Eco-warriors Prince Harry and Meghan Markle returned to California after a Canadian farewell in which they were serenaded with a rewritten version of singer Michael Bublé’s My Way.
The pair were seen boarding the same Bombardier Execujet charter plane on which they arrived at Vancouver International Airport at 8.20am on Saturday morning.
The luggage was brought on board at 8:00 a.m. and the plane took off for Santa Barbara shortly after 8:30 a.m.
The duo has been on a three-day tour of Whistler and Vancouver to mark one year ahead of the 2025 edition taking place at the ski resort.
Eco-warriors Prince Harry and Meghan Markle returned to California after a Canadian farewell in which they were serenaded with a rewritten version of singer Michael Bublé’s My Way.
The pair were seen boarding the same Bombardier Execujet charter plane on which they arrived at Vancouver International Airport at 8.20am on Saturday morning.
The duo has been on a three-day tour of Whistler and Vancouver to mark one year ahead of the 2025 edition taking place at the ski resort.
The luggage was brought on board at 8:00 a.m. and the plane took off for Santa Barbara shortly after 8:30 a.m.
Last night, the couple attended the One Year to Go dinner at the Vancouver Convention Centre, where Meghan, 42, stunned in an olive green one-shoulder dress by Canadian designer Greta Constantine and Manolo Blahnik heels.
Harry dressed in a smart black suit and tie and smiled as he listened to Bublé, 48, sing a reworked version of My Way that referenced him. Bublé’s version also included a nod to King Charles III’s illness in the line “our healing wishes for your father” and described Harry as a “visionary.”
The full lyrics read: “Who knew, dreams can come true, when life tells you that you’re far from done.” Nothing tames, Invictus Games, you play your way. A man, a life-changing plan, he does everything he can, he is a visionary. Our healing wishes for your dad. You have earned every day the right to say, “I did it my way.”
Meghan and Harry were expected to return to their home in Montecito, California, after three days of Invictus Games events in Whistler and Vancouver, but extended their trip by one night to enjoy a party with athletes and organizers.
Although it is not part of the official program and is intended to take place away from the media, the gala, which will be held at the Vancouver Convention Centre, was marked with black and gold Invictus banners.
Meghan and Harry were expected to return to their home in Montecito, California, after three days of Invictus Games events in Whistler and Vancouver, but extended their trip by one night to enjoy a party with athletes and organizers.
Although it is not part of the official calendar and is intended to take place away from the media, the gala, held at the Vancouver Convention Centre, was marked with black and gold Invictus banners.
In his speech, Prince Harry talked about the Invictus Games and mentioned how much he was looking forward to next year’s event.
Bublé said it was emotional for him to be there and he loved that “we were able to show Harry and Meghan how beautiful this place is.”
Towards the end of the night, the crowd applauded when Prince Harry took the stage, who joked that he was going to start singing before welcoming Bublé to the stage.
Bublé said it was emotional for him to be there and he loved that “we get to show Harry and Meghan how beautiful this place is.”
In his speech, Prince Harry talked about the Invictus Games and mentioned how much he was looking forward to next year’s event.
Prince Harry said: “These games have been very well received by our Four Host First Nations, who have opened their arms and lands to each of us, not just tonight but in the run-up to next year’s Games and throughout they”.
‘This year will mark ten years since the Invictus Games. The last decade has been a testament to the power of resilience and the unbreakable spirit that you all exemplify. And boy have we had fun along the way!
Left to right: Squamish Nation Councilor Wilson Williams, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Tsleil-Waututh Nation Chief Jen Thomas, and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, exchange greetings after receiving blankets during dinner in Vancouver on Friday.
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, speaks during the Invictus Games “One Year to Go” dinner in Vancouver on Friday, February 16, 2024 Invictus Gala, Vancouver
The audience gave a standing ovation when Prince Harry took the stage, who joked that he was going to start singing before welcoming Bublé to the stage.
Prince Harry appeared pensive walking down a hallway at the event on Friday night. Megan smiled.
Bublé went on to perform a rewritten version of Frank Sinatra’s ‘My Way’ filled with nods to Prince Harry.
‘The Invictus Games are not just a competition; They are a way of life, a celebration of the human spirit.
‘Games provide us with a platform to showcase our skills, inspire the world and honor the sacrifices of those we have lost.
‘It is a reminder that we are not defined by our injuries, but by our strength, our commitment and our ability to overcome adversity.
‘Invictus is not necessarily about winning a medal, but about the bonds that are built between nations; about the shared recovery journey of which the competitors and their families are part.
‘As we continue to prepare for next year, let us remember the words of William Ernest Henley, the poet whose work gives its name to The Invictus Games.
“I am the master of my destiny; I am the captain of my soul.” Let us embrace these words and continue to inspire each other and the world with courage, leadership and strength.”
He also referenced truth and reconciliation in a possible nod to his own family, saying: ‘Our collective journey through truth and reconciliation is important to all of us, and as we come here to learn, my hope is that we can leave and return as friends.’
Approximately 200 people attended, and the duke and duchess were led by representatives of the Tsleil-Waututh nation, who sang and played drums in traditional dress.