We're All Expecting NATO to Be Serious About World Peace and Security
When you think of NATO, the image that comes to mind is usually one of high-stakes discussions on global peace and security. So, seeing Prince Harry step in at a NATO event might feel more like an unexpected celebrity cameo than a major policy moment. Oddly enough, the Invictus Games Foundation (IGF) hasn’t made any mention of this event on their website. Even NATO’s own coverage was limited to a single still photo, with no video documentation. And it’s worth noting that Dominic Reid, the CEO of the Invictus Games Foundation, was reportedly in attendance—despite having resigned back in July.
So, is Reid still involved with IGF, managing things from the sidelines? Or was his presence at the event just a relic of a past invitation? If the IGF still lists Reid as CEO, it raises questions about transparency and governance at the foundation, especially concerning donor contributions. The optics of the whole situation could certainly be refined. Prince Harry and Meghan’s high-profile lifestyle, complete with designer outfits and Meghan’s “pajama day” ensemble, don’t exactly project a serious dedication to veterans’ causes.
You can almost hear the sighs from NATO’s senior officials, possibly wondering why this appearance didn’t stay within private circles. Once upon a time, the Invictus Games proudly claimed corporate sponsorship alone, assuring that no public donations were necessary. But now, the foundation seems to be seeking funding from the public—and yet, it’s unclear if any of this money is actually covering athletes' travel expenses to the Games. So, where exactly is this funding going?
And then there’s the question of Reid’s presence. Was his attendance at NATO part of a farewell tour, a brief cameo, or just a scheduling oversight? After all, his resignation from IGF was seen as a strategic move to bring fresh leadership to the organization. Still, the timing of his departure raised eyebrows. Some insiders speculate that the controversy surrounding Prince Harry’s acceptance of the Pat Tillman Award might have been a factor. Critics argued that Harry’s acceptance of the award diminished its honor, which reportedly led to Reid’s departure from IGF. Harry expressed deep gratitude for Reid’s contributions, crediting him with helping elevate the Invictus Games to international prominence. However, seeing Reid back on the NATO circuit after stepping down has left some wondering.
Perhaps NATO’s recent gathering wasn’t one of its most consequential events. Insiders noted that the meeting looked more like an informal get-together of junior officials rather than senior decision-makers. In military circles, it’s common for deputies to meet more often than their commanders, allowing for regular updates without requiring the top brass’s involvement. And for any veteran organization with the right connections, securing a spot on NATO’s agenda is possible—even if you’re a former royal with a strong public image and a UK affiliation, which certainly doesn’t hurt, given the UK’s substantial contributions to NATO’s budget. Prince Harry may always have a seat at certain tables, but NATO’s higher-ups are likely watching these proceedings closely.
Returning to Dominic Reid’s role: after the Tillman Award controversy, his resignation was painted as amicable and strategic, meant to bring fresh vision to the IGF. But for some, his appearance at NATO raised suspicions that Reid may still be connected with IGF in some capacity, even if unofficially. Critics argue that IGF’s mission has shifted, with Prince Harry’s personal image becoming more intertwined with the Games. There’s a growing sentiment that the next IGF CEO should focus more on rehabilitative sports for wounded veterans than on red-carpet appearances.
As for Meghan, some voices within the veteran community have suggested that she maintain a low profile at future IGF events to ensure the focus remains on the charity’s true mission rather than any celebrity allure.
