Prince Harry, the founder of the Invictus Games, may soon be replaced as patron of the organization he helped establish. Although Harry has maintained his role as the face of the games despite stepping down as a senior royal in 2020, speculation is growing that a member of his own family may be poised to take over.
Royal insiders and commentators have suggested that former rugby star Mike Tindall, husband of Princess Anne’s daughter Zara, could be lined up as the next patron.
The Invictus Games, founded by Prince Harry in partnership with the UK Ministry of Defence in 2014, has long been a passion project for the Duke of Sussex, aimed at supporting injured and sick military personnel through sports.
However, recent reports suggest that some within the organization and military circles are growing uneasy with Harry’s continued involvement, particularly in light of controversies surrounding him and his wife, Meghan Markle.
Royal commentator Angela Levin has hinted at growing discontent among Invictus Games officials and ex-military participants. According to Levin, there’s dissatisfaction with Meghan Markle’s increasing visibility at the events, including her leading a march with veterans last year—a move that reportedly upset some participants. Levin speculates that Harry’s role may be under review due to the controversies, with Tindall seen as a potential replacement who could bring stability to the organization.
“Harry has become too royal,” Levin told GB News, explaining that his public persona, particularly alongside Meghan, has sparked criticism. Levin claims that veterans and military personnel, in particular, have expressed discomfort with Meghan’s involvement, believing she lacks a true understanding of military life. This unease is reportedly fueling discussions of removing Harry as the figurehead of the games, even though he is its original founder.
Other royal commentators have echoed this sentiment. Tom Quinn, speaking to The Mirror, suggested that Harry’s controversial public disclosures—most notably his admission in his memoir Spare that he killed 25 enemy combatants during his time as a helicopter pilot in Afghanistan—have damaged his standing within the military community. Quinn noted that this breach of “unwritten rules” may have prompted calls for Harry to step aside from the Invictus Games.
Mark Dolan, a GB News presenter, added that around 2,000 ex-military participants have left the Invictus Games, claiming it has lost its original purpose. He pointed to dissatisfaction among veterans with Harry’s continued leadership, suggesting that many feel the event has become more about celebrity than about supporting wounded servicemen and women.
As these rumors swirl, the future of Prince Harry’s involvement with the Invictus Games remains uncertain. While some supporters believe he should remain at the helm due to his deep personal connection with the event, others are calling for new leadership to restore the games’ original mission. With Mike Tindall reportedly being considered as a successor, the Invictus Games could be on the verge of a major change in leadership—one that could reshape the legacy of the event and Harry’s role within it.