The Duke of Sussex, according to Wiseman, had a different schedule in mind for the Invictus Games. Harry's trip to the Warrior Games in 2013 served as the inspiration for this strategy. The period Harry had in mind was not entirely known to Wiseman and the team at the time.
In Wiseman's words, "We didn't really realize the timeframe that he had in mind, bearing in mind that was May 2013. We went back to the Warrior Games that afternoon, and he stood on stage at the podium. I think it had been written in his speech to say, 'Look, we'd like to do this.' I think that he'd added his own note that said, 'Next year.' We went rogue. We were like, 'What? Next year.'"
For a considerable period, there were just three or four of them managing the Invictus Foundation, overseeing this ambitious project. They managed to get it up and running by September 2014, and the event took place at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. It was a close call, but they made it happen.
Wiseman also shared his experience of being in the United States with Prince Harry during the Warrior Games, emphasizing that it wasn't a formal meeting. During a casual breakfast discussion, Harry expressed his enthusiasm for what they had witnessed. He proposed the idea of internationalizing the concept, inviting allies and nations from around the world, hosting it at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, and ensuring it had extensive coverage, including being broadcast on the BBC. This was when the grand vision of the Invictus Games began to take shape.
While Harry's dedication to creating an international platform for veterans was evident, the situation has taken a different turn since Meghan Markle's involvement. Wiseman mentioned the influx of emails from fans concerned about the Invictus Foundation's reputation after Invictus Games Germany 2020. Some even requested Harry's removal from his role. However, this decision isn't straightforward due to his instrumental role in its founding. The board of directors is now contemplating a plan that would give him another chance, but it comes with the condition that Meghan Markle does not participate in any more events.
The heart of the matter lies in the couple's approach. Rather than showcasing their commitment to the veterans, they've been criticized for their apparent focus on their own image. For instance, if they had watched their own documentary, "Heart of Invictus," they would have had numerous inspiring stories of veterans to share in their speeches. Instead of talking about unrelated topics, such as milkshakes, they could have celebrated the veterans who had overcome adversity to participate in Invictus. Choosing to wear Invictus gear and blending in as supporters and workers would have demonstrated their genuine care for the veterans in the games.
Moreover, by walking behind the marching veterans, they could have shown their deep respect for those who've sacrificed so much in the ongoing fight for democracy. Actively engaging in the games rather than focusing on the cameras would have demonstrated their genuine interest in the teams. The key was to maintain professionalism throughout, reflecting their dedication to representing Invictus. Unfortunately, their actions, at times, gave the impression that they considered themselves special guests rather than dedicated advocates for the cause. It's a lesson they appear to be slow in learning.
