Meghan Markle’s confusing Invictus Games moments as veterans warn against Duchess’ involvement

Prince Harry is facing calls to step down from the Invictus Games as veterans have warned they’ve ‘lost their meaning’ ever since his wife Meghan Markle got involved

Meghan Markle has always supported Prince Harry especially when it comes to the Invictus Games, but it seems some veterans aren’t happy with her involvement.

The Duke of Sussex founded the event in 2014 to help wounded, injured and sick veterans. However, he’s now facing calls to step down from the Invictus Games after his wife became heavily involved.

Some veterans are worried the games have become “too royal” and have said they’ve “lost their meaning” with Meghan’s involvement. While some have welcomed Meghan’s support of the Invictus Games, others have questioned some of her decisions over the years. Amid the outcry, we’ve taken a look at some of Meghan’s confusing Invictus Games moments at the events.

Marching in front of veterans
During the 2023 Invictus Games in Dusseldorf, Meghan was seen marching in front of veterans and fans were left confused as to why she took centre stage. The Duchess of Sussex beamed as she marched through the streets wearing a stylish cream playsuit and matching playsuit, but no explanation was given as to why she led the march.

A video of the moment has been shared on TikTok, with fans sharing their confusion. “Totally confusing! Is she leading the March?” one person asked. Another commented: “Should not have been there,” while a third person added: “It was disrespectful.” One TikTok user tried to offer an explanation for Meghan being at the front of the march.

They said: “It could have been because Meghan Markle wanted to bolster her image ahead of her upcoming projects.” They added: “She thought the Invictus Games was going to be a massive opportunity for her.”

The Duchess of Sussex took centre stage when she gave a rare speech alongside Prince Harry at the Friends and Family party last year. Meghan spoke to 1,600 Invictus Games competitors and their family and friends and thanked all of the attendees for their support.

However, some were left confused by Meghan’s choice of words as she spoke about herself. Addressing the crowd, Meghan said it was very “special” to her to have arrived in Germany to be with them all. She added: “I’m really, really proud to be part of this Invictus family with all of you. I’m grateful for all of you that are here.”

She also explained why she arrived late to the Invictus Games, saying: “Sorry, I’m a little late to the party. I had to spend a little more time getting our little ones settled at home and get them to drop off. Three milkshakes and a school drop off and I just landed a couple of hours ago.”

Harry seemed to snub his wife in his speech at the Closing Ceremony of the 2023 Invictus Games. The Duke of Sussex failed to mention Meghan in his speech, despite weeks of speculation that he would give her a special shout out.

Instead, Harry paid tribute to the veterans taking part in the games. Taking to the stage at the Merkur Spiel Arena, he said: “As you have seen and experienced, this week is so much more than a sporting event. It is a platform for positive change. We hope you too are feeling it deeply. I am sure, you’re all physically exhausted, but I also hope you are mentally stronger than when you arrived.”

Harry has faced calls to step down from the Invictus Games after around 2,000 ex-military left, claiming the sporting event has “lost its original meaning”.

Others have taken issue with Meghan’s involvement, with fears it makes the Invictus Games “too royal”. GB News host Mark Dolan claimed: “About 2,000 ex-military have left the games, as they say it’s lost its original meaning. There are some former veterans who would like Harry to step down.”

However, PR expert Ryan McCormick doesn’t believe Harry will take notice of the criticism. Speaking exclusively to The Mirror, he said: “Harry had no qualms about being honoured as a ‘Legend of Aviation’ in January so I don’t believe he’ll heed calls to step down from the Invictus Games.”

However, he did suggest stepping down could pay off for Harry. Ryan explained: “If The Duke did, however, and said it was out of respect to veterans, it could be a sizable boost of positive PR.”