Meghan Markle’s planned appearance at the 2025 Invictus Games is raising serious concerns among the veteran community.
Reports suggest that more than 7,000 veterans have voiced their discontent, making it clear that they would prefer she stay home. This is not just idle chatter from online critics or social media commentators—these are the very men and women the Invictus Games were created to honor. When they speak, their voices deserve to be heard.
Looking back to the origins of the Invictus Games, Prince Harry’s initiative was widely celebrated as one of his most commendable achievements. It was a platform dedicated to veterans, highlighting their resilience, strength, and recovery.
However, over the years, something has changed. Whenever Meghan attends, the focus inevitably shifts. Instead of the veterans’ inspiring stories, the media fixates on her outfits, her speeches, and her every move. The event, which should be about wounded warriors, often feels hijacked by celebrity spectacle.
A particularly frustrating moment occurred during the games in The Hague when Meghan arrived with a full Netflix crew. Veterans and their families, who were there for a well-earned moment of recognition, found themselves maneuvering around boom mics and intrusive camera crews. It was as if the event had been turned into yet another episode of the Sussex media narrative. Imagine showing up at someone’s wedding with your own photographer and making the day all about yourself—this is how many veterans feel when Meghan takes center stage.
According to inside sources, the Invictus Games CEO and board are grappling with how to handle the growing backlash. They are in a difficult position, trying to remain diplomatic while also addressing the very real concerns of thousands of veterans. Ignoring such widespread discontent would be a disservice to the very people the games were designed to support.
This pattern has played out time and again—Meghan’s presence at events tends to shift the spotlight onto her. It’s as if she has a reverse Midas touch, where everything she engages with transforms into a PR opportunity. The Invictus Games were meant to be about healing, bravery, and honoring service members, yet discussions now revolve around Meghan’s fashion choices and media appearances instead of the athletes' achievements.
Prince Harry, once known for his charismatic and easygoing nature, now appears subdued and cautious. The vibrant young royal who served alongside his fellow soldiers has been replaced by a man who seems constantly aware of the Sussex brand. His every move appears calculated, as if ensuring that he stays in line with their carefully curated public image.
Another troubling aspect is the transformation of Invictus into a content machine. Once a dignified, athlete-focused event, it now feels like just another chapter in the Sussex media enterprise. Carefully staged photographs, perfectly timed "candid" moments, and the ever-present Netflix cameras have made the games feel more like a reality show than a celebration of veterans. The real tragedy is that, in the midst of all this, the people who should be at the heart of the event—the athletes and their families—are being overshadowed.
Contrast this with how Prince William and Catherine handle their charitable efforts. Whether it’s Catherine’s work in early childhood development or William’s environmental initiatives, they approach their causes with humility. Their presence amplifies the voices of those they support rather than redirecting attention onto themselves. They understand the importance of letting the cause take center stage.
There are reports that if Meghan skips the event, she may face criticism for failing to support Harry. This only highlights how the Sussexes have created a no-win scenario where everything revolves around their public image. The real question should be: what about the athletes? What about their families? What about the true purpose of the games?
It’s evident that Meghan’s presence isn’t about supporting veterans or even Harry—it’s about maintaining relevance and producing more content for future media projects. Since stepping away from royal duties, the Sussexes have made numerous promises and announcements, yet tangible results remain scarce.
Veterans, understandably, are frustrated. One decorated service member confided that he and his peers did not serve their country only to become background characters in someone else’s reality show. When the Invictus Games were first announced, they were met with overwhelming enthusiasm. Today, each new event comes with a sense of dread—questions about Meghan’s attendance, what she will wear, and how the event will be filmed have replaced the genuine excitement for competition and camaraderie.
The fact that this discussion is even necessary speaks volumes. In what world should the presence of a founder’s spouse be a controversial issue at an event for veterans? This isn’t normal.
Since stepping down from royal duties, Harry and Meghan have been in a relentless pursuit of attention, striving to have their "truth" heard. Yet, in doing so, they have complicated and overshadowed nearly everything they engage with. The Invictus Games were once a beacon of hope and inspiration; now, they are entangled in the ongoing Sussex saga.
What’s particularly frustrating is the way every initiative they touch becomes about them. Rather than championing the cause, they frame everything as part of their broader narrative—one filled with victimhood and media battles. Meanwhile, the veterans, who should be at the forefront, are left competing for recognition in the shadow of royal drama.
Netflix’s involvement only exacerbates the issue. The games were once about competition, healing, and camaraderie, but now, every moment is staged for maximum cinematic effect. It feels as if wounded veterans must fight for attention against the Sussexes’ relentless brand-building efforts.
Families of competitors have voiced their concerns as well. One mother, speaking through tears, shared that her son—who lost both legs in service—had been eagerly anticipating the games, only to now worry that media attention will focus more on Meghan and Harry than on the athletes themselves. How is that fair? How is that right?
The division within the veteran community is another troubling consequence. While some still support Harry and Meghan and wish to give them the benefit of the doubt, others feel disillusioned and frustrated. An event designed to unite has, instead, become a source of controversy and division.
The royal family’s silence on this matter is telling. William and Catherine, long-time champions of veterans’ causes, must be observing this situation with disappointment. There was a time when William and Harry worked side by side on these initiatives—those days seem like a distant memory now.
The solution seems obvious: step back. Let the focus return to where it belongs—on the competitors, their achievements, and their inspiring journeys. No Netflix cameras, no carefully curated fashion statements, no unnecessary drama—just an authentic celebration of these extraordinary athletes.
Perhaps the most meaningful gesture Meghan could make for Harry is to let him have this moment. Let him have this one thing that is truly his—a legacy dedicated to veterans, free from distractions. The Invictus Games were never meant to be a stage for celebrity spectacle; they were meant to honor the courage, resilience, and spirit of those who served. It’s time to return to that mission.
