A significant backlash has arisen from the veterans’ community in Vancouver towards Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, as hundreds of veterans gathered outside the city hall to protest against the couple’s involvement in the upcoming Invictus Games in Canada.
These veterans, comprising wounded, injured, or sick service personnel and veterans, have voiced their discontent and frustration with the actions and statements made by Harry and Meghan, which they perceive as disrespectful, disloyal, and detrimental to both the military and the monarchy.
The protesters have accused the royal couple of exploiting the Invictus Games, established in 2014 as a platform to showcase their personal agenda and interests while seeking to benefit from the media and entertainment industry.
Organized by a group named Veterans Against the Sussexes, the demonstration aimed to advocate for the removal of Harry and Meghan from the Invictus Games foundation, as well as the revocation of their Sussex titles and patronages.
Through online and offline campaigns, the group has been actively petitioning key figures such as the king, prime minister, and Invictus Games organizers to exclude the couple from the event and appoint alternative royal patrons or representatives.
The protest, attended by approximately 500 veterans from diverse branches and ranks of the Canadian Armed Forces, along with supporters and onlookers, was marked by fervent chants, sign-waving, and symbolic acts such as burning effigies of Harry and Meghan.
Slogans and placards bearing messages like “Harry and Meghan, go away,” “Invictus Games, not Sussex Games,” and “Get rid of the Sussexes” were prominently displayed.
Amidst patriotic renditions of national and Invictus Games anthems, the demonstrators proudly exhibited the Canadian flag and the Invictus Games flag.
Lasting for about two hours, the protest unfolded in a peaceful and orderly manner, with participants adhering to instructions from law enforcement and organizers, thereby avoiding any public disturbances or disruptions.
However, emotions ran high as veterans vocalized their grievances towards Harry and Meghan, recounting personal narratives of resilience and recovery through their participation in the Invictus Games.
Expressing loyalty to the military and the monarchy, they conveyed disappointment and resentment over feeling abandoned and insulted by the royal couple.
This unprecedented demonstration in Canada has placed considerable pressure on the Invictus Games Foundation, chaired by Prince William and endorsed by Harry and Meghan as patrons.
In response to the protest, the foundation acknowledged the veterans’ perspectives while affirming its support for the couple as integral figures in the establishment and promotion of the Invictus Games.
Emphasizing a commitment to hosting a successful and meaningful event in Canada next year, the foundation expressed eagerness to welcome and honor all participating veterans and their families.
Furthermore, statements of solidarity and endorsement for Harry and Meghan have been issued by the organizers and sponsors of the forthcoming Invictus Games in Canada, including the Canadian government, the city of Vancouver, and various corporate entities and charitable organizations.
Nevertheless, the protest serves as a stark indicator of the growing dissatisfaction and division incited by Harry and Meghan within the veteran community and the public at large, prompting uncertainties regarding the future trajectory of the Invictus Games and the couple’s involvement in the event.
Scheduled to unfold in Vancouver and Whistler from February 8 to 16, 2025, the Invictus Games anticipate the participation of around 500 competitors from 23 nations engaging in a range of sports like skiing, curling, swimming, and wheelchair rugby.
As a testament to the courage and resilience of wounded, injured, or sick service personnel and veterans, the games aim to serve as a platform for celebration and acknowledgment of their extraordinary feats.