Recent criticism has emerged regarding Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's participation in the Invictus Games, suggesting that it's veered into excessive royalty. In 2014, Harry played a pivotal role in establishing the Invictus Games, earning widespread praise for his efforts. However, veterans have recently voiced concerns that the essence of the games has been diluted with Meghan Markle's involvement, prompting calls for Prince Harry to reconsider his position.
A raw commentator remarked that what were once considered Harry's notable accomplishments have now been cast into uncertainty in light of recent developments. In a discussion with royal biographer Angela Levin, GB News host Mark Dolan said about 2,000 ex-military personnel have left the games, as they say it's lost its original meaning. There were some former veterans who'd like Harry to step down. Levin responded, "It's become much too Royal. Megan makes the speeches. She actually led a March where some of the ex-military people were either physically, emotionally, or psychologically damaged or all of it during the fighting. They were very upset about this because she knows nothing about how to March and I don't think they want that."
Levin added, "When she last saw Prince Harry interacting with veterans, she was very impressed by his approach. But she didn't share the same sentiment when it came to Meghan. She said Harry was brilliant with them. When I went round with him to talk to them, he was marvelous at giving them a feeling that life was worth living. I couldn't believe how good he was, spending three or 4 minutes talking to them. Now it's all about Meghan mainly, and Harry follows behind, and I don't think people want that."
Prince Harry will fly to London next week to give a reading at St. Paul's Cathedral on May 8th to mark the Invictus Games' 10th anniversary. A spokesman for the couple confirmed that Meghan would not accompany her husband, but they said that she'd be at his side for an Invictus-inspired visit to Nigeria immediately after the Duke leaves the UK. Harry is set to stay in a hotel room while in the UK as he no longer has a base in the UK after King Charles evicted the couple from Frogmore Cottage in the summer of 2023.
The Sussexes had barely used the royal residence since they stepped down as working members of the family and moved to the US in 2020 but would stay there when traveling to the UK. However, Harry has been staying in hotel rooms in London during his most recent trips to the UK. It comes after Harry's request to stay in a room at Windsor Castle was rejected in September 2023, with the royal family citing a lack of notice as the reason for the denial.
Was Harry oblivious to the fact that Meghan was dragging down his role at Invictus? The veterans were clear; they didn't want her or a fashion parade. Harry should have listened to their voices. Perhaps now, with Mike Tindall appointed as their Patron and Ambassador by Invictus, he'll finally pay attention to the vets. Invictus wasn't meant to be the Meghan show. Maybe now the focus will shift back to the athletes and the charity. It wasn't her cause; she can stick to a podcast or whatever else occupies her time. Patrons are supposed to raise money for their charities, not spend donations on themselves. It's high time the Invictus Games committee removed Harry and Meghan; everyone has had enough of them making the games the Harry and Meghan show.
