An expert has warned that the ongoing controversy surrounding Prince Harry and Meghan Markle is threatening the Invictus Games
Prince Harry has been cautioned that the “soap opera” surrounding him and Meghan Markle poses a threat to one of his most significant accomplishments, the Invictus Games.
A PR expert has suggested that the furore surrounding the Sussexes‘ move could have lasting consequences for the sporting competition.
The games were established by Harry in 2014 and unite wounded, injured and sick serving military personnel and veterans from nations across the globe to participate in a biennial sporting competition.
The forthcoming games are scheduled to occur in July 2027 in Birmingham, with approximately 25 nations and 550 competitors anticipated to participate.
The competitions feature wheelchair basketball, athletics and swimming.
However, following the couple’s departure to the UK, the Invictus Games were thrust into the spotlight last week when the son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, declared the country would “not participate in anything that does not have His Majesty’s approval”.
The remarks posted on X are thought to be connected to King Charles’ startling letter confirming that the pair are “private citizens”.
Mark Borkowski, public relations consultant, has suggested this dispute will serve as a stark reminder that their public feuds will affect Harry’s cherished project.
He told the Daily Mail: “Uganda is the warning.
“The Sussex soap opera is now damaging Invictus, the one unimpeachable thing Harry created.”
Borkowski added that the Sussex brand is now eclipsing the purpose of the games. “The brand is beginning to consume the cause,” he said.
He claimed Harry and Meghan “want the freedoms of private citizens but the power of royalty”.
“And they brief furiously whenever anyone points out the contradiction”.
The expert’s remarks follow the publication of the King’s letter that confirmed the couple’s standing within the royal family as their return to the UK has sparked debate.
A spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex said they were “a little surprised” by the letter, which made clear they remain “akin to private citizens with commercial and charitable interests”.
The pair allegedly had just minutes to review the letter before it was released publicly, as Harry was in a meeting when his team received the correspondence.
Harry reportedly took exception to this description, with the Telegraph stating that the Duke would rather be described as a ‘public figure’.
The Star has contacted Harry and Meghan’s representatives for comment.