For years, the industrious Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, passionately championed the Invictus Games, serving as its driving forces.
Their dedication expanded the reach of the games and heightened awareness of the vital support needed for wounded veterans through sports and rehabilitation. However, in 2020, when Harry and Meghan stepped back from their royal duties and permanently relocated to California, the responsibility of patronage needed to transition to individuals firmly rooted in the United Kingdom.
Enter Mike Tindel, former England rugby star and husband to Zara Tindel, a member of the royal family. Quietly, Tindel has emerged as a devoted supporter and advocate for the Invictus Games. Alongside his wife, he has attended numerous games, actively promoting the cause through informal conversations and social media posts that spotlight the stories of athletes. Tindel's own experience with sports camaraderie and its healing power stems from his shortened professional rugby career due to injury. While not a veteran himself, he passionately advocates for the UK military community's recovery from physical and psychological wounds through competitive sports.
In a personal statement released by Clarence House, King Charles formally appointed Tindel as the new patron of the Invictus Games Foundation. The King lauded Tindel's steadfast commitment to the games and expressed confidence in his ability to continue serving as a great champion and ambassador for the organization. He also extended gratitude to Harry and Meghan for founding the Invictus Games in 2014 and providing leadership over the past eight years.
The Invictus Games Foundation spokesperson conveyed appreciation to the monarch for acknowledging the contributions of the Duke and Duchess while signaling the dawn of a new chapter with Tindel as patron. Tindel's dual role as an athlete and a dedicated supporter positions him as an invaluable resource for the foundation.
In his own statement to the foundation, Tindel expressed pride in his appointment and pledged to continue nurturing the games' growth. He emphasized the honor of witnessing the competitors' strength and courage, vowing to expand opportunities for nations worldwide to participate.
Tindel extended gratitude to Prince Harry and Meghan for their visionary establishment of the Invictus Games, recognizing their role in laying a solid foundation. For Harry, passing the patronage to someone he trusts like Tindel maintains a profound connection to an event close to his heart, even as his royal duties evolve.
The King's decision underscores the crown's enduring commitment to supporting wounded veterans, selecting a successor with both royal lineage and personal investment in the games' mission. While it marks the official conclusion of Harry and Meghan's direct involvement, their legacy of spotlighting the Invictus Games' immense value will endure for years to come.
Under Tindel's new leadership as patron, alongside the efforts of Chairman Sir Keith Mills and CEO Dominic Reed, the games are poised to inspire as both a sporting and humanitarian movement. The next tournament, scheduled for 2023 in Dorf, Germany, continues the remarkable legacy of redemption and renewal for patriotic men and women who have made significant sacrifices.
