Around 2,000 ex-military have reportedly left the Invictus Games and Prince Harry is facing calls to step down, but one expert believes there’s one thing that will stop him

Prince Harry looking tense wearing a dark suit

Prince Harry has been urged to step down from the Invictus Games, but one expert believes he will ignore the pleas.

The Duke of Sussex founded the games in 2014 to help support wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans. Now, around 2,000 ex-military have left the games claiming the event has “lost its original meaning”.

Others have taken issue with the involvement of Meghan Markle, with fears it makes the Invictus Games “too royal”. However, PR expert Ryan McCormick doesn’t believe Harry will take notice of the criticism.

Prince Harry attends the Adam Tower project introduction wearing a grey blazer and white shirt
Prince Harry is a co-founder of the Invictus Games ( 
Image:
AFP via Getty Images)

Speaking exclusively to The Mirror, he said: “Harry had no qualms about being honoured as a ‘Legend of Aviation’ in January so I don’t believe he’ll heed calls to step down from the Invictus Games.” However, he did suggest stepping down could pay off for Harry.

Ryan explained: “If The Duke did, however, and said it was out of respect to veterans, it could be a sizable boost of positive PR.” Ryan’s comments come following warnings from veterans that the Invictus Games have lost their way.

GB News host Mark Dolan claims: “About 2,000 ex-military have left the games, as they say it’s lost its original meaning. There are some former veterans who would like Harry to step down.”

The Duke of Sussex will celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games next week with a visit to the UK. He will give a reading at a special service at St Paul’s Cathedral, London, on May 8.

A statement published on the Invictus Games’ social media accounts read: “The Invictus Games Foundation will celebrate 10 years of changing lives and saving lives with a ‘Service of Thanksgiving’ at St Paul’s Cathedral on May 8th. We will be joined by our Patron, Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, actor Damian Lewis and members of the worldwide Invictus Community to mark the occasion.”

Harry will not be joined by Meghan for the event. However, the Duchess of Sussex will join her husband for a trip to Nigeria where they will take part in talks on the Invictus Games and meet with servicemen and their families.