Meghan’s attendance at Invictus Games will spark ‘tricky situation’ for Harry (Image: Getty)

Meghan Markle’s presence at the Winter Invictus Games 2025 next week will “stir some conversation” with people worrying her presence will distract from the main event, a PR expert has claimed.

Riley Gardiner, founder of No Strings Public Relations, believes Meghan’s attendance could both detract from the event and also shine a spotlight on the games, simultaneously.

Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk, he explained: “Meghan’s attendance at the Winter Invictus Games will obviously stir some conversation, like everything else she does.

“It’s easy to see why people might worry that her presence might distract from the main event which is supposed to highlight the bravery and resilience of the athletes. But on the other hand, Meghan brings attention to causes, so it might actually help shine a bigger spotlight on the Games.”

Regardless of Meghan’s decision to attend or stay in her home in Montecito, the expert thinks “Meghan’s likely to face criticism”.

Meghan has constantly supported Harry at the Invictus Games (Image: Getty)

Riley added it’s a “tricky situation” for Prince Harry: “If she shows up, some might say she’s overshadowing the athletes, while others might argue she’s supporting a great cause. If she stays home, people could accuse her of not backing her husband or the Invictus Games. It’s a tricky situation either way.”

The expert also thinks her presence will be of support to her husband, Prince Harry, who co-founded the Games in 2014 as an international adaptive sports tournament for wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans, as a means for healing.

He said: “As for Harry, I think having Meghan there would provide him with some emotional support. She’s always been a strong advocate for his work with the Invictus Games, and having her there could feel reassuring. But whatever happens, it’s clear they’ll be in it together.”

Although the Duke of Sussex, 40, is no longer a working royal, he continues to be in charge of the Invictus Games organisation, which he launched in 2014 after serving in Afghanistan.

As well as being an opportunity for men and women who serve in the armed forces and veterans to come together and enjoy sports competitively, the Invictus Games Foundation also helps people who were injured in conflict to move forward and focus on their recovery and future.

The Winter Invictus Games 2025 will be held in Canada and the opening ceremony will take place at BC Place Vancouver on February 8.

According to a well-placed source, the Duchess of Sussex, 43, decided to join her husband after PR firm Three Gate Strategies took over the couple’s communications earlier this month with a new direction.

US singer Katy Perry will perform at the opening ceremony along with Grammy-nominated Noah Kahan and Canadian singer Nelly Furtado.

The closing ceremony takes place at Rogers Arena on February 16.

As well as the Invictus Games sports that feature at each event, including indoor rowing, sitting volleyball, swimming, wheelchair rugby and wheelchair basketball, new winter sports will also be introduced. This includes Alpine Skiing and snowboarding, Nordic skiing and biathlon, skeleton, and wheelchair curling.