Prince Harry has faced calls to step down from the Invictus Games by ex-military over concerns that the event has ‘lost its meaning’ and become ‘too royal’ – and we want to hear your thoughts
Prince Harry has been asked to step down from the Invictus Games by veterans over fears the sporting event has “lost its meaning” with Meghan Markle’s involvement – and we want to hear YOUR thoughts.
The games were founded in 2014 by the Duke of Sussex to support wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans. However, Meghan has become more involved in recent years, with the Duchess making a passionate speech at last year’s occasion.
While Meghan’s participation has received a warm reception from some, others have voiced concerns that the games have become “too royal”. Speaking to royal biographer Angela Levin on GB News, host Mark Dolan said: “About 2,000 ex-military have left the games, as they say it’s lost its original meaning. There are some former veterans who would like Harry to step down.”
Lavin responded: “It’s become much too royal. Meghan 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 think they don’t want that.” However, PR expert Ryan McCormick is under the impression that Harry will dismiss these calls.
He told the Mirror: “Harry had no qualms about being honoured as a ‘Legend of Aviation’ in January so I don’t believe he’ll heed calls to step down from the Invictus Games.” The expert added that stepping down out of respect to veterans would be a “sizable boost of positive PR” for the royal.
Harry will return to the UK next week to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games, where he will give a reading at a special service at St Paul’s Cathedral on May 8. In a statement published on the Invictus Games’ social media, it reads: “The Invictus Games Foundation will celebrate 10 years of changing lives and saving lives with a ‘Service of Thanksgiving’ at St Paul’s Cathedral on May 8th.
“We will be joined by our Patron, Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, actor Damian Lewis and members of the worldwide Invictus Community to mark the occasion.” The prince will not be joined by Meghan for the milestone, but she will accompany Harry to Nigeria where they will take part in talks on the games and meet with servicemen and their families.
Following calls from ex-military members for the Duke to step down from the sporting event, we want to know what you think. Vote in our poll HERE to have your say.
The Mirror will also be discussing the topic with you in the comments section below and you can join in! All you have to do is sign up, submit your comment, register your details and then you can take part.
