Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, received a significant blow as he readies himself for his return to the UK to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games, the sports event he co-founded for wounded, injured, or sick veterans and Armed Forces Personnel. Anticipating celebrating the accomplishments and resilience of the Invictus Games community, Harry was blindsided by the news that he would no longer serve as its patron. Instead, Mike Tindall, a former rugby player and paralympian, was appointed to take over Harry’s role. This decision, made by Invictus Games CEO Dominic Reed, left Harry stunned and furious, sparking widespread controversy and backlash among fans and participants of the games.

Harry, who stepped back from his royal duties and relocated to the US with his wife Meghan Markle and their son Archie in 2020, has always been deeply passionate about the Invictus Games, which he launched in 2014 inspired by the US Warrior Games. Held in various countries including the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and the Netherlands, the games have garnered significant success, attracting thousands of competitors and spectators, and gaining support from celebrities and politicians.

Reed, the CEO of the Invictus Games Foundation since 2015 and a former Army officer and Iraq War veteran, questioned Harry’s involvement and influence in the games. Reed criticized Harry for leaving the UK to pursue a media career in the US, accusing him of abandoning and exploiting the Invictus Games community for personal and financial gain. Reed claimed that Harry had lost credibility with veterans and Armed Forces personnel and damaged the reputation of the games.

With the authority to appoint and dismiss the patron of the games, Reed chose Tindall, emphasizing his status as a former England rugby captain, World Cup winner, and paralympian. Tindall’s close relationship with Reed and his active participation in the Invictus Games were cited as reasons for his appointment.

Harry was informed of Reed’s decision via a heated phone call, during which he attempted to persuade Reed to reconsider, emphasizing his ongoing dedication to the games and his legacy. However, Reed remained steadfast in his decision, refusing to reverse it.

News of Harry’s dismissal and replacement as the patron of the games sparked outrage and disappointment among fans and participants. Many expressed their support for Harry and criticized Reed’s decision, with some vowing to boycott the upcoming 10th-anniversary celebrations scheduled for May 2021. The controversy surrounding Harry’s removal as patron threatens to overshadow the milestone event.