At the Invictus Games last year, which coincided with the romantic holiday, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex shared a very public kiss which received a mixed reaction from fans
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle packed on the PDA last Valentine’s Day(Image: Samir Hussein/WireImage)
Couples around the world are today celebrating Valentine’s Day, with the romantic holiday serving as a chance for loved-up partners to unapologetically share their displays of affection. And while Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have occasionally shocked fans with their public kisses, one such display last year was not as well received.
For Valentine’s Day last year, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex travelled to Vancouver, Canada, for the Invictus Games which was founded by Harry, and during an event, the couple embraced in a public kiss as Meghan put her hands on her husband’s face for the sweet embrace.
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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle shared a PDA moment last Valentine’s Day(Image: PA Archive/PA Images)
Just hours after the PDA moment, Meghan left Canada to fly back to the US to be with their children Archie and Lilibet. The loved-up display was praised by fans as being affectionate and romantic, but it has also led some to wonder why Meghan’s trip was seemingly cut short.
Journalist Amanda Platell, writing before the Duchess of Sussex left, launched scathing criticism at the PDA. The former press secretary to William Hague, the then leader of the British Conservative Party, wrote: “We had a fawning Meghan making doe eyes while looking up at him, clutching his arm and grabbing his face for a very public kiss. No photo-op went unmissed.
“Megs was determined that she and their love affair would take centre-stage, whatever we thought about the heroic men and women this event was actually celebrating. In all my many years as a journalist and former political spin doctor, I cannot recall a more miscalculated and nauseating public display of affection.”
The couple shared a kiss during the 2025 Invictus Games in Canada(Image: Humphrey Nemar)
In her take, published by the Daily Mail, the reporter also claims the PDA was not welcomed by the wounded soldiers and their families at the Games. Ms Platell added: “Another source emphasised that veterans rejected the couple’s stance, stating: ‘Unlike them, veterans and their families do not see themselves as victims.’
“The volunteer added that they were ‘overshadowing the veterans who should be at the centre of it all. This event should be about the veterans, not a royal spectacle…there is a growing frustration over how Harry and Meghan have dominated the narrative.’.. How appalling it is that Harry seems to have to hijacked the ceremony in this way.”
According to PR expert Edward Coram James, the CEO of Go Up, Meghan should have rethought going to the Invictus Games altogether, as he told the Mirror : “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.”
Harry and Meghan are no strangers to PDA, as they appeared loved-up and touchy on the red carpet last year as they attended the World Mental Health Day Gala in New York. Harry placed a hand on Meghan’s lower back as they posed for photos, while Meghan looked lovingly at her husband.
In December last year, the couple made waves as they shared a kiss in Meghan’s holiday Netflix programme, with Harry coming into the kitchen to try a dish his wife made, before they embraced in a short kiss.
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