Prince Harry's Royal Protection Officer assigned to protect Meghan Markle during Invictus

One of Prince Harry’s Royal Protection Officers has been assigned to protecting Meghan Markle during the Invictus Games.

According to Rebecca English of the Daily Mail, one of Harry’s Scotland Yard and taxpayer-funded protection officers was standing close to Meghan in the stairwell by her seat., and this protection is likely to continue.

Royal Protection Officers are tasked with protecting members of The Royal Family both domestically and overseas. They are not assigned to protect citizens but may be deployed to protect the Prime Minister, Government ministers, ambassadors, visiting Heads of State and other individuals deemed to be at risk.

At the Invictus Opening Ceremony on Saturday evening, a team of four bodyguards stood beside Miss Markle, including the Royal Protection Officer.

The fact that the 36-year-old now receives royal protection only further ignites rumours that both she and Prince Harry are now engaged.

Meanwhile a few stands away, Prince Harry was sat beside First Lady of the United States, Melania Trump, and Governor General of Canada, David Johnston. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife, Sophie were in the row in front.

As the Opening Ceremony of the Invictus Games is an official engagement, Prince Harry sat with other dignitaries and took to the stage at the end of the evening to speak to those assembled.

In addition to this, it is both Harry and Meghan’s intention for the event to be focused on the athletes rather than themselves.

Harry gave an inspirational speech at the end of the Opening Ceremony saying: “You are proving anything is possible, you are Invictus.”

After his speech and ahead of the conclusion of the ceremony, Meghan was escorted out of the arena by the PPO, Rebecca English also reported.

Royal Central is reporting live from Toronto for the duration of the Invictus Games. Do keep checking our website for the latest news and updates.