The future of Prince Harry’s next Invictus Games, set to take place in Canada in February 2025, is uncertain as two senior executives have been unexpectedly dismissed, according to a whistleblower who spoke to Mail Online.
The Invictus Games, which will feature winter sports for the first time, are scheduled to be held in Vancouver and Whistler.
However, CEO Peter Lawless, a prominent Canadian lawyer and respected Olympic and Paralympic administrator, has abruptly left his position.
It is reported that morale among staff has plummeted following his departure.
A spokesperson for the Invictus Games declined to comment on whether Lawless was fired, stating only that he had been “transitioned out” and would continue to serve as an ambassador.
Another key figure to leave the Vancouver Whistler team is Bill Cooper, who served as the chief commercial officer for 10 months before departing in October.
Colleagues praised Cooper’s professionalism and expressed disappointment in the decision to let him go.
Concerns have been raised by Games volunteers that these recent changes may overshadow the event, which aims to honor and support veterans.
Additionally, there are worries that the security and other costs associated with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s attendance could strain the Games’ finances.
Despite claims by a volunteer that the 2025 Games face financial concerns, an Invictus spokesperson denied this, pointing out that the governments of Canada and British Columbia have committed nearly £20 million to hosting the event.
The departures of Lawless and Cooper have caused internal unrest, according to the volunteer.
They also expressed frustration at the distractions caused by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s personal troubles.
The whistleblower alleged that Lawless and Cooper were dismissed without clear reasons, but claimed that the executives had uncovered evidence suggesting that the Sussexes had misused funds from their foundation.
Furthermore, they reportedly advised against covering the security expenses, clothing, jewelry, and luxury hotel accommodations for the couple.
The volunteer argued that since Invictus is a charity, it should not bear the burden of these costs, emphasizing that the Sussexes should cover their own security expenses.
British Columbia taxpayers were also warned that they may be responsible for the expenses related to the Harcourts’ stay during the Games.
The whistleblower questioned the financial impact of the Invictus Games, particularly since Meghan Markle’s involvement.
They called for transparency in disclosing the revenue generated by previous host countries and criticized the large sums of money invested, only to end up with zero profits.
They suggested that taxpayers’ money could be better allocated elsewhere.
The situation has left the Invictus staff and athletes vulnerable, as they may not have the necessary resources to overcome these challenges.
Those who closely observed Harry and Meghan’s behavior during the previous Games may not be surprised by the current difficulties faced by the Invictus Games, whether they are financial or personal in nature.