Nick Loughran, former communications aide to Prince William and Kate Middleton, has made headlines again after being seen alongside Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the 2025 Invictus Games in Canada. The appearance of the former royal staffer with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex has sparked speculation, especially given the circumstances surrounding his departure from Kensington Palace in 2016. The Invictus Games, founded by Prince Harry in 2014, aim to support the rehabilitation and inclusion of wounded veterans through sports. This year’s edition, held in Vancouver and Whistler, introduced new winter sports, further cementing its significance as a major international event for injured servicemen and women.
Loughran’s presence with the Sussexes reignited discussions about his controversial exit from the royal household, which was accompanied by rumors of a love triangle involving key palace staff members. He had been in a two-year relationship with Rebecca Deacon, Kate Middleton’s private secretary, before reportedly pursuing a romantic involvement with Clara Madden, Prince Harry’s assistant. Although his departure from Kensington Palace was never officially attributed to the scandal, it was widely speculated to be a contributing factor.
At the Invictus Games, Loughran was seen engaging in friendly conversation with Harry and Meghan. The three watched a wheelchair curling match together at the Hillcrest Recreation Centre, exchanging greetings and chatting throughout the event. This interaction suggests that despite the passage of time and shifts within the royal family, Loughran and Prince Harry have maintained a close bond.
Nick Loughran’s Role in the Royal Household
Nick Loughran served as a communications aide at Kensington Palace, working closely with both Prince William and Prince Harry, as well as Kate Middleton. His responsibilities included managing their public image, handling media relations, and organizing press engagements. While his professional relationship with Prince William was described as formal, he reportedly had a more personal and informal connection with Prince Harry.
Loughran transitioned from royal service to the private sector in 2016, shortly after his rumored involvement in the internal palace romance. He is currently the director of the Integra Group, a communications consultancy firm. His appearance at the 2025 Invictus Games has raised questions about whether he could be involved in future collaborations with Harry and Meghan, who have been actively building their independent brand since stepping away from royal duties in 2020.
Invictus Games 2025: Expanding the Legacy
The 2025 Invictus Games mark a major expansion for the event, incorporating winter sports for the first time. The competition, originally focused on adaptive sports for injured service members, now includes disciplines that challenge athletes in snow and ice environments. The lineup for the 2025 edition features:
- Wheelchair curling
- Wheelchair basketball
- Adaptive swimming
- Indoor rowing
- Adaptive weightlifting
- Alpine skiing and snowboarding (new for 2025)
- Sled hockey (new for 2025)
The introduction of winter sports broadens the accessibility of the games, allowing more athletes with various disabilities to participate. This year’s edition welcomed over 500 competitors from approximately 20 countries, further strengthening the global reach of the initiative.
Harry and Meghan’s Continued Ties with Former Royal Staff
Since stepping down as senior members of the royal family in 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have continued to engage with several former royal aides. Loughran is just one of the many who have maintained ties with the couple. Other former palace staffers who have worked with Harry and Meghan include:
- James Holt: Former Kensington Palace communications aide, now working with the Archewell Foundation.
- Sara Latham: Previously part of Meghan’s team as a duchess, now in the private sector.
- Jason Knauf: Once a key figure in royal communications, though his involvement with the couple ended on a more contentious note.
The Sussexes’ ongoing relationships with former royal staff have been analyzed for their impact on their post-royal initiatives, which include media productions, philanthropy, and strategic communications.
The Impact of Harry and Meghan’s Exit from the Royal Family
The departure of Prince Harry and Meghan from the royal fold in 2020 significantly altered the structure of the monarchy. No longer dependent on royal funding, the couple has embarked on numerous independent projects, including:
- Collaborations with major streaming platforms for documentaries and series.
- Establishing the Archewell Foundation, which supports social and humanitarian causes.
- Advocacy for mental health and veterans’ support programs.
Loughran’s public appearance with the Sussexes at the Invictus Games indicates that their network of former royal aides remains an integral part of their evolving endeavors.
The Significance of the Invictus Games for the Military Community
The Invictus Games have earned international recognition for their profound impact on the recovery and rehabilitation of wounded servicemen and women. Since the inaugural event in 2014, the competition has provided a platform for resilience, motivation, and camaraderie. Key benefits include:
- Boosting self-esteem: Many participants express feelings of empowerment and accomplishment.
- Promoting mental health: Engaging in sports has been shown to aid psychological recovery for veterans.
- Building support networks: The event fosters a sense of unity among military personnel from different nations.
With the expansion of the 2025 edition, even more athletes are expected to benefit from the program’s opportunities for adaptive sports.
Interesting Facts About the Invictus Games
- Meaning of the name: “Invictus” means “unconquered” in Latin, symbolizing the resilience of the competitors.
- First edition: The inaugural games took place in London in 2014.
- Global reach: Previous host countries include the USA, Canada, Australia, the Netherlands, and now Canada again for 2025.
- Women’s participation: An increasing number of female veterans are competing in the games each year.
- Celebrity support: Besides Harry and Meghan, many prominent figures, including political leaders and renowned athletes, have championed the initiative.
Timeline of Nick Loughran’s Royal Involvement
- 2013: Joins Kensington Palace as a communications aide.
- 2015: His name becomes entangled in rumors of a love triangle involving royal staff.
- 2016: Officially departs from royal service to enter the private sector.
- 2025: Publicly reappears with Harry and Meghan at the Invictus Games.
Key Statistics on the Invictus Games
- First edition: 2014 (London)
- Estimated number of athletes in 2025: 500
- Number of participating countries: Around 20
- Total sports included: 10, with winter sports added for the first time
- 2025 host cities: Vancouver and Whistler, Canada
The reappearance of Nick Loughran alongside Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the 2025 Invictus Games highlights the enduring influence of the couple both within and outside the royal sphere. The event, which continues to expand in scope and impact, remains a testament to Harry’s commitment to supporting injured servicemen and women. Meanwhile, Loughran’s journey from royal communications aide to private-sector executive raises questions about potential future collaborations with the Sussexes.

Nick Loughran, former communications aide to Prince William and Kate Middleton, has made headlines again after being seen alongside Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the 2025 Invictus Games in Canada. The appearance of the former royal staffer with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex has sparked speculation, especially given the circumstances surrounding his departure from Kensington Palace in 2016. The Invictus Games, founded by Prince Harry in 2014, aim to support the rehabilitation and inclusion of wounded veterans through sports. This year’s edition, held in Vancouver and Whistler, introduced new winter sports, further cementing its significance as a major international event for injured servicemen and women.
Loughran’s presence with the Sussexes reignited discussions about his controversial exit from the royal household, which was accompanied by rumors of a love triangle involving key palace staff members. He had been in a two-year relationship with Rebecca Deacon, Kate Middleton’s private secretary, before reportedly pursuing a romantic involvement with Clara Madden, Prince Harry’s assistant. Although his departure from Kensington Palace was never officially attributed to the scandal, it was widely speculated to be a contributing factor.
At the Invictus Games, Loughran was seen engaging in friendly conversation with Harry and Meghan. The three watched a wheelchair curling match together at the Hillcrest Recreation Centre, exchanging greetings and chatting throughout the event. This interaction suggests that despite the passage of time and shifts within the royal family, Loughran and Prince Harry have maintained a close bond.
Nick Loughran’s Role in the Royal Household
Nick Loughran served as a communications aide at Kensington Palace, working closely with both Prince William and Prince Harry, as well as Kate Middleton. His responsibilities included managing their public image, handling media relations, and organizing press engagements. While his professional relationship with Prince William was described as formal, he reportedly had a more personal and informal connection with Prince Harry.
Loughran transitioned from royal service to the private sector in 2016, shortly after his rumored involvement in the internal palace romance. He is currently the director of the Integra Group, a communications consultancy firm. His appearance at the 2025 Invictus Games has raised questions about whether he could be involved in future collaborations with Harry and Meghan, who have been actively building their independent brand since stepping away from royal duties in 2020.
Invictus Games 2025: Expanding the Legacy
The 2025 Invictus Games mark a major expansion for the event, incorporating winter sports for the first time. The competition, originally focused on adaptive sports for injured service members, now includes disciplines that challenge athletes in snow and ice environments. The lineup for the 2025 edition features:
- Wheelchair curling
- Wheelchair basketball
- Adaptive swimming
- Indoor rowing
- Adaptive weightlifting
- Alpine skiing and snowboarding (new for 2025)
- Sled hockey (new for 2025)
The introduction of winter sports broadens the accessibility of the games, allowing more athletes with various disabilities to participate. This year’s edition welcomed over 500 competitors from approximately 20 countries, further strengthening the global reach of the initiative.
Harry and Meghan’s Continued Ties with Former Royal Staff
Since stepping down as senior members of the royal family in 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have continued to engage with several former royal aides. Loughran is just one of the many who have maintained ties with the couple. Other former palace staffers who have worked with Harry and Meghan include:
- James Holt: Former Kensington Palace communications aide, now working with the Archewell Foundation.
- Sara Latham: Previously part of Meghan’s team as a duchess, now in the private sector.
- Jason Knauf: Once a key figure in royal communications, though his involvement with the couple ended on a more contentious note.
The Sussexes’ ongoing relationships with former royal staff have been analyzed for their impact on their post-royal initiatives, which include media productions, philanthropy, and strategic communications.
The Impact of Harry and Meghan’s Exit from the Royal Family
The departure of Prince Harry and Meghan from the royal fold in 2020 significantly altered the structure of the monarchy. No longer dependent on royal funding, the couple has embarked on numerous independent projects, including:
- Collaborations with major streaming platforms for documentaries and series.
- Establishing the Archewell Foundation, which supports social and humanitarian causes.
- Advocacy for mental health and veterans’ support programs.
Loughran’s public appearance with the Sussexes at the Invictus Games indicates that their network of former royal aides remains an integral part of their evolving endeavors.
The Significance of the Invictus Games for the Military Community
The Invictus Games have earned international recognition for their profound impact on the recovery and rehabilitation of wounded servicemen and women. Since the inaugural event in 2014, the competition has provided a platform for resilience, motivation, and camaraderie. Key benefits include:
- Boosting self-esteem: Many participants express feelings of empowerment and accomplishment.
- Promoting mental health: Engaging in sports has been shown to aid psychological recovery for veterans.
- Building support networks: The event fosters a sense of unity among military personnel from different nations.
With the expansion of the 2025 edition, even more athletes are expected to benefit from the program’s opportunities for adaptive sports.
Interesting Facts About the Invictus Games
- Meaning of the name: “Invictus” means “unconquered” in Latin, symbolizing the resilience of the competitors.
- First edition: The inaugural games took place in London in 2014.
- Global reach: Previous host countries include the USA, Canada, Australia, the Netherlands, and now Canada again for 2025.
- Women’s participation: An increasing number of female veterans are competing in the games each year.
- Celebrity support: Besides Harry and Meghan, many prominent figures, including political leaders and renowned athletes, have championed the initiative.
Timeline of Nick Loughran’s Royal Involvement
- 2013: Joins Kensington Palace as a communications aide.
- 2015: His name becomes entangled in rumors of a love triangle involving royal staff.
- 2016: Officially departs from royal service to enter the private sector.
- 2025: Publicly reappears with Harry and Meghan at the Invictus Games.
Key Statistics on the Invictus Games
- First edition: 2014 (London)
- Estimated number of athletes in 2025: 500
- Number of participating countries: Around 20
- Total sports included: 10, with winter sports added for the first time
- 2025 host cities: Vancouver and Whistler, Canada
The reappearance of Nick Loughran alongside Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the 2025 Invictus Games highlights the enduring influence of the couple both within and outside the royal sphere. The event, which continues to expand in scope and impact, remains a testament to Harry’s commitment to supporting injured servicemen and women. Meanwhile, Loughran’s journey from royal communications aide to private-sector executive raises questions about potential future collaborations with the Sussexes.
