Prince Harry and Meghan visit the traditional territory of the Lil'wat Nation to meet Chief Gélpcal and a wheelchair basketball program – before being presented with a custom-made basket and hand-carved cedar art to give strength

Prince Harry and Meghan visited the Mount Currie Community Center on the traditional territory of the Lil'wat Nation as part of their multi-day trip through Canada.

The Duke and Chief Dean Nelson joined students and young adults in a game of wheelchair basketball Thursday morning, with government officials, Invictus community members and partners cheering them on from the sidelines.

Upon their arrival at the center in British Columbia, the couple received a traditional welcome and several symbolic gifts, including a hand-carved cedar work of art to represent strength and a traditional basket that takes more than a year to make .

“The couple was humbled to be invited and expressed their deepest gratitude to Chief Nelson, Chief Gélpcal and the people of the Lil'wat Nation for their generous hospitality and kindness,” a spokesperson said.

The event aligned with Invictus Games 2025's goal to collaborate with local First Nations – the Líl̓wat, Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Wauth.

Later in the day, Prince Harry enjoyed a thrilling ride around a skeleton bobsled track in Whistler on the second day of the British Columbia leg of the trip.

The 38-year-old reached an impressive top speed of 62 miles per hour during his daring adventure – a feat that even left his wife Meghan, 42, expressing her awe, telling fellow spectators she was “in awe” of her husband's achievements. skills.

Although Meghan didn't take part in the bobsleigh fun at the Whistler Sliding Centre, she was able to enjoy every aspect of her husband's ride as he stepped off the sled – before enthusiastically re-enacting his exhilarating ride for his wife and Invictus volunteers after he was picked up . out.

On Thursday evening, the Sussexes visited the Squamish Líl̓wat Cultural Centre, where they met the four artists who created the logo for next year's sporting event.

One of the artists, Levi Nelson, wrote on Facebook: 'I met a prince on Valentine's Day! “I had the honor of meeting the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan, this evening in Whistler to discuss the significance of the design for the 2025 Invictus Games.”

He added: 'What a moment, it felt like a dream, I could barely remember what I said. They were so friendly that I even walked and talked with Meghan for a while. Prince Harry was so impressed with the design and said it was his favorite!

“It felt special that they gave the time to have an audience with me and the other performers, because as soon as we walked into the SLCC's S'Istken Hall with them, they were swamped, and then I had to start hobnobbing with the other hobnobs. '

Prince Harry and Meghan have criticized their new website and royal rebranding, defiantly insisting they 'won't break the bank'.

The couple, who have been embroiled in a series of controversies this week, released the extraordinary statement on Thursday evening.

They have come under fire over the website in recent days, particularly Meghan's coat of arms – which critics claim is a breach of their promise to the late Queen Elizabeth when they bitterly resigned from their royal duties.

And their decision to change the surnames of their children Archie and Lilibet to Sussex has also raised eyebrows among royal watchers.

The moves have led to a new round of criticism of the Duke and Duchess and renewed calls for the duo to have their titles removed.

But on Thursday evening, a representative for Harry and Meghan came forward with suggestions that these were the last chances for them to regain popularity and success.

The source said: “We've heard time and time again that certain opportunities will make or break the couple's fortunes.

'They're still there. They are still working and pursuing what they believe in, despite being constantly challenged and criticized.”

“This couple will not be broken,” the rep added to the Mirror.

Harry and Meghan spent Valentine's Day in Whistler, promoting the next Invictus Games while being followed by a film crew.

It was their first public appearance since the announcement of King Charles' cancer diagnosis.

The couple are currently in an ongoing feud over their rebranded 'royal' website Sussex.com – complete with Meghan's coat of arms – which critics claim is a breach of their promise to the late Queen when they bitterly stepped down from their royal duties.

Sources say the couple have not consulted palace officials about the use of their Sussex titles.

A source close to the couple defended the use of their royal titles, saying: 'Prince Harry and Meghan are the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. That's a fact. It's their last name and family name.'