Meghan and Harry hit the 2017 Invictus Games

Prince Harry flew into Toronto, Canada this weekend for the start of the 2017 Invictus Games – but his girlfriend Meghan Markle didn't get to sit with him at the opening ceremony.

Harry sat next to America's First Lady, Melania Trump. Source: Australscope
Harry sat next to America's First Lady, Melania Trump. Source: Australscope

While Harry got a great spot in the VIP area, sitting with the American First Lady Melania Trump, Meghan was relegated to a second-tier location in the stands with the plebs.

Meghan had ok seats – but they weren't next to Harry. Source: Australscope
Meghan had ok seats – but they weren't next to Harry. Source: Australscope

She was seated next to good friend Markus Anderson, who is believed to have introduced the couple last year.

Meghan was allowed to bring her friend Markus. Source: Australscope
Meghan was allowed to bring her friend Markus. Source: Australscope

Markus is a consultant for upmarket club and hotel consortium Soho House Group – he was formerly the global membership director at the exclusive club where he worked his way up from being a waiter.

Meghan brought her friend Markus Anderson. Source: Australscope
Meghan brought her friend Markus Anderson. Source: Australscope

And judging from Meghan's excited expressions, she wasn't too fazed by the seating arrangements.

Meghan seemed to be having a whale of a time with her pal Markus Anderson. Source: Australscope
Meghan seemed to be having a whale of a time with her pal Markus Anderson. Source: Australscope

Harry impressed the crowd with a heartfelt speech explaining why he's so passionate about the Invictus Games, which enable returned and injured servicemen and women to compete.

Harry and Meghan were seated quite a way from each other. Source: Australscope
Harry and Meghan were seated quite a way from each other. Source: Australscope
Here, Harry and Meghan are circled. A long away apart. Source: Australscope
Here, Harry and Meghan are circled. A long away apart. Source: Australscope

The prince explained he felt compelled to raise awareness of the sacrifices made by servicemen and women.

Harry made chitchat with Melania but no doubt would have preferred to have sat next to his girlfriend Meghan. Source: Australscope
Harry made chitchat with Melania but no doubt would have preferred to have sat next to his girlfriend Meghan. Source: Australscope

Having served as a helicopter pilot in Afghanistan, Harry described his experience aboard a harrowing flight back in 2008.

"As I was waiting on board the plane, the coffin of a Danish soldier was loaded on by his friends," Harry said.

"Once on the flight, I was confronted with three British soldiers, all in induced comas with missing limbs and wrapped in plastic.

"The way I viewed service and sacrifice changed forever and the direction of my life changed with it.

"I knew it was my responsibility to use the great platform that I have to help the world understand, and be inspired by, the spirit of those who wear the uniform."

Meghan solemnly applauded Harry's speech. Source: Australscope
Meghan solemnly applauded Harry's speech. Source: Australscope

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