There’s a fresh controversy surrounding the Royal family, and it’s shaking the veteran community to its core.
Over 7,000 veterans have signed a petition calling for Meghan Markle to be banned from attending the 2025 Invictus Games in Vancouver. These are the very individuals the games were designed to honor, and their frustration is palpable. Meanwhile, Princess Catherine was spotted this week looking radiant in a $22 Zara dress while visiting a children’s hospice. Despite her royal status, she chose to wear high street fashion, prioritizing her role in supporting the children and families she was there for. It was a no-nonsense, no-drama moment that reflected her dedication to service.
On the other hand, Meghan’s appearance at a children’s charity gala was more about her spotlight than the cause. She showed up in what seemed more suited for the Oscars, missing the point that the event wasn’t about her. This behavior aligns with what we’ve come to expect from Meghan—everything has to revolve around her.
Now, let’s talk about the financial side of the Vancouver games. The total funding for the event is a staggering $64 million, but a sizable portion of it—$10.5 million—is allocated for entertainment and other expenses. Even more shocking is the news that Meghan could receive a $500,000 appearance fee. A half-million-dollar payout for what? Simply showing up and turning the games into another spectacle focused on her. This is the same woman who struggled to maintain a podcast and has faced setbacks in every project since leaving the royal family. Yet, somehow, she’s worth half a million dollars of Invictus Games money.
And then there’s Harry. He might not even be able to attend the games due to a court appearance on February 5th regarding his visa documentation. This situation is complicated by the possibility that he lied about his drug use when applying to enter the U.S. Timing is certainly inconvenient. Adding to the extravagance, the budget for entertainment is jaw-dropping: $5 million for Katy Perry, nearly $2 million for Nelly Furtado, and $15 million for Michael Bublé. While these performances may be enjoyable, one can’t help but question whether they should be prioritized over the veterans.
A heartbreaking story has surfaced about a veteran injured during the Invictus Games who is still struggling with medical bills, yet Invictus has not covered them. They can find hundreds of thousands for Meghan’s appearance, but not for an injured competitor. This situation is beyond disgraceful. The outrage intensified when Invictus began blocking accounts, including mine, on social media for simply asking about the event’s finances. What are they trying to hide? As a public charity funded by taxpayer money, they owe the public transparency.
Security arrangements have also stirred controversy. The Canadian government is reportedly willing to provide full head-of-state security for Harry and Meghan, including a police convoy, at taxpayer expense. These two are no longer working royals, yet they still expect to be treated as if they are, with royal-level security. And yes, the rumors are true—they may bring their children along for the publicity and sympathy boost, as they have done before. It’s a tried-and-true tactic to garner more attention.
On the subject of luxury, it seems nothing less than the presidential suite will satisfy Meghan’s high expectations. While this money could be used to help veterans, she demands a lavish stay. Remember when she wore shorts and flip-flops to a solemn Invictus Games ceremony while service members were dressed in their formal uniforms? It’s as though she doesn’t understand what these games are truly about.
Contrast this with how Catherine approaches her royal duties. This week, she quietly became a patron of a children’s hospice, focusing solely on the cause and spending time with families, without making it about her. Meanwhile, William continues his hands-on approach to public service, showing genuine interest in people’s work without fanfare. The contrast between these two approaches to public duty could not be clearer. On one side, we have William and Catherine, focused on service, while on the other, Harry and Meghan demand luxury, publicity, and massive appearance fees.
As for the finances of the Invictus Games, they’re shocking. Of the $64 million total budget, $7 million is dedicated to lodging and travel. One can only wonder how much of that is going toward Meghan’s luxury accommodations and private jet. Adding to the scandal, the CEO and CFO who tried to manage the budget responsibly were fired. These were professionals who wanted the money spent on veterans, not celebrity appearances, but they were dismissed, revealing the priorities at play.
The original purpose of the Invictus Games was to honor the resilience and determination of injured service personnel. It was meant to focus on the competitors and their triumphs, but now it has become all about Harry and Meghan. As for Harry, his upcoming court appearance and visa issues might prevent him from attending at all. If he’s found to have lied on his application, he could face even bigger problems than missing the games. It’s a sad turn of events, as Harry once did great work with the Invictus Games, but things have shifted since his marriage to Meghan.
Let’s not forget about the staggering entertainment budget: $23.5 million for celebrity performers. Five million for Katy Perry, nearly $2 million for Nelly Furtado, and $15 million for Michael Bublé. Think of how much of that money could be used to help the veterans—paying medical bills, funding adaptive sports programs, or providing much-needed support. But no, it’s more important to have celebrities perform and to pay Meghan to show up. This is the same woman who made a tragedy about herself when she visited Uvalde after the shooting, turning the moment into a PR opportunity. Sadly, we can expect more of the same at the Invictus Games.
Regarding security, Canadian taxpayers will cover the costs for Harry and Meghan’s full security detail. These two are no longer royals, yet they still expect royal treatment. Meanwhile, veterans who the games were created for will struggle to afford tickets. Megan will, no doubt, enjoy her luxury suite. The games were meant to honor the strength and resilience of veterans, but they have been hijacked into a celebrity spectacle.
The situation is heartbreaking. The Invictus Games should be about the competitors and their triumphs over adversity, but instead, they’ve become a vehicle for self-promotion for Harry and Meghan. The 7,000 veterans who signed that petition see exactly what’s happening, and they’re calling for a change. The question remains: will anyone listen, or will the Invictus Games continue to be used for celebrity self-promotion?
