It is time for veterans to distance themselves from Prince Harry and the Invictus Games.
When Harry had veterans on stage with him, including a highly disabled veteran, it appeared that ESPN was attempting to shield him from potential boos. It's unlikely that anyone would boo with veterans present on stage. Over 76,000 people expressed their belief that Harry did not deserve an award.
This reaction isn't surprising; Harry seems more interested in what veterans can do for him rather than genuinely caring about them. Given the controversy, it was in neither ESPN’s nor Harry’s interest to be booed by genuine veterans. ESPN, too, was using the veterans. They would want to keep Harry in a protective bubble and likely didn't encourage him to visit the veterans' seating area. Understandably, the veterans felt used, but it was unrealistic to expect a different arrangement.
ESPN had as much, if not more, interest than Harry in minimizing the boos. Harry should have had the sense to at least acknowledge the veterans in his speech, asking them to stand. While this wouldn't have been the genuine recognition the veterans deserved, it would still have shown some form of appreciation and made Harry appear gracious. However, he consistently fails to do the right thing, especially concerning the veterans he claims to support and represent. It is almost incomprehensible how he manages to mishandle everything he does, particularly involving veterans.
I hope more audience members speak out. There were likely more cell phone videos capturing their disruptive exit. I am eager to know more context about what the man on stage was saying, the demand to "give her the mic," and the playing of "I Will Always Love You," which was phenomenally disgraceful yet amusing that it happened to them. It is odd that Harry isn't more publicly involved in the Invictus Games now than he was as a working royal. With his increased free time and freedom, one would expect more public appearances and fundraising efforts, especially since he claims that service is his life. However, there have been no donations from Harry to the Invictus Games in recent years, at least up to 2022. While he might donate personally, the financials of the Invictus Games don't suggest they are well-funded. There hasn't been a public thank you to Harry and Meghan for any personal donations either.
On the bright side, Harry’s involvement has drawn awareness to the foundation, even if it is not recommended. I am furious with ESPN for going along with this huge injustice, not awarding it to someone who truly deserved it and represented what Pat Tillman stood for. Instead, they gave it to a person who didn’t even have the decency to stay for the remainder of the awards. If Harry thinks he is so important, he should have exited through the back after receiving his vanity award, rather than disturbing the audience. Then again, his actions only prove what a coward he is and expose his lack of integrity, rendering the award almost meaningless.
Next year's winner will face the tarnish left by Harry and the corrupt organizers. I hope future nominees decline and state their reasons. The word is out that this charity is a scam. While this situation is unfortunate for his mother, it might be the only way to distance those who care more about themselves from those who are true of heart. Tillman’s wife and her new family have disgraced his name, forgetting the long-term implications. If people start associating this with a scam, it will lose its value. May Tillman rest in peace and watch over his mother.
Meghan could have left early on her own since they left in separate vehicles. Harry seems to lack consideration for others. There is no way he would meet those veterans because they mean nothing to him; he only wanted his fake award. Referring to their relationship, he went on stage and left Meghan fuming in her seat, practically seething. Even their body language is different. If they haven’t split already, it seems likely they will soon.
