Let's establish one undeniable fact, without room for dispute or argument – the Invictus Games are undeniably extraordinary.
The participation of wounded, injured, and sick military personnel, both active-duty and veterans, along with the Games themselves, showcase an awe-inspiring testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
Are we all in agreement? On the same wavelength? Excellent.
However, when we shift our focus to the fortunes of the Games' founder, Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, the picture gets complex, tangled, and uncertain.
The release of the initial trailer for Harry's executive-produced documentary series on the games, titled 'Heart of Invictus,' has ignited a collective sense of hope, coupled with an air of apprehension. It's time to clasp those rosary beads, hold on to that rabbit's foot, and retrieve that solid gold four-leaf clover from the drawer.
Because this is it. This is Prince Harry's final roll of the dice. His ultimate attempt to prevent his post-royal and post-truth career from plummeting off the precipice of public perception, sparing him from transitioning from a celebrated Samaritan to a somewhat diminished celebrity, and from being a revered advocate to descending into the realm of forgotten figures.
In just over three years, the Sussexes may have accumulated more luxury items than one could imagine and secured more People magazine covers than the Kardashian-Jenner empire, but in the United States, their journey to gain widespread respect and support continues to be a formidable challenge.
Consider the newsworthy event of their popularity ratings slightly rebounding into positive territory this year, indicating the depth of the slump they faced post-Harry & Meghan and the infamous 'Spare' interview. Furthermore, Gallup's polling shows that Prince William reigns as the most favorably viewed public figure in the United States.
The onus for this predicament lies with the duke and duchess themselves. Their focus shifted from building a truly transformative, impactful charity powerhouse to exploiting emotional wounds and family discord for commercial gain.
They made the choice to commodify their grievances, capitalizing on mass-market appeal, driven by a mix of self-righteous indignation and the need for financial sustenance.
While the duke and duchess waged a public relations battle against the establishment, they squandered the cultural momentum they had gained in 2020.
This brings us to where we stand now. With Prince Harry and Meghan straddling complex positions in the American public consciousness, known more for their familial turmoil than for their impactful contributions.
Enter 'Heart of Invictus.' This limited series represents Prince Harry's best and perhaps only opportunity to redefine his image, shedding the perception of a petulant, privileged young man who spent his grandmother's final years airing grievances against his own family.
'Heart of Invictus' may very well serve as a pivotal turning point for Harry, a much-needed course correction. The series is crafted by the acclaimed duo of director Orlando von Einsiedel and producer Joanna Natasegara, delivering a trailer that resonates deeply and is visually captivating.
If I were to wager a guess, and I am no stranger to betting, I'd predict that a shiny gold accolade will find its way into Harry's hands next year.
Yet, there are two critical considerations. First, is this another instance of a fleeting success, akin to 'Spare' or 'Harry & Meghan'? Upon their arrival in the US in 2020, the couple had a ready-made trove of charitable endeavors, tailor-made for the polished treatment offered by Netflix. In essence, he didn't have to conjure up new ideas or seek fresh subject matter on his own.
The Invictus Games stand as a testament to the incredible achievements possible when a man bears a noble title, wields the influence of an ancient institution, and possesses an unrivaled, unparalleled ability to captivate.
Now, let's grapple with a weighty question of existence: With his detachment from the Crown and the loss of his HRH status, can Prince Harry, now residing in Montecito, ever replicate the profound impact and life-altering change he brought through the Games? The question looms large, challenging the potential of Montecito's most renowned resident to generate such immense significance for countless individuals without the regal resources at his disposal.
Meghan, too, faces a similar quandary. In her brief 20-month tenure within the royal realm, she championed causes like SmartWorks through a fundraising clothing collection, contributed to a charitable cookbook, and delivered one of modern royal history's most poignant speeches. ("I am here with you as a mother, as a wife, as a woman, as a woman of colour, and as your sister. I am here with you, and I am here for you.")
In the months, years, and decades ahead, this challenge remains before the duke and duchess – to continue forging meaningful paths while navigating the continuous pursuit of financial stability.
Nevertheless, a monumental task awaits the duchess' stylist. As we look ahead, a spectacular dress shall be required for the forthcoming Golden Globes and, indeed, for the looming Emmys as well. The spotlight awaits, and it seems clear that a stellar ensemble is in order.
