Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were spotted in a warm exchange with Princess Kate’s former royal aide Nick Loughran at the Invictus Games in Vancouver on Sunday.
The couple were seen chatting animatedly with Loughran whilst watching Wheelchair Curling at the Hillcrest Recreation Centre.
Loughran, who previously served as a senior aide to the Prince and Princess of Wales until 2016, was photographed shaking hands with Meghan, 43, as Harry, 40, made the introductions.
Loughran left his position at Kensington Palace in 2016, though he has denied this was due to alleged romantic entanglements.
Princess Kate’s former aide rubs shoulders with Meghan and Harry at Invictus Games
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His departure came three months after it was alleged he had ended a relationship with Kate’s aide Rebecca Deacon to begin dating Clara Madden, who worked as Prince Harry’s assistant.
Madden previously worked for William and Kate, who met her parents during their 2014 New Zealand visit.
Loughran went on to marry Madden, who later received a Member of the Royal Victorian Order honour on Harry’s recommendation.
Now director of communications company Integra Group, Loughran has maintained a close friendship with Prince Harry since his Palace days.
Nick Loughran pictured behind Princess Kate in 2013
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A 2022 royal book, “Courtiers: The Hidden Power Behind the Crown”, revealed their informal relationship, with Loughran noting he addressed Harry by his first name.
After leaving Kensington Palace, Loughran worked as associate director at Freuds PR firm for four years, followed by a role at Grosvenor, before joining Integra Group in 2021.
In one notable moment, Harry was seen pointing towards Loughran as Meghan leaned across to shake his hand.
The trio appeared at ease, with Meghan and Loughran engaging in an animated conversation while Harry sat between them.
Prince Harry introducing Meghan Markle to Nick Loughran
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Nick Loughran was pictured shaking hands with Meghan Markle
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The friendly exchange took place as they watched the Wheelchair Curling competition, where Team UK would later secure their first medal of the games.
The couple was visibly enthusiastic throughout the match, displaying animated support for the competitors.
The Invictus Games in Vancouver will run for nine days, featuring more than 500 competitors from 23 nations.
Athletes will compete in core sports including indoor rowing, sitting volleyball, swimming, wheelchair rugby and wheelchair basketball.