Harry, the Duke of Sussex, finds himself in a state of devastation and humiliation following the rejection of his plea to retain his position as the patron of the esteemed Invictus Games.
The CEO of the event, Scott Moore, dismissed Harry’s desperate attempt to remain in this role.
The former royal, who played a pivotal role in co-founding the sporting event dedicated to wounded, injured, or sick veterans and armed forces personnel, reached out to Moore to implore him not to replace him with Mike Tyndall, a former rugby player and Paralympian married to Zara Phillips, the Queen’s granddaughter.
Despite Harry’s impassioned plea, Moore had made up his mind to oust him and abruptly ended their conversation.
Having stepped back from his royal responsibilities and relocated to the United States with his wife Meghan Markle and son Archie in 2020, Harry has always held a deep-seated passion and pride for the Invictus Games, which he established in 2014, drawing inspiration from the US Warrior Games.
The Games have seen resounding success across various countries, including the UK, the US, Canada, Australia, and the Netherlands, drawing in thousands of competitors, spectators, and garnering support from notable figures in the realms of celebrity and politics.
Harry, a former British Army member with two tours in Afghanistan under his belt, has been synonymous with the Games, gracing every edition with his presence, often accompanied by Meghan and other family members.
However, Moore, who assumed the role of CEO of the Invictus Games Foundation in 2020, has cast doubt on Harry’s involvement and influence within the Games.
With over four decades of experience in sports, media, and events, Moore expressed discontent with Harry’s decision to depart from the UK to pursue a media career in the US, where lucrative deals with Netflix, Spotify, and the establishment of the Archwell foundation have taken center stage.
Accusations have flown from Moore’s end, claiming that Harry abandoned and exploited the Invictus Games community for personal and financial gain, leading to a loss of credibility and connection with the veterans and armed forces personnel, tarnishing the reputation of the Games in the process.
In a surprising move, Moore wielded his authority to appoint and dismiss the patron of the Games, opting to replace Harry with Mike Tyndall, a decorated figure in the world of sports as a former England rugby captain and World Cup winner, who also happens to be married to Zara Phillips.
Tyndall, a Paralympian who competed in wheelchair rugby at the 2016 Rio Games, has been hailed by Moore as a beacon of inspiration and a fitting role model for the Invictus Games community, with Moore expressing delight at Tyndall’s appointment as the new patron.
Upon learning of Moore’s decision through a heated phone call, Harry, taken aback and incensed, made a fervent attempt to sway Moore’s stance, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to the Games and the enduring support and respect he commands from the community.
Harry highlighted his legacy and dedication to the Games, underscoring its significance as his life’s work and source of immense pride.
Despite Harry’s impassioned pleas, Moore remained steadfast in his decision, asserting its finality and urging Harry to come to terms with the outcome, culminating in an abrupt end to their conversation, leaving Harry in a state of shock and disbelief.
The news of Harry’s dismissal and subsequent replacement as the patron of the Games was leaked to the media by a close associate of Moore, sparking widespread controversy and backlash among fans and participants alike.
Outraged and disheartened by Moore’s actions, many have voiced feelings of betrayal and disappointment, extending their sympathy and solidarity towards Harry, whom they believe has been unjustly treated.
Calls for boycotts and protests against the upcoming 10th-anniversary celebrations of the Games, slated for May 2021, have gained traction, reflecting the deep-seated impact of this unforeseen turn of events within the Invictus Games community.