An athlete at the Invictus Games had nothing but praise for Meghan Markle, calling her “really caring” and “so down to earth” after meeting her in person.

Several competitors shared their positive experiences with the Duchess of Sussex, who spent time engaging with them before heading home solo on Tuesday. Bryce Ewing, an athlete who competes in snowboarding, rowing, and swimming, expressed his admiration: “When Meghan looks at you, she really looks at you, and you feel it in your soul. She’s really caring. She’s very intuitive. She’s so down to earth, and she looks like she really cares.”

Leandra Moehring, a Team USA athlete competing in skiing, rowing, skeleton, and swimming, recalled a lighthearted moment with Meghan. “We told her we saw her on Suits. And she’s like, ‘I’m sorry I’m not wearing a pencil skirt.'”

Speaking to People magazine, Moehring added, “They [Harry and Meghan] really took the time with each and every one of us. And despite people who are trying to keep them on schedule, they just did not mind taking pictures at all. And it was just super neat.”

Prince Harry, now 40, remains in Canada as the tournament wraps up on Sunday, while his 43-year-old wife, Meghan, has returned to California to be with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

Despite her early departure, the Duchess of Sussex still took time to share lighthearted moments with Team USA competitors and fans. One supporter, Cynthia Phelps, recalled: “She said her kids were at home and she missed them.”

According to aides, Meghan’s early return was always part of the plan, just as it had been for previous games. However, it does mean she and Harry will be spending Valentine’s Day apart, despite their affectionate display at the Games earlier in the week.

A source explained: “This was always planned. Meghan is going home to be with her children. Meghan left the games in Dusseldorf early after five days to go home. This is Prince Harry’s event and she is there to support him, but this was planned.”

Prince Harry co-founded the Invictus Games in 2014 after witnessing firsthand the power of sports to aid in both physical and psychological recovery during his visit to the Warrior Games in the U.S. Since its inception, the event has been hosted in various cities worldwide, including its debut in London in 2014 and later in Sydney in 2018.