The situation surrounding the Invictus Games is truly astonishing, and it’s definitely worth discussing. So grab your tea, sit back, and get ready for an interesting ride.
I've been following the royal family for years, and I thought I had seen it all. But what’s currently unfolding with the Sussexes and the Invictus Games is something else entirely. When I first heard about Meghan Markle’s plan to attend the Invictus Games in Vancouver, I almost spilled my coffee in disbelief. The audacity, the timing, the sheer calculation of it—it feels like a carefully crafted PR stunt, and not even a very subtle one. Let’s be real for a moment: the Invictus Games was meant to be Harry’s event, his last connection to his military service, his way of doing something genuinely meaningful. But surprise, Meghan has once again inserted herself into the picture.
And isn't it interesting how this move coincides with the hiring of their new PR firm, Three Gate Strategies? It feels like they’re trying to rebrand themselves after facing recent failures and public backlash. What we're witnessing is nothing less than a desperate attempt at image rehabilitation. The timing is painfully transparent, especially after they were dragged in that Vanity Fair article. Honestly, “American Hustle” couldn’t have been a more fitting title. Clearly, they’re trying to change the narrative after being labeled as entitled and disingenuous.
Let’s talk about this new PR strategy. Joint appearances, a united front? Please. Where was this unity when Harry was alone at his father’s coronation? Where was it during all those engagements that, according to sources, didn’t quite connect with the public? It’s like watching a poorly written soap opera where the plot gets more absurd with each episode. Remember when Meghan’s former aides called her a “dictator in heels”? It’s hard to make this stuff up. These aren’t just random critics; these are people who actually worked with her. Now we’re supposed to believe everything’s suddenly perfect just because they’ve hired a new PR team? Compare this to Princess Catherine and Prince William, who don’t need constant PR reshuffles or image consultants. They show up, do the work, support each other naturally, and above all, understand what being royal is all about—service, not the spotlight.
What really gets to me is how the Sussexes are trying to turn the Invictus Games into another PR opportunity. The games are supposed to honor the veterans and servicemen and women who have sacrificed so much. Instead, it’s looking more like a media circus because Meghan insists on being there. And don’t even get me started on their supposed plans for a fundraiser for the Los Angeles wildfire victims. Isn't it convenient how they always seem to attach themselves to whatever cause is trending? It’s as though they have a dartboard of charitable causes and just throw a dart whenever they need some positive press. According to sources, they’re frustrated with the constant criticism and are working hard—but working hard at what, exactly? Maintaining relevance? Holding onto their celebrity status? From where I stand—and I know many of you agree—they wouldn’t need all these PR strategies and joint appearances if they were genuinely committed to being productive members of society.
Let’s take a moment to think this through. The Invictus Games opening ceremony will feature performances from Katy Perry, Noah Kahan, and Nelly Furtado. It should be a beautiful celebration of our veterans' resilience and determination. But instead, a good chunk of the attention will be on the Sussexes—analyzing every move, every gesture, every outfit choice. The real heroes of the games, the competitors, will have to fight for the spotlight amidst this circus. And what about the staff and organizers of the games? They’ve worked tirelessly to bring this event together, only to have to manage the extra security and media attention caused by the Sussexes’ appearance. It’s unfair to them, and certainly unfair to the athletes. The most frustrating part of all this is the predictability. It’s as though they’re following a celebrity PR recovery 101 playbook: step one—hire a new PR team; step two—make joint appearances; step three—attach yourselves to trending causes; step four—appear happy and united for the cameras.
Meanwhile, the working royals are quietly fulfilling their duties, facing real challenges with grace and dignity. King Charles is continuing his work despite health concerns, Princess Catherine is handling her recovery with poise, and Queen Camilla is stepping up to support both her husband and the institution. That’s what true royal work looks like—not PR stunts, image management, or orchestrated photo opportunities. It’s about service, duty, and putting the institution and the people you serve above personal desires for attention.
The contrast between these two approaches is stark. On one hand, we have the working royals—dignified, dedicated, and genuine. On the other, we have a constant need for validation, a never-ending cycle of PR reinvention. It’s incredibly sad because the Invictus Games is a fantastic initiative—probably the best thing Harry has ever done. It truly changes the lives of wounded veterans. But now, instead of focusing solely on these incredible athletes, we’re left with the sideshow of Sussex drama. It’s also worth noting how they’re now focusing on their status as a couple—especially after solo projects like their Spotify deal and Netflix efforts didn’t pan out. Now they seem to be banking on the "power couple" narrative. But what’s really troubling is their lack of self-awareness. They don’t seem to grasp why they face criticism. It’s not because people are mean or jealous, as they would like to believe. It’s because their actions don’t match their words. They talk about privacy while courting publicity. They claim to want to help others but seem more focused on helping themselves. They say they want to honor the monarchy, yet consistently undermine it. They say they want peace with their family, but continue to air their grievances publicly.
And now, here they are, using the Invictus Games—an event that should celebrate resilience and courage—as a backdrop for their image rehabilitation. It’s truly disheartening when you think about it. What would be refreshing is if they simply admitted their mistakes, showed real remorse for the hurt they’ve caused, and took responsibility for their actions. Instead, we get another PR strategy, another series of carefully planned appearances. Meanwhile, the real work of the monarchy continues quietly, carried out by those who truly understand what service means.
It’s both fascinating and frustrating to watch. Fascinating because it’s like watching a master class in what not to do in terms of public service and reputation management. Frustrating because it distracts from the real work being done by the true royals. The timing of this shift is also telling—just as the working royals are handling real challenges with grace, the Sussexes are making yet another attempt to grab headlines. The contrast couldn’t be more obvious.
Let me be clear: I want the Invictus Games to be successful. The competitors deserve that. The organizers deserve that. The cause deserves that. But I fear this latest Sussex spectacle will overshadow what should be the true focus of the games. To all my viewers who’ve stuck with me through this discussion, thank you. I know many of you share my concerns. Keep watching this space, as I’ll be following the story closely and bringing you all the updates as they happen.
