Prince Harry, also known as the Duke of Sussex, encountered a contentious welcome in Düsseldorf during the Invictus Games, where demonstrators labeled him as a war criminal and dubbed him Bomber Harry.
Upon his arrival at Düsseldorf City Hall at 2:50 p.m., Prince Harry was met by Reinhold Bomber, 68, who vocally protested and brandished a sign reading “Bomber Harry.”
Bomber accused Harry of confessing to the killing of 25 Taliban fighters in Afghanistan, denouncing him as a symbol of the British establishment that had engaged in wars without just cause.
Bomber expressed his belief that the celebration of such actions was unjust, asserting that the Invictus Games should be called off.
In the midst of Prince Harry’s arrival, approximately 50 protesters, including Bomber, displayed various placards condemning his presence.
Despite the predominantly supportive atmosphere towards Harry, dissenting voices were heard through signs declaring sentiments such as “We died and the rich make profit” and “I’m against your war.”
Lucas Baumer, 26, the organizer of the protest, emphasized that their opposition was not directed towards athletes or soldiers but rather the normalization of war perpetuated by events like the Invictus Games, which are sponsored by companies like Boeing and Lockheed Martin, known for manufacturing weapons.
Lucas criticized the paradoxical nature of these companies profiting from wars that result in harm to soldiers.
Among the demonstrators was Ulrich Maher, a 70-year-old dairy farmer from Düsseldorf, holding a sign that read, “Now victims, but war criminals.”
Maher expressed his strong disapproval of Prince Harry, labeling him as a murderer based on his reported actions in Afghanistan.
Maher condemned both the Invictus Games and the German government for allowing such events to take place, asserting that they should not be endorsed.
Prior to the protest in Düsseldorf, Prince Harry had attended a vigil at his late grandmother’s resting place on the anniversary of her passing.
Reports indicated that Harry paid his respects alone at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle, appearing visibly emotional.
Following the vigil, he traveled from Heathrow to Germany, where he stayed in the presidential suite of the Hyatt Regency for a nightly rate of 1,600 euros.
At the Invictus Games, Prince Harry delivered the opening speech, commencing with remarks in German before transitioning to English.
He reflected on the significance of military uniforms, evoking memories of service, camaraderie, and a sense of purpose beyond oneself.
In his address, Prince Harry invoked feelings of pride and honor associated with wearing one’s nation’s flag on a uniform, emphasizing the collective purpose and service to others that defined the experiences of the participants.
He underscored the profound impact of being part of a larger mission, characterizing it as a blessing repeatedly.
Prince Harry’s poignant words resonated with the audience, encapsulating the spirit of unity and sacrifice that the Invictus Games sought to embody.
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