The Invictus Games were established a decade ago with a bold vision: to empower wounded, injured, and sick service personnel through the transformative power of sport.
Founded by Prince Harry, the event quickly became a symbol of resilience, hope, and camaraderie. It changed lives, proving that neither physical nor psychological wounds define a warrior's spirit. However, as the 10th anniversary approaches, the Games are facing an unprecedented crisis. Over 2,000 veterans, many of whom previously competed, have announced a mass boycott. The primary reason? The expected presence of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. This widespread act of defiance is not merely about personal grievances—it exposes a deeper rift within the veteran community.
Those the Games were created for are now questioning whether the event still serves its original purpose or if it has become more about celebrity and spectacle than honoring veterans.
At first glance, the boycott might seem like an extreme reaction. Prince Harry has been a passionate advocate for veterans' welfare, and the Games have undoubtedly changed thousands of lives. So why now? Why are so many veterans turning their backs on a milestone celebration of a movement that once meant so much? The reasons are complex, but several key concerns have emerged. One of the most significant issues is the shift in focus from the veterans themselves to the Sussexes.
Many feel that Harry and Meghan’s star power draws overwhelming media attention, overshadowing the personal stories of participants. Instead of highlighting the struggles, victories, and resilience of wounded service members, headlines often focus on Meghan’s outfit, Harry’s demeanor, or their latest controversy. This shift has left many feeling disillusioned—the Games were supposed to be about them, their journeys, and their recoveries. Now, they often feel like background characters in a royal reality show.
When Prince Harry launched the Games in 2014, he was still deeply connected to the military community as a former Army captain who served in Afghanistan. He shared a profound bond with veterans, understanding their struggles firsthand. However, since stepping down from royal duties and relocating to California, some veterans feel he has lost touch with their realities. The Sussexes’ high-profile lifestyle—marked by lavish estates, Netflix deals, and celebrity engagements—feels worlds apart from the daily battles many veterans face. While Harry and Meghan frequently discuss mental health struggles, some question whether their experiences truly align with the sacrifices of military families. Harry’s decision to step away from royal and military life has been interpreted by some as abandoning the very community he once championed. This perceived disconnect has fueled resentment, with some veterans believing the Games should be led by someone still deeply embedded in military culture.
Another major concern is the way the Games have evolved over the years. The early Invictus Games had a modest, community-driven atmosphere, centered on the inspiring journeys of the participants. In recent years, however, the event has grown larger, glitzier, and more commercialized. Sponsorship deals, celebrity appearances, and extravagant ceremonies have given it a Hollywood-like sheen. Some veterans worry that the core mission—empowering service members through sport—is being diluted by corporate interests and PR strategies. They long for a return to the event’s original spirit, when it felt like a tight-knit brotherhood rather than an international spectacle.
Despite the widespread boycott, not all veterans share these concerns. Many still strongly support Prince Harry and believe he remains the heart and soul of the Invictus Games. They argue that without his vision and advocacy, the Games would not exist in the first place. Media attention, regardless of its focus, still brings visibility to veterans' issues. They acknowledge that change is inevitable and believe the Games must evolve to stay relevant on a global stage. Instead of walking away, they argue that the community should work together to shape the future of the event in a way that honors its original mission.
This boycott is more than just a protest—it is a wake-up call. The Invictus Games Foundation, along with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, must listen to the concerns of the veterans they aim to support. The first step in healing this rift is reaffirming the Games’ core mission. Every decision should prioritize amplifying veteran stories and experiences, rather than focusing on the celebrities who attend. The event must return to its roots—authentic, powerful, and deeply personal.
A sincere dialogue between the organizers and the veteran community is also essential. Veterans need to feel heard and valued, not dismissed as part of a controversy. If changes are necessary, they should be made collaboratively rather than dictated from the top down. Some believe that a leadership recalibration is needed, with someone deeply connected to active military service taking a more prominent role. This does not mean removing Prince Harry entirely but perhaps repositioning his involvement to allow for more direct veteran leadership in shaping the event’s future.
The 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games should have been a celebration of resilience, strength, and unity. Instead, it has become a moment of reckoning. If handled correctly, this could serve as a reset—an opportunity to reaffirm the values that made the Games so impactful in the first place. If ignored, however, it could mark the beginning of their decline. The Games were never about celebrity or politics—they were about veterans finding purpose, healing, and camaraderie. The future of Invictus now depends on whether those at its helm are willing to listen, adapt, and bring the Games back to their true mission.
