Prince Harry has been warned that the "soap opera" surrounding him and Meghan Markle threatens one of his greatest achievements, the Invictus Games. A PR expert claimed that the controversy surrounding the Sussexes' move could have a long-term effect on the sporting event.
What Are the Invictus Games?
The games were founded by Harry in 2014 and bring together wounded, injured and sick serving military personnel and veterans from countries around the world to compete in a biennial sporting event. The next games are due to take place in July 2027 in Birmingham, with around 25 nations and 550 expected to take part. The events include wheelchair basketball, athletics and swimming.
Controversy Surrounding the Games
Following the couple's move to the UK, the Invictus Games were propelled into the headlines last week as son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba stated the country would "not participate in anything that does not have His Majesty's approval". The comments shared to X are believed to be linked to King Charles' shocking letter clarifying that the pair are "private citizens".
Mark Borkowski, public relations consultant, has said this contention will be a stark reminder that their public battles will impact Harry's passion project. He told the Daily Mail: "Uganda is the warning. The Sussex soap opera is now damaging Invictus, the one unimpeachable thing Harry created."
Expert's Warning
Borkowski added that the Sussex brand is now overshadowing the cause of the games. "The brand is beginning to consume the cause," he said. He claimed Harry and Meghan "want the freedoms of private citizens but the power of royalty". "And they brief furiously whenever anyone points out the contradiction".
The expert's comments come after the release of the King's letter that reaffirmed the couple's position in the royal family as their return to the UK has created questions. A spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex said they were "a little surprised" by the letter, which clarified they remain "akin to private citizens with commercial and charitable interests".
The couple reportedly only had minutes to see the letter before it was made public, as Harry was in a meeting when his team received the correspondence. Harry took issue with this statement, with the Telegraph reporting that the Duke would prefer to be referred to as a 'public figure'. The Express has contacted Harry and Meghan's team for comment.
