When I first heard that Meghan Markle planned to attend the Invictus Games in Vancouver, I nearly spilled my morning coffee.
The audacity, the timing, the sheer calculation—it’s like watching a meticulously staged PR campaign unfold, and not even a subtle one. The Invictus Games were meant to be Harry’s project, his last tangible connection to his military service, a way to make a meaningful impact. Yet, unsurprisingly, Meghan has once again positioned herself at the center of it all.
The timing is particularly suspect, coming right on the heels of their decision to hire a new PR firm, Three Gate Strategies. It reeks of a frantic attempt at rebranding after a series of public missteps and backlash.
What we’re witnessing isn’t just a couple showing support for each other—it’s a desperate move to rehabilitate their image. The timing couldn’t be more transparent, especially following that scathing Vanity Fair article that so aptly compared their situation to American Hustle. Clearly, they’re scrambling to change the narrative after being branded as entitled and disingenuous, a label that no doubt hit a nerve.
This new PR strategy is painfully obvious—joint appearances, a carefully curated display of unity. But where was this so-called solidarity when Harry attended his father’s coronation alone? Where was it during those past engagements that failed to resonate with the public? Watching their reinvention is like following a poorly written soap opera, where the plot becomes more absurd with each passing episode. And let’s not forget Meghan’s former aides once referred to her as a “dictator in heels.” These aren’t just random detractors; these are people who worked closely with her. Now, we’re expected to believe everything is harmonious simply because they’ve hired a fresh PR team?
Contrast this with Prince William and Princess Catherine, who don’t require constant rebranding or image consultants to stay relevant. They simply show up, do the work, and support each other in an authentic, dignified manner. They understand what it means to be royal—it’s about service, not self-promotion. Meanwhile, the Sussexes appear to be using the Invictus Games as little more than a publicity tool. These games should be about honoring the resilience of wounded veterans, but instead, we’re gearing up for another media circus centered around Meghan’s presence.
And then there’s their so-called fundraiser for Los Angeles wildfire victims—another conveniently timed cause they’ve latched onto. It’s as if they have a dartboard of trending social issues and pick whichever one will generate the most positive press. According to sources, they’re frustrated with the constant criticism and are working hard to change things. But what exactly are they working hard at? Staying relevant? Clinging to celebrity status? If they were genuinely committed to making a difference, they wouldn’t need carefully orchestrated PR strategies and staged appearances to prove it.
Consider the upcoming Invictus Games opening ceremony, featuring artists like Katy Perry, Noah Kahan, and Nelly Furtado. It should be a heartfelt tribute to the perseverance of our veterans. But how much attention will be diverted to dissecting every movement, expression, and outfit choice of the Sussexes? Instead of allowing the competitors to shine, they’ll once again be overshadowed by the spectacle surrounding Meghan and Harry. Even the hardworking staff and organizers, who have poured their efforts into this event, will now have to navigate the added media frenzy and security concerns that come with their presence. It’s unfair to them, and it’s unfair to the athletes.
The sheer predictability of it all is astounding. They seem to be following a PR playbook step by step: hire a new media team, make public appearances as a couple, attach themselves to charitable causes, and put on a united front for the cameras. Meanwhile, the working royals continue their duties without the need for constant reinvention. Despite his health challenges, King Charles remains dedicated to his responsibilities. Princess Catherine, even while recovering from surgery, handles everything with grace. Queen Camilla has seamlessly stepped up to support both her husband and the institution. This is what real royal work looks like—not brand management, not carefully curated photo ops, but genuine service and dedication.
The contrast is impossible to ignore. On one side, we have royals who are steadfast, dignified, and devoted to their roles. On the other, a couple seemingly addicted to attention and public validation, caught in an endless cycle of reinvention. And the saddest part? The Invictus Games truly are an incredible initiative—arguably the most meaningful project Harry has ever been involved with. It has the power to change lives, to honor the strength and courage of veterans. But instead of allowing it to remain a pure and untainted cause, it’s now being co-opted as a backdrop for their ongoing PR rehabilitation.
Isn’t it curious that their renewed focus as a couple comes after their solo endeavors have largely flopped? The Spotify deal fizzled out, their Netflix projects failed to make a lasting impact, and their book ventures didn’t quite live up to the hype. With their individual efforts falling short, they’ve seemingly reverted to the “power couple” narrative as their last resort. Yet, what remains so frustrating is their complete lack of self-awareness. They seem incapable of understanding why they face criticism—not because of jealousy or prejudice, as they claim, but because their actions repeatedly contradict their words. They speak of valuing privacy while actively courting publicity. They claim to be advocates for charitable causes but often appear more invested in their own brand. They insist they respect the monarchy while consistently undermining it.
This latest move—trying to leverage the Invictus Games to reset their image—is yet another example of their disconnect. What would be truly refreshing is if, just once, they acknowledged their missteps, showed genuine remorse, and demonstrated real accountability. If they stopped playing the victim and focused on meaningful service without making it about themselves. Instead, we’re treated to yet another PR spectacle, another desperate attempt to manipulate public perception.
Meanwhile, the real work of the monarchy continues—quietly, effectively, and without the need for media-driven reinvention. It’s fascinating, really, as a study in what not to do when it comes to public service and reputation management. And it’s frustrating because this sideshow distracts from those who are actually making a difference.
The timing of all this is particularly revealing. While King Charles deals with his health, while Princess Catherine recovers with quiet dignity, the Sussexes are launching yet another bid for attention. The contrast speaks volumes.
For the sake of the veterans, the competitors, and the integrity of the Invictus Games, I truly hope this event remains a success. These men and women deserve that. The organizers deserve that. The cause deserves that. But I can’t help but fear that, once again, the real focus will be lost in the chaos of the Sussex spectacle.
