Veterans Speak Out: Why the Invictus Games Community Is Turning Against Harry and Meghan
A viral tweet from Edward Forscu, a former British Army major, has ignited a firestorm of criticism against Prince Harry and Meghan Markle—this time, from the very community they claim to support. Forscu’s words cut deep: "The wounded veterans of Invictus are done—utterly and irrevocably done—with Harry and that fame-hungry parasite he married."
His message is raw, emotional, and unapologetic. He accuses Meghan of exploiting veterans’ pain for publicity, turning their struggles into a "photo opportunity" and their sacrifices into "set pieces" for her personal brand. Harry, once respected for his military service, is now seen as someone who abandoned his duties—first to his regiment, then to his family and country—only to return when it suited him, using the Invictus Games as a shield for his own reputation. SOURCE
Forscu’s anger isn’t just personal; it echoes a growing sentiment among veterans who feel betrayed. The Invictus Games, founded to honor wounded service members, was never meant to be a stage for celebrity drama. Yet, according to Forscu and others, that’s exactly what it has become under Harry and Meghan’s involvement.
The Truth Behind the Invictus Games
Here’s a fact often lost in the noise: Harry did not found the Invictus Games alone. The initiative was launched in 2014 by the Royal Foundation, with Prince William, Princess Catherine, and the Ministry of Defense playing key roles. Harry was a passionate advocate, but the project was always bigger than him. When Meghan joined the Royal Foundation in 2018, tensions arose, and William and Catherine distanced themselves, leaving Harry to take the lead.
Now, veterans like Forscu—and even Angela Levin, who reported similar frustrations in 2022—are saying what many have whispered: Harry and Meghan have hijacked the Games. Instead of focusing on the athletes’ resilience, the narrative has shifted to Harry and Meghan’s controversies, their Netflix deals, and their public spats. For veterans who’ve faced real trauma, this feels like a betrayal of trust.
One veteran, Vicki, an Air Force alumna and Black woman, called Meghan’s participation "appalling and disgusting," adding: "She doesn’t deserve to stand beside heroes." The criticism isn’t just about Harry and Meghan’s presence—it’s about what their involvement represents: a shift from service to spectacle.
Why This Matters Now
This backlash isn’t happening in a vacuum. It comes as Harry and Meghan face scrutiny over their charitable ventures, from African Parks (where Harry remains on the board despite allegations of abuse) to their Archwell Foundation’s $250,000 donation to Hunter Biden’s charity—a move that raised eyebrows and questions about transparency and motives.
Veterans aren’t just asking for Harry and Meghan to step back—they’re demanding it. Their argument? The Invictus Games should be about healing, not headlines. For wounded warriors who’ve fought for their countries, seeing their platform used for self-promotion is a slap in the face.
The Bigger Picture: A Crisis of Trust
Harry and Meghan have built their post-royal brand on philanthropy and advocacy. But when the people they claim to champion—veterans, charities, and even fans—start calling their integrity into question, the foundation cracks.
Forscu’s tweet isn’t just angry ranting; it’s a call to action. Veterans want the Games reclaimed—not for Harry, not for Meghan, but for the men and women who’ve sacrificed everything. They’re asking for accountability, and they’re not backing down.
What Happens Next?
If this momentum grows, Harry and Meghan could face real consequences:
- Pressure to resign from the Invictus Games Foundation.
- Further scrutiny of their charitable donations and partnerships.
- A permanent stain on their reputation as advocates for veterans.
For now, the message is clear: The veterans have spoken. The question is—will Harry and Meghan listen?
This isn’t just about one tweet or one veteran’s frustration. It’s about a community pushing back against what they see as exploitation. Harry and Meghan have always said they want to "do good." But if the people they claim to help are saying, "You’re doing harm," it’s time to ask: Who are they really serving? Themselves—or those who’ve given everything?
