Prince Harry is reportedly facing sleepless nights as his return to the UK approaches, with mounting tension surrounding Meghan's potential attendance. Prince Harry is expected to mark the 10-year anniversary of the Invictus Games at St. Paul's Cathedral on May 8th. However, over 200 veterans, many of whom have participated in past games, have announced their decision to boycott the event if Meghan is present this year. This unprecedented act of defiance casts a shadow over the milestone celebration and reveals a deep disillusionment among veterans regarding the current trajectory of the event.
There is growing discontent among veterans regarding the involvement of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Many veterans feel that the presence of the Sussexes overshadows the core mission of the Invictus Games, which is to empower wounded, injured, and sick service personnel through athletic competition. There is a sense among veterans that the games have become increasingly focused on celebrity and spectacle, with Harry and Meghan's star power attracting media attention that detracts from the stories of the veterans themselves.
Veterans point to the lavish nature of recent games, which starkly contrasts with the simpler, more focused environment of earlier events. Furthermore, some veterans express a disconnect between their everyday struggles and the seemingly privileged lives of Harry and Meghan. Harry's decision to step back from royal duties and relocate to California has been interpreted by some as a retreat from the very community that he championed through the Invictus Games.
Veterans, who have made significant sacrifices for their countries, feel that their challenges are no longer understood or addressed by the event that they once saw as a source of support and camaraderie. The upcoming 10th anniversary celebration has the potential to be a powerful symbol of resilience and a celebration of the human spirit. However, for that to happen, the organizers need to acknowledge the concerns of the veterans and ensure that the games stay true to their original mission. Only then can the Invictus Games recapture the spirit that deeply resonated with veterans in the first place.
Royal expert Angela Levin has claimed that both Invictus Games contestants and organizers are displeased with the negative attention Meghan Markle brings to the cause. According to Levin, former military personnel, presumably injured veterans participating in the competition, and organizers of the event have grown tired of Meghan diverting attention from the games. Levin revealed their fury over Meghan leading a parade of winning wounded men in inappropriate attire, citing last year's anger when she led a march in very short shorts, which they found insulting. Some individuals in Canada, where this year's event is being held, have even expressed a desire to stop the games from proceeding this summer.
Comparing Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's individual success, Levin remarked that Harry is now overshadowed by Meghan, particularly with the recent launch of her lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard. Criticizing Meghan's role in the Invictus Games, Levin expressed frustration, stating that she delivers speeches, leads people, and acts as if she knows about fighting and going to war, which was Harry's job. Some veterans feel sorry for Harry and are angry about the situation.
