Prince Harry Honored at TIME100 Sports Gala Amid Fan Criticism
Prince Harry attended the inaugural TIME100 Sports Gala on Thursday at Pier 60 in New York City, where he was recognized for his contributions to sports through the Invictus Games. However, the honor sparked a wave of criticism from royal fans on social media, who questioned his athletic credentials and the award's credibility.
The Duke of Sussex was named to TIME's list of the world's most influential figures shaping the global sports landscape back in June, appearing in the Leaders section alongside Icons, Titans, and Innovators. He was praised for founding the Invictus Games in 2014, a multi-sport event for wounded, injured, and sick service personnel and veterans.
Social Media Backlash Over Award Credibility
Many users on X expressed confusion and disapproval. One user asked, “Exactly what sport has he ever played in???” Another commented, “What is happening with the credibility of these award shows??” A third added, “Why..he doesn’t do any sports..”
A fourth critic wrote: “I’m confused. I don’t remember seeing him play any sports, lead any team on to a field, manage any club to success, own a premier team in any sport. He’s only shown up for Invictus and was a disaster. Awards need to get serious or lose the public’s interest.” Another said: “What the h*** has he done to be on that list? Hundreds or thousands in the US excel at sports and do not make the list.”
Veterans Praise Invictus Games' Life-Changing Impact
Despite the criticism, veterans who participated in the Invictus Games shared powerful testimonials about the event's role in their recovery. Josh Boggi, 39, who lost his right arm and both legs in Afghanistan at age 24, told the Daily Express: “Sport, for me, was the vehicle that took me from my injury to where I find myself today. It gave me purpose. It gave me a community back. And I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for sport.”
Regarding Prince Harry's role, Boggi added: “His involvement as the founder and the patron of the Invictus Games Foundation is massive. It just brings that spotlight on the cause and the fact that there are thousands of wounded, injured and sick service personnel around the world. If it wasn’t him, I don’t think the Games would be where they are. I’m pretty sure of that.”
Prince Harry Reflects on the Power of Sport
In an interview with TIME, Prince Harry explained the inspiration behind the Games: “I thought, ‘Wow, look at the power of sport, look at how it is literally changing lives in front of my very eyes. It was so clear to me. Let's invite as many countries as possible to make it international, because clearly more countries need to benefit from this.” He also noted the identity shift for veterans: “When you are wearing your nation's flag on your arm, on your chest, once that's removed, there's something that's missing. What we've managed to achieve through Invictus over the years is not only to give people their purpose and their meaning back, but give them their identity back.”
This is not Harry's first appearance on TIME's influential lists. He was named in the Icons category in 2021 alongside his wife, Meghan Markle, and in the Leaders category in 2018 before their marriage. Reflecting on his personal connection to sports, Harry said: “Sport held me together. I was one of those kids at school who did not enjoy classroom work. If it wasn't for the sports field, and the amount of sports that were on offer, there's no way I would have stayed in school.”
