlash over the launch of their new website.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex appeared to be as loved-up as ever as they celebrated the romantic occasion with the launch of the 2025 Invictus Games in Vancouver, featuring the “One Year To Go” Winter Training Camp.

The Games is an international sporting competition involving sick, injured and wounded service personnel, and was founded by Harry in 2014.

Next year’s event will see winter sports including alpine skiing, Nordic skiing and curling included for the first time at the iconic Whistler resort.

Meghan and Harry spent Valentine’s Day at the Invictus launch in Vancouver. Picture: Andrew Chin/Getty Images

They smiled and held hands as they greeted officials and athletes. Picture: Andrew Chin/Getty Images

The couple appeared to have shaken off criticism regarding their newly-unveiled Sussex.com web page, which recently replaced the Archewell.com site they’d been using since 2020 (their Archewell Foundation remains in operation).

Harry and Meghan’s first joint online venture, SussexRoyal.com, was abandoned on instruction from the late Queen Elizabeth II after they announced their intention to step down from royal duties in 2020.

They appeared unfazed by recent backlash. Picture: Andrew Chin/Getty Images via AFP

They’ve been criticised over their new website. Picture: Andrew Chin/Getty Images

However, their new website now offers a link back to the original “Sussex Royal” page, which many have pointed out is in violation of the late monarch’s order.

According to the Mail Online, there is even speculation it may be shut down by the royal family.

“They are going to have real trouble with the use of Sussex,” the source said.

“It is a royal title and if there is any hint of commercialism about this it will be shut down.

“It’s just staggering they cannot see how gauche it is.”

Harry laughed as he took part in the training. Picture: Andrew Chin/Getty Images

Meghan watched on, while rugged up from the cold. Picture: Andrew Chin/Getty Images

However, another insider defended the couple’s decision.

“Prince Harry and Meghan are the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. That is a fact. It is their surname and family name,” the source said.

Meghan herself released a statement amid the criticism, offering gushing support of the digital creators behind their new online presence – the same team who designed her now-defunct, pre-Harry lifestyle blog, The Tig.

“There is a reason I have worked with Ryan and the talented team at Article for a decade: their attention to detail, their creativity and care, and the thoughtful approach to design as well as to the user experience,” she said.

“They’re not just designers; they are collaborators who elevate your ideas into visual identities. They’re a very special company. Plus they’re Canadian, so I’m a fan.”

Harry and Meghan’s Vancouver visit is just the latest in what’s been a busy period for the couple.

Last week, Harry undertook a whirlwind round trip back to the UK for a brief catch-up with his father, King Charles, following the announcement of his cancer diagnosis. He appeared on stage just one day later to present an award at the 2024 NFL Honours.

Meghan, on the other hand, has just announced her next foray into podcasting, eight months after the collapse of her and Harry’s multimillion-dollar Spotify deal.

She will release an as-yet-unnamed new podcast through Lemonada media, which will also stream her first one-season series, Archetypes.

Originally published as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle resurface in Vancouver amid website furore