However, just three days into the event, on April 12th, Jaguar Land Rover issued a press statement announcing the immediate termination of their sponsorship of the Invictus Games, along with the withdrawal of all funding. This sudden move left organizers in a difficult position halfway through the event, as they were left with no funds to cover necessary expenses for the remaining athletes and support staff. Urgent meetings were held to find alternative funding to ensure the continuation of the games.
The withdrawal of sponsorship by Jaguar Land Rover sparked outrage and speculation, with many attributing it to Meghan Markle's presence at the opening ceremony. Some believed it was a reaction to her appearance, considering Jaguar Land Rover's discontent with Prince Harry and Meghan's decision to step back as senior working royals in early 2020. Reports suggested that Sir Ralph Speth, the CEO at the time, was displeased with Meghan's involvement in an event closely associated with the royal family.
While new sponsors and emergency funding from the German and Dutch governments and smaller sponsors ensured the completion of the remaining competitions, the incident tarnished the spirit of the games. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle refrained from directly addressing the controversy but expressed gratitude to the new sponsors while expressing disappointment at Jaguar Land Rover's abrupt withdrawal.
Jaguar Land Rover did not provide specific reasons for their decision, maintaining that it was due to unforeseen circumstances. The incident highlighted the vulnerability of relying solely on corporate sponsors for such significant events, raising questions about the need for more permanent and diverse funding models to safeguard the integrity of events like the Invictus Games.
