A group of 50 veterans from 10 countries participating in the upcoming Invictus Games in Canada has issued a warning to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, urging them to refrain from attending the event.
The veterans accused the couple of exploiting the Games for personal and financial gain, as well as disrespecting the royal family and the military community.
The leaked letter expressed deep disappointment and disgust towards the couple’s actions and statements post their departure from royal duties and relocation to the U.S. with their children.
The letter highlighted the veterans’ perception that Prince Harry, Princess Catherine, and Prince William founded the Games in 2014 as a Paralympic-style event for wounded, injured, and sick service personnel and veterans.
However, the veterans felt that the couple had utilized the platform to further their brand and business ventures with Netflix and Spotify.
Moreover, the letter criticized the couple for allegedly making false and damaging claims against the royal family and the British press during their interview with Oprah Winfrey last year.
The veterans expressed a sense of betrayal and abandonment by Prince Harry, whom they once considered a brother-in-arms and a staunch advocate for their cause.
They lamented that Prince Harry seemed to have lost touch with the values and ethics of the military, emphasizing that his presence at the Games in Toronto in September 2024 would detract from the event’s purpose of honoring and supporting veterans and their families.
The letter underscored the veterans’ hope that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle would respect their wishes and refrain from attending the Games.
It emphasized that the event was about the veterans and their camaraderie, rather than the couple’s personal endeavors.
The controversy surrounding the letter has triggered widespread criticism towards the couple, with accusations of greed, selfishness, and hypocrisy being leveled against them by the public and the media.
Despite the backlash, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have not responded directly to the letter.
However, sources close to them have refuted the allegations of exploitation and betrayal, asserting that the couple remains committed to social justice, mental health advocacy, and environmental awareness through various projects and initiatives.
The upcoming Invictus Games, set to showcase 500 athletes from 20 nations competing in 12 adaptive sports, are anticipated to draw a diverse audience and highlight the resilience of veterans and their families.
The Games, now clouded by the controversy surrounding the letter, were envisioned as an opportunity for reconciliation and healing between Prince Harry and the veterans with whom he shares a deep bond.
As the sixth edition of the event approaches, the focus remains on celebrating the spirit and determination of those who have served their countries and overcome adversity.
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