Sources have claimed that the duke’s “divisive” public persona is overshadowing the games’ message
Prince Harry is reportedly facing growing pressure to “step back” from his role as Patron of the Invictus Games, amid concerns his involvement may be becoming a distraction for the organisation he founded.
The Duke of Sussex, 40, launched the international sporting event in 2014 to support wounded, injured, and sick service personnel and veterans.
Last year marked its 10th anniversary, which was celebrated with a special service at St Paul’s Cathedral in London. Harry and Meghan Markle also travelled to Canada in February 2025 to mark the first winter edition of the games.
With the next Invictus Games scheduled to take place in Birmingham in 2027, the duke is expected to attend.
However, some individuals linked to the foundation reportedly believe the time has come for Harry to consider stepping back. They have cited his increasingly “divisive” public image in the UK and among members of the Armed Forces as reasons.
A statement has since been issued, defending the duke.
Prince Harry has been urged to step down from his role as Patron of the Invictus Games (Credit: Cover Images)
Prince Harry urged to ‘step back’ from Invictus Games
“The duke has become an increasingly divisive figure, particularly in the Armed Forces. And that is not good for Invictus,” a source close to the organisation allegedly told the Daily Mail.
“We are all about bringing people together and inspiring those who have suffered hardship. Now, Invictus is firmly established, it might be better if the duke took a step back.”
The source added that the games’ original mission could be overshadowed by Harry’s continued presence.
“It is worrying that such a worthy event seems to be used for PR purposes. Normally, senior members of the royal family would want to attend. It goes without saying that they support the Forces to the hilt. It would be unfortunate if they felt unable to because of Harry’s presence.”
We are proud to have The Duke of Sussex as the Patron and Founder of the Invictus Games Foundation.
Harry’s decision to step down as a working royal in 2020, along with his and Meghan’s subsequent criticisms of the royal family, has left him estranged from senior royals, including his father King Charles and brother Prince William.
His popularity in the UK has plummeted in the years since, making his involvement in public-facing British events increasingly controversial.
The Duke of Sussex is said to have extended an invitation to King Charles to attend the 2027 Invictus Games. This potential step toward reconciliation has propelled the upcoming Birmingham event onto the front pages.
A separate source close to the royal family reportedly told the publication that replacing Harry wouldn’t be difficult if he did step aside.
They claimed: “If Harry were to resign as patron of Invictus, I’m sure they would have no trouble finding a new royal patron.”
Sources have claimed that the duke’s “divisive” public persona is overshadowing the games’ message (Credit: SplashNews)
Invictus Foundation defends Harry
Despite the speculation, the Invictus Games Foundation has reaffirmed its support for Harry and his ongoing contributions.
CEO Rob Owen issued a statement defending the duke’s continued involvement.
It read: “We are proud to have The Duke of Sussex as the Patron and Founder of the Invictus Games Foundation.
“The Invictus Movement stems from his ideas and his passion for the international community of wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans, borne out of his military service experience, and his understanding of the power of sport to change lives and save lives.”
He also added: “The spotlight he brings to the community, and to our work, has changed the perceptions of mental health, of military personnel, and of disability worldwide.”
With the Birmingham games on the horizon, questions remain over how involved Prince Harry will be.
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