Scott Moore, the newly appointed CEO of the Invictus Games Vancouver-Whistler 2025, finds himself in the somewhat awkward position of navigating the demands and expectations of Meghan Markle.
Meghan, it seems, believes the world should cater to her every whim. According to reports, Moore received detailed advice on how to approach Meghan, being told that a simple "Ma'am" would suffice when addressing her, while Prince Harry was to be referred to as "Sir." This approach stands in stark contrast to Harry’s previous statement at a tourism conference, where he insisted that people should simply call him "Harry."
However, the real irony comes when examining the lavish demands associated with Meghan's participation in the event. Reports suggest that Meghan expects nothing short of a VIP treatment for herself. She reportedly anticipated a private jet, a luxury hotel suite, and designer outfits, as though she were the main star of the Invictus Games. The games, after all, are meant to showcase the incredible strength and resilience of wounded veterans competing for glory. But in Meghan's mind, it appears they’ve been repurposed into the Markle Show.
The costs of their lavish lifestyle are eye-watering. A round-trip flight from Santa Barbara to Vancouver on a midsized private jet would cost the couple an astonishing $55,200. In the spirit of philanthropy, it’s worth considering what this money could provide for the veterans the games were designed to support. That flight alone could cover the cost of 11 basic prosthetics or 552 physical therapy sessions for those in need. Yet, for the Sussexes, the focus is on luxury outfits and an extravagant hotel suite, rather than the very veterans the event was meant to help.
The Sussexes justify their extravagant demands by arguing that their "star power" will help raise more funds for the Invictus Games. However, a truly philanthropic person would likely choose to fly commercially, cover their own accommodation, and even donate some of their own wealth to ensure that more funds went toward supporting the veterans. Instead, Harry and Meghan continue to present themselves as the universe's gift to humanity, seemingly too preoccupied with their own image to engage with these "mundane" details.
It's also important to highlight the Sussexes' lackluster financial contributions to Invictus over the years. Donations have reportedly declined since they became involved, and many people are understandably hesitant to contribute, knowing that their hard-earned money might be funding the couple's next luxury vacation rather than supporting the heroes the event was created to honor.
One might argue that the Invictus Games organizers should stand firm against these unreasonable demands, as the games are supposed to be a charitable event, not a lavish backdrop for the Sussexes' personal show. Yet, it seems they are afraid that rejecting Meghan’s requests might result in her pulling out altogether. In reality, it is clear that Harry needs the Invictus Games more than the games need him, and it’s perplexing that such lavish requests are considered acceptable by the organizers.
In an especially audacious move, the new CEO was reportedly instructed to book out an entire hotel in Whistler for Meghan's convenience. When he refused, he was told to "pound sand." This, of course, is the same Meghan Markle who once demanded the entire Governor General’s residence in Australia for herself and her family, throwing a tantrum when she didn't get her way. It seems she may still harbor delusions of royal entitlement, despite having stepped back from her royal duties.
Perhaps it is time for the Sussexes to reflect on what true philanthropy entails. Until they do, we can only watch in amusement as they try, and often fail, to navigate a world that isn't always inclined to roll out the red carpet for them.
