Dear Invictus Games Foundation,
You say the foundation exists to support the recovery and rehabilitation of wounded, injured, and sick service personnel. Everyone agrees with that mission. No one is questioning the courage, sacrifice, or experiences of the veterans who compete. They deserve respect, recognition and the spotlight.
But your statement tries to blur an important distinction. Questioning the direction, leadership, or public image of the Games is not the same as diminishing the experiences of injured veterans. Criticism of how Invictus is being presented is not criticism of the men and women who served.
By suggesting that questioning anything around the Games is “disrespectful,” you effectively shield the organizers and the celebrity figures attached to it from scrutiny while placing veterans in front as a moral barrier.
If the focus truly belongs on courage, recovery and camaraderie, then the spotlight should remain firmly on the competitors themselves. Yet increasingly the public narrative around Invictus revolves around Prince Harry and especially Meghan Markle, who is neither a veteran nor a participant in the Games.
When coverage of an event meant to honor wounded service personnel becomes dominated by Meghan Markle’s appearances, wardrobe and personal publicity moments, it is fair for people to ask why. Especially when she does not even wear Invictus merchandise to promote the Games while reportedly spending lavishly on personal presentation during the events.
If Invictus truly believes the focus should remain on those who served, then the simplest solution is obvious. Put the veterans back at the center and stop allowing the Games to become a stage for the attention whore Meghan Markle.
