Tensions are reaching a fever pitch as veterans and royal fans voice their frustration over Meghan Markle’s alleged influence on the Invictus Games.
Accusations are flying that the Duchess of Sussex is pushing a "woke agenda" and meddling unnecessarily in the event’s traditions. The controversy stems from reports that Meghan influenced the decision to replace traditional rifles in the shooting competitions with laser guns. Officially, the change was framed as a move toward inclusivity, but critics argue that it’s a reflection of Meghan’s personal anti-gun stance being imposed on a military-centered event.
Veterans are particularly outraged, seeing this as a betrayal of the core values of the Invictus Games. “These games were designed to honor our service and experiences, and using rifles was symbolic of that,” one veteran fumed. “This decision disrespects the essence of the games.” The introduction of laser guns has also been criticized for practical reasons. U.S. veteran Christopher Bride recalled that at a previous event, the laser guns failed under cold weather conditions. “Targets got obstructed, and the guns outright stopped working,” he revealed. “Imagine training for months only to have your efforts thwarted by snow on a lens. It’s a logistical nightmare that veterans shouldn’t have to deal with.”
For many participants, the decision feels like a slap in the face. The Invictus Games were created to celebrate the strength and resilience of injured service members—not as a platform for celebrity virtue signaling. One outspoken critic summarized the sentiment, saying, “This isn’t about safety or inclusivity. It’s about Meghan’s personal agenda to 'wokeify' everything she touches.” The backlash has even led some veterans to consider boycotting the event altogether. “Harry doesn’t care about us,” one veteran lamented. “This is all about his image, not about honoring service members.”
Adding to the controversy is the public debate over Meghan’s potential attendance at the 2025 Invictus Games in Canada. According to a poll conducted by Express.co.uk, a staggering 94% of voters believe Meghan should stay home. Fans are urging Prince Harry to attend solo, arguing that Meghan’s presence often shifts the focus from veterans to royal drama. PR expert Edward Coram James weighed in on the matter, noting, “If Meghan attends, she risks overshadowing the event with her personal baggage. If she doesn’t, people will speculate about trouble in the Sussex marriage. It’s a lose-lose situation.”
Fueling the fire is a recent Vanity Fair article accusing Meghan of “mean girl” behavior toward her former staff. Allegations include claims that some ex-employees required long-term therapy after working under her. The controversy has intensified calls for Meghan to skip the games entirely, as critics argue that her involvement distracts from the true purpose of the event.
Meghan’s influence on Prince Harry has also been a topic of public scrutiny. Reports suggest that she convinced Harry to give up his beloved hunting hobby, leading him to sell his prized rifles for over $60,000. While this was a personal choice, critics point to it as another example of Meghan reshaping traditions to align with her ideals. From hunting to royal protocol and now the Invictus Games, the pattern has not gone unnoticed by her detractors.
As the February event approaches, the controversy shows no signs of abating. Over 500 participants from more than 20 countries are set to compete in adaptive sports, including newly introduced events like snowboarding and alpine skiing. While these additions bring excitement, many veterans feel their enthusiasm is clouded by frustration. They see the changes as distractions that dilute the games’ mission: to honor the service and experiences of military personnel.
In the words of one veteran, “We didn’t sign up for a laser tag competition or a platform for celebrity activism. The Invictus Games should stay true to their original purpose—celebrating the strength and resilience of those who served.” For now, the debate rages on, and the pressure is mounting for the games to return to their roots.
