The Duchess of Sussex is facing criticism for seemingly moving an Invictus Games attendee’s wheelchair without asking first.
During a gathering with Team Canada at the True Patriot Love Foundation breakfast, Meghan Markle, 43, and Prince Harry, 40, engaged in lively conversation with athletes and their families ahead of the 2025 Invictus Games.
At one point, Meghan, in what appeared to be a well-meaning gesture, adjusted a team member’s wheelchair to position them for a photo—though she didn’t seem to seek their consent first.
A short clip shared on Meghan’s Instagram shows the individual pausing mid-conversation as the Duchess moves them closer to the group.
The moment has sparked backlash among wheelchair users on X. One person wrote: “My daughter is in a wheelchair, and someone else trying to move it is a huge NO! Their wheelchair is an extension of themselves. Meghan is in her personal space and needs to stop.”
Others echoed the sentiment, with one calling it “so rude and disrespectful!”
The athlete seemed to pause mid-sentence as Meghan adjusted her for a photo.
Meanwhile, some online observers questioned the moment. “Isn’t that woman in the wheelchair an athlete? Why does she need to be pushed?” one person asked.
Another chimed in, criticizing the action: “I’ve had that happen. It’s very rude to presume you can just push someone without asking if they require assistance. Disabled doesn’t mean dumb.”
A fourth commenter noted: “Some of the onlookers look horrified too.”
This comes after Meghan Markle delivered what some are calling the perfect response to Donald Trump’s recent remarks about her marriage to Prince Harry. At the Invictus Games’ opening ceremony, she put on a “breathless” display of affection—one that signaled she is both deeply in love and, crucially, deeply loved.
Body language expert Judi James, who analyzed the couple’s interactions at the ceremony in Vancouver, noted that the Duchess of Sussex seemed determined to showcase a romantic, united front.
Earlier this week, former U.S. president Donald Trump took a swipe at Meghan, suggesting he wouldn’t personally challenge Prince Harry on his immigration status, adding with a smirk: “He’s got enough problems with his wife… She’s terrible.”
