Prince Harry, known as the Duke of Sussex, encountered a chilly and unwelcoming reception upon his arrival in California for the Invictus Games, an event he established in 2014 to honor wounded veterans.
The prince, who has been residing in California with his spouse Meghan Markle following their departure from the royal family in 2020, was met with protests and insults from Scott Moore, the CEO of the Invictus Games.
Moore bluntly expressed that Prince Harry should return to California as his presence was not appreciated.
This contentious encounter, captured on video and widely circulated on social media, has set the stage for a tense showdown between the prince and the event organizers.
The Invictus Games, featuring 500 participants from 20 nations, hold significant importance for Prince Harry, stemming from his military service in Afghanistan.
Originally scheduled to take place in The Hague, Netherlands in 2020 but postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Games were rescheduled for California in 2025 with the backing of local authorities and the U.S. government.
However, Prince Harry’s relocation to California alongside Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has sparked discord within the Invictus Games community, particularly with CEO Scott Moore, who has criticized the couple for what he perceives as selfish, disloyal, and hypocritical behavior.
Moore, a former British Army officer and veteran leading the Invictus Games since 2016, has accused the couple of betraying the event’s core values and exploiting it for personal gain.
He alleges that Prince Harry and Meghan have meddled in the Games’ planning and demanded preferential treatment, while also condemning their opulent lifestyle, security expenses, and environmental insincerity.
Moore’s frustration culminated in a heated confrontation at the airport on Tuesday when he confronted Prince Harry, publicly chastising him and branding him a traitor, coward, and disgrace to the military and veterans.
Despite Moore’s aggressive stance, Prince Harry remained composed and attempted to defuse the situation by expressing regret for any misunderstandings.
He reassured Moore of his dedication to the Games and veterans, emphasizing his respect and desire to reconcile differences.
Prince Harry implored Moore to maintain decorum and uphold the Games’ integrity, urging him to desist from creating a scene.
However, Moore persisted in his verbal assault, vowing to disrupt Prince Harry’s involvement in the Games and warning of further opposition from the Invictus Games community.
As Prince Harry departed with his security team and staff, Moore’s colleagues intervened to contain his outburst.
Undeterred, Moore vowed to make Prince Harry’s participation in the Games arduous and pledged continued resistance.
The confrontational exchange at the airport underscores the deep-seated animosity and discord surrounding Prince Harry’s association with the Invictus Games, signaling a turbulent chapter in the event’s history.
The clash between Prince Harry and Moore foreshadows potential challenges and controversies as the Games progress, underscoring the complexities and tensions surrounding the royal couple’s post-royal endeavors.