Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have once again found themselves at the center of controversy, this time involving Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
When the couple first sought refuge in Canada back in 2020, Trudeau was among their most enthusiastic supporters, seemingly rolling out the red carpet for them. At the time, it appeared to be a PR triumph—having internationally renowned royals residing in Canada. However, in just a few short years, the dynamics have shifted dramatically. Fast forward to the present, and the Canadian Prime Minister is conspicuously absent from the Invictus Games, an event hosted in his own country.
Instead of attending in person, Trudeau chose to remain in France, where he was engaged in discussions about artificial intelligence. Remarkably, he opted to watch the opening ceremony from his home rather than attending in person—a stark contrast to the warm camaraderie he shared with Harry during the 2017 Invictus Games in Toronto.
The drastic change in their relationship raises an important question: what happened to cause such a rift? Reports suggest that Harry and Meghan have been actively distancing themselves from Trudeau since 2019, following the resurfacing of images from his past in which he wore blackface. While Trudeau publicly apologized and expressed deep regret for his actions, acknowledging them as a serious lapse in judgment, the Sussexes appeared unwilling to extend the forgiveness they often preach. It is an ironic twist—Harry and Meghan, who frequently advocate for second chances and redemption, seemingly decided to cut ties with Trudeau over a mistake he had taken full responsibility for.
This situation underscores a pattern of behavior that has become all too familiar with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. They have a history of severing ties with individuals they once embraced, often over perceived moral grievances. Trudeau admitted his wrongdoing, apologized sincerely, and took accountability for his past actions, yet that did not appear to be enough for Harry and Meghan. Their selective approach to forgiveness is nothing short of contradictory. It is particularly striking when considering their own past missteps—Harry himself once faced public backlash for wearing a Nazi costume, a controversy he later apologized for and moved past. Yet, when it came to Trudeau, no such grace was extended.
Further complicating matters is Meghan’s past relationship with Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, Justin’s former wife. The two were once close, with Sophie even appearing on Meghan’s now-defunct Spotify podcast, where Meghan referred to her as a “dear friend.” However, when Sophie was recently asked about her current relationship with Meghan, her response was telling—simply stating, “I know her.” Those three words spoke volumes, hinting at yet another friendship that had quietly faded.
The Sussexes' ability to alienate powerful figures is nothing new, but this instance is particularly baffling. Canada was one of the few places that welcomed them with open arms when they stepped back from royal duties, yet they have managed to make things so uncomfortable that even the country’s leader chose to steer clear of their event. The optics of this situation are undeniably poor. The Invictus Games, which should be a celebration of resilience and the indomitable spirit of wounded veterans, are now overshadowed by personal conflicts. Instead of discussing the inspiring stories of the athletes, the focus has once again shifted to the latest chapter in Harry and Meghan’s ongoing drama.
Their lack of diplomatic tact is becoming increasingly evident. Operating on an international stage requires the ability to maintain relationships, even with those one may not fully agree with. This is a skill that senior working royals such as King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince William, and Princess Catherine have mastered. They regularly interact with a diverse range of individuals, some with controversial pasts, yet they navigate these relationships with professionalism and grace. Harry and Meghan, on the other hand, seem to believe they can pick and choose their associations based on an ever-shifting moral high ground.
The irony of their actions cannot be overstated. They frequently lament the lack of forgiveness shown to them by the British royal family and the public, yet they exhibit none of that same understanding when the situation is reversed. Their repeated tendency to alienate key figures has left them increasingly isolated. They have distanced themselves from the royal family, severed ties with many of their former friends, and are now estranging themselves from world leaders. In doing so, they are creating an echo chamber that is becoming progressively smaller.
The practical consequences of this rift with Trudeau should not be underestimated. Canada was widely seen as their fallback option should their California life prove unsustainable. However, by alienating not only the Prime Minister but also his former wife, who was once a key ally, they have made yet another misstep. They continue to burn bridges at a pace far greater than they can build them, making their long-term prospects increasingly precarious.
The stark contrast between the Sussexes and the senior working royals is becoming clearer with each passing controversy. Prince William and Princess Catherine, for example, would never allow personal grievances to interfere with their diplomatic responsibilities. They understand that their roles require them to maintain relationships for the greater good, regardless of personal differences. Their approach is marked by professionalism and a deep understanding of the responsibilities that come with their positions.
The Sussexes, on the other hand, seem intent on doing the opposite. They have turned their backs on the very institutions and individuals that once supported them. They distanced themselves from the royal family, from the British public, and now from Canadian leadership. Their decision to cut ties with Trudeau, despite his sincere apology and acknowledgment of past mistakes, is yet another example of their inability to engage in effective diplomacy.
The timing of this latest controversy is also worth noting. At a time when their professional ventures appear to be struggling—Netflix failing to deliver the high-impact content they promised, Spotify dropping their podcast, and their approval ratings continuing to decline—they needed the Invictus Games to be a resounding success. Instead, they have managed to create yet another diplomatic headache, drawing attention away from the event’s true purpose.
What is perhaps most disappointing is the impact their behavior has on the Invictus Games themselves. The event should be a beacon of hope and resilience, highlighting the incredible strength of wounded service members. Instead, it has been overshadowed by personal grievances and unnecessary feuds. This is a stark departure from the original vision of the games, which were meant to unite and inspire.
Harry, once celebrated for his ability to connect with people from all walks of life, now seems to have lost the diplomatic finesse that made him so beloved. There is little doubt that Meghan’s influence has played a role in this transformation. The once-relatable prince who charmed the world has now become a figure associated with controversy and estrangement. The decision to snub Trudeau bears the hallmarks of Meghan’s influence—her insistence on controlling narratives and cutting off those who do not align with her worldview.
It is deeply ironic that the Sussexes, who have built much of their public persona on the concepts of forgiveness and second chances, refuse to extend the same courtesy to others. Harry, who once asked for forgiveness for his own past mistakes, is now holding others to a standard he himself would struggle to meet. Their continued pattern of burning bridges is not only damaging their reputation but also limiting their future opportunities.
While they continue on this path of self-inflicted isolation, the working royals remain steadfast in their duties, reinforcing their credibility and relevance. Every diplomatic misstep by Harry and Meghan only serves to highlight the professionalism and grace of William, Catherine, and the rest of the royal family. While the Sussexes create unnecessary conflict, the true working royals focus on what truly matters—representing the monarchy with dignity and purpose.
At some point, Harry and Meghan may need to ask themselves whether they are truly victims of circumstance or if they are, in fact, the architects of their own downfall. If one repeatedly finds themselves in conflict with nearly everyone around them, perhaps the problem lies within. The real tragedy in all of this is that the athletes and veterans at the Invictus Games deserve better than to have their achievements overshadowed by personal drama. They are the true heroes, and it is unfortunate that their moment is being clouded by yet another Sussex controversy.
