Meghan Markle is facing new allegations following Prince Harry's recent announcement that Birmingham, UK, will host the Invictus Games in 2027.
The announcement, made on Monday, coincided with the 11th birthday of Prince George and was posted on Harry and Meghan's website. The Invictus Games Birmingham 2027 will occur in July of that year, two years after the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025, scheduled for February next year.
Prince Harry expressed his excitement, stating, "Congratulations to Birmingham, UK, on winning the bid to host the Invictus Games 2027. The city's strong ties to the Armed Forces Community made it a formidable contender from the very start." However, the announcement was met with criticism from some quarters. A user named Megan's Mullon X alleged that Prince Harry was trying to overshadow Prince George's birthday with the announcement. The post read, "Prince Harry is desperately trying to overshadow Prince George's birthday. Meghan's doing a nice job training him."
Further criticism was directed at Meghan Markle's potential involvement in the games. Some critics argue that she has no right to participate in the Invictus Games given her lack of connection to the UK and the military community. One commenter harshly remarked, "Meghan Markle has no history of playing any sports other than musical beds. Meghan has no military associations or background at all." Critics suggest that Prince Harry can manage the games without Meghan's involvement, emphasizing that spouses rarely work together in such events. They argue that Meghan should stay home and focus on other activities, even suggesting that any money she might spend on new outfits for the event could be better used to support veterans.
Security concerns also surfaced, with speculations that Meghan might miss the Invictus Games in Birmingham for the first time due to fears for her safety. According to the Daily Mail, the ongoing dispute between Prince Harry and the Home Office over security arrangements in the UK adds to the uncertainty. In February, Prince Harry lost his High Court challenge against the government regarding funded police protection. He argued that he couldn't bring his children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, to the UK without adequate security. Given these concerns, Harry may feel compelled to attend the event alone.
A special event, including a flag-raising ceremony and a demonstration of wheelchair pickleball, was held at Birmingham's National Exhibition Center to celebrate the announcement. Despite the city's financial struggles, including a recent bankruptcy declaration and a significant increase in council tax, the £26 million bid for the games was funded by the UK government, not the council.
The Invictus Games have become a symbol of hope and resilience for wounded, injured, and sick military personnel and veterans. The announcement of Birmingham as the host city for 2027 underscores the ongoing commitment to this cause. However, the controversy surrounding Meghan Markle's involvement and the security concerns for the royal family highlight the challenges they continue to face. The allegations and criticisms directed at Meghan Markle cast a shadow over the event's preparations. As the couple navigates these challenges, their actions and decisions will undoubtedly be scrutinized by both supporters and detractors.
