Prince Harry recently made an appearance that could be called one of the most understated photo ops in recent memory.
Despite his high-profile presence, neither the Invictus Games Foundation’s website nor NATO’s coverage highlighted the event—both sources provided minimal information, with NATO merely sharing a still photo without any accompanying video. Curiously, Dominic Reed, the CEO of the Invictus Games Foundation (IGF), was also reportedly present, though he had officially resigned in July. This raises questions: Is Reed still involved with IGF, perhaps managing from behind the scenes, or was this simply a case of an outdated invitation? If IGF continues to list Reed as CEO, there could be concerns regarding transparency, as well as questions about the allocation of donations.
The optics of the event and the Invictus Games organization more broadly have recently drawn some scrutiny. Critics point out that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s lifestyle—complete with designer attire, luxury travel, and Meghan’s famously casual “pajama day” look—seems at odds with the serious mission of supporting veterans. For many observers, NATO’s leadership might be wondering why this meeting didn’t stay a private affair rather than evolving into a low-key public spectacle.
The Invictus Games originally prided itself on relying solely on corporate sponsors, avoiding the need for public fundraising. However, recent reports indicate that fundraising efforts now extend to the general public. Even with increased donations, there are concerns that athletes are not receiving financial support for travel expenses, raising the question: where is the money actually going? Furthermore, Dominic Reed’s continued presence, despite his resignation, has left some wondering if he simply missed his official exit. Others speculate that Reed’s appearance was a minor oversight or part of a farewell circuit, but it nevertheless adds to the perception of internal confusion.
Insiders suggest that this gathering was relatively inconsequential by NATO standards, resembling more of a casual meetup among mid-level representatives than a high-stakes event with top brass. In military circles, deputies often meet more frequently than their commanding officers, allowing veterans' organizations to secure spots on NATO’s agenda if they have the right backing. Prince Harry, who maintains influence in the UK—a major NATO contributor—has access to privileged meetings, but it’s possible that NATO’s senior officials are keeping a wary eye on these developments, particularly given IGF’s evolving mission and public image.
Returning to Dominic Reed, his official departure came amid a controversy involving the Pat Tillman Award, an honor presented to Prince Harry. Critics claimed that Harry’s acceptance of the award diminished its significance, as the award traditionally highlights selfless service. Following the controversy, Reed’s departure was framed as a move to allow fresh leadership to guide IGF into its next phase. Yet, his presence at this event raises questions about whether his role is truly over or if he is still connected to the organization in some capacity. Reed’s resignation was positioned as a mutual decision, but timing suggests that the Tillman Award incident may have been a final straw.
Today, the connection between Harry and the Invictus Games is so strong that critics speculate the organization’s focus has shifted from supporting veterans to sustaining Harry’s public image. Some argue that the next IGF CEO should prioritize the foundation’s original mission—emphasizing rehabilitative sports over red carpet appearances. Additionally, Meghan Markle’s role at IGF events has also been questioned, with calls for her to maintain a low profile to prevent distracting from the charity’s primary purpose of assisting veterans.
