During that period, Prince Harry's exact timeline for the project was not entirely clear to Wiseman and the team. In Wiseman's own words, they didn't fully grasp the timeframe Harry had in mind, especially given that this revelation occurred in May 2013 when they returned to the Warrior Games. Prince Harry stood on stage at the podium, expressing his desire to pursue this endeavor, seemingly departing from the established plans. Wiseman recalled that there was a sense of spontaneity, with Prince Harry adding a note that read "next year we went rogue," prompting the team to wonder about the implications of such a declaration.
For a considerable period, there were only three or four individuals managing the Invictus Foundation, overseeing this ambitious project. However, they managed to bring their vision to life by September 2014, with the event taking place at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. It was a close call, but they successfully made it happen. Wiseman also shared a poignant moment of being in the United States with Prince Harry during the Warrior Games, emphasizing that it wasn't a formal meeting. Over a casual breakfast discussion, Prince Harry expressed his enthusiasm for what they had witnessed, proposing the idea of internationalizing the concept.
His vision included inviting allies and nations from around the world, hosting the event at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, and ensuring extensive media coverage, including broadcast on the BBC. This marked the genesis of the grand vision of the Invictus Games. Prince Harry's dedication to creating an international platform for veterans was evident from the start.
However, the situation has taken a different turn with Meghan Markle's involvement. Wiseman mentioned a surge of emails from concerned fans regarding the reputation of the Invictus Foundation, particularly after the 2020 Invictus Games in Germany. Some even called for Harry's removal from the organization. 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 crux of the matter lies in the couple's approach. Instead of showcasing their commitment to veterans, they have been criticized for seemingly focusing on their own image. For instance, they could have drawn inspiration from their own documentary, "Heart of Invictus," to share numerous inspiring stories of veterans in their speeches, rather than discussing unrelated topics like milkshakes.
By wearing Invictus gear and blending in with supporters and participants, they could have demonstrated their genuine care for the veterans in the games. Moreover, actively engaging in the games and prioritizing their involvement over camera appearances would have showcased their sincere 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 appears to be a lesson they are taking time to learn.
