Prince Harry and Meghan Markle reunited at the Invictus Games in Germany this week, but several sources claim the couple’s presence is reportedly causing more harm than good amid their royal family feud.
Founded by the Duke of Sussex in 2014, the Invictus Games is an international multi-sport event for wounded, injured and sick soldiers and veterans. The competition series highlights the heroes who serve and protect – and Harry and Markle have played an integral role in bringing the event together.
However, many have reportedly found that their estrangement from the royal family has caused a distraction from the games and the greater meaning behind them.
“The athletes find it bizarre but don’t want to get caught up in the royal crossfire,” an insider told The Telegraph in an article published Thursday.
Ben McBean, a double amputee who inspired Harry to launch the event, told The Telegraph that the rifting royals should have put their differences aside in light of the event but that he understands “both sides.”
“Saying that, they should have just given the lads a shout-out,” McBean said.
”It’s like when we went to Afghanistan, no one supported the war, but they supported the troops. It’s the same thing.”
Meanwhile, it hasn’t gone unnoticed that Harry’s estranged brother, Prince William, and wife Kate Middleton haven’t attended this year’s annual competition as they’ve done in the past, nor has Harry’s father, King Charles III.
An anonymous UK media strategist told The Telegraph that when it comes to the Sussexes, the palace’s strategy is to “ignore and distract.”
“It’s ironic Buckingham Palace has had more to say about the Highland Games than the Invictus Games, despite the honorary military roles they hold,” the media source offered.
“In doing so, the palace ends up looking mean-spirited and petty. The ill will against Harry should not be held against the Invictus competitors.”
However, palace sources told the newspaper that the royal family abstains from getting involved in each other’s professional endeavors.
The Duchess of Sussex’s pricey wardrobe has also reportedly caused somewhat of a distraction at the event.
As Page Six reported, Markle showed up to Wednesday’s games wearing $790 Hermés sneakers after notably wearing $1,350 two-tone Chanel slingbacks upon her arrival.
However, Sussex aides assured The Telegraph that much of Markle’s wardrobe is either “vintage” or being re-worn. They also pointed out that the former “Suits” star is traveling without a makeup artist or hairdresser.
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Meanwhile, those involved with the Invictus Games are grateful for Harry’s involvement and dedication to the annual affair.
Team Sussex’s head coach George Bates told the newspaper that Harry is “just a super sound bloke,” adding that the red-headed royal is “thanking us for all the work we’re doing with the competitors.”
British athlete Rich Waldrom agreed, adding, “We love him here.”
Waldrom continued, “You’ll never get a bad word out of any of us for Harry. Look what he’s built. Look what he’s created for us all.”
Harry, 38, and Markle, 42, have put on a united front at the event and have appeared in great spirits despite their tensions with royals across the pond.
The duo have been feuding with members of the family since they resigned from their royal duties in 2020 and moved to Montecito, Calif., where they currently reside with their two children: Prince Archie, 4, and Princess Lilibet, 2.
The Duke of Sussex caused quite the stir with William and Charles when he spilled all the tea in his memoir, “Spare,” which was released in January.
In the bombshell book, Harry claimed that the Prince of Wales physically attacked him and that his father viewed him as just a “spare” heir to the throne.
Harry and Markle have also slammed the royal family during several interviews, with the former actress accusing family members of racist behavior and claiming the family did nothing when she came forward with having suicidal thoughts.
Markle has also been rumored to have a frosty relationship with the Duchess of Wales.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have steered clear of the royal family over the years, only trekking across the pond together to attend Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral last September. Harry then took a solo trip to the UK to attend Charles and Queen Camilla’s coronation ceremony.
The 2023 Invictus Games, which will continue through Saturday, marks the first joint trip to Europe for Harry and Markle since the funeral.
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