The Duke and Duchess of Sussex at the Invictus Games 2023

[MrsMaxDeWinter]

Most of the Invictus threads seem to be filling up, or focused on fairly parochial issues, so I thought, now that Meghan is in Dusseldorf, I would lead us off with a general new thread about Harry and Meghan at Invictus 2023.

Some initial thoughts from me.

The UK tabloid narrative about how much Harry and Meghan are loathed globally is blown apart by the warm and rousing welcome they both received, both separately and together. So the UK tabloids have to dig deep to write eye-rollingly silly stories about Harry being "humiliated" because he did not score a goal during a fun, light-hearted TV appearance to promote the Games.

Invictus clearly means everything to Harry, and it is lovely to see Meghan supporting him, and to remember that it was at Invictus in Toronto that they first went public. The event must have such lovely memories for them both.

Favourite picture: Meghan with Glory Essien, the Nigerian athlete.

The Nigerians have really lit up the tournament. A Kenyan senator who met Harry last week posted on X that she would work on Kenya to be the next African team.

After everything in the last year, it's so lovely to see that Invictus is getting bigger, that Harry is as committed as he has always been to the Games he started, and that Meghan is there to support the veterans, and her husband.

Of course it is a good cause.

Harry's 'baby'? Well, how much of the leg work do you think he has done? (how much child care does he do? 😂)

I am glad we can agree that Harry's influence is down to his accident of birth, rather than anything he has acheived himself.

And the reason he was listened to, and the IG were created, is because he is a member of the RF. Not because he has done anything exceptional, just because he was born into a ridiculous amount of privilege.

So……….?

So, it is a tad hypocritical to then attack that set up, without acknowledging the benefits

I am glad we can agree that Harry's influence is down to his accident of birth, rather than anything he has acheived himself.

Of course many agree - so odd you think people don’t.

I just think some people can't understand that Harry will forever be a former working member of the Royal Family. Whatever he does as far as work within the charity sector, his position will go before him. He is known. And if it helps a charity, that's fine.

Look at Sentebale.. founded in 2006 by Harry and Prince Seeso of Lesotho... still ongoing and thriving.

Well, there is a degree of 'isn't he wonderful' on here that suggests otherwise...

As opposed to 'incredibly privileged person spends a small amount of time on a charity, so it is his 'baby'...

Ah so people of immense privilege who use their privilege for good works should not comment on the circumstances from where their privilege comes. Gotcha! 👍🏽

No. I just don't get the adulation, that's all!

Of everyhting that has made IG the incredible organisation it is, how much would you say is down to Harry?

Given this is his 'baby'?

Absolutely. Given that H&M are not taxpayer funded individuals... I think they can do what they want, and if it is amplifying a charity that will benefit from their connection and work with it, well done them!

Of everything that has made IG the incredible organisation it is, how much would you say is down to Harry?

As above - Harry’s influence as a patron is what has made the IG as wide ranging as it is. The success of the games and the projects are down to the hard work of the staff, volunteers and of course the athletes. Patrons are not CEOs of the organisations they lend themselves to.

And how much of the IG organisation and success would you say is down to Harry?

How much of the credit does he get?

As I have said, I have set up two charities, which both came about from 'wouldn't it be great if XYZ happened' conversations with friends. And then involved a huge amount of background work.

I don't see Harry doing the background work, so I don't think he gets very much credit...

His influence as a member of the unelected, racist and maintainer of the status quo RF! 😂Yes, let's celebrate that!

The point of a charity isn't who gets credit, it's who does it help? Are their lives improved? I much prefer to read up about the vets and competitors than waste time on the internet with people who hate Harry and Meghan trying to minimise his role.

I am not trying to minimise his role, I am trying to get it in some perspective instead of the adulation it is getting on this thread!

It is odd that so many posters criticise (understandably) claims about the RF's impact on promoting good causes, and then gush about Harry's amazing work in promoting IG 😂that it is his 'baby' and it's success owes so much to him!

The point of a charity isn't who gets credit, it's who does it help?

This with knobs on. It's totally about how the Charity helps and if Harry or Kate or William lending their name ups the profile of the charity and helps those who need it... fine.

I think of WellChild and his involvement there... 16 years of visiting them for their Awards, one done online during Covid, one missed because of Queen's death.. they love him and his involvement.

An uplifting sentiment we can all agree on!

I am sure you will reiterate it next time someone posts that there is no evidence having a royal patron benefits the charity involved.

Now, as I haven't got the benefit of unearned millions, I need to go to work and earn a living! Have a good day all 😀

I am sure you will reiterate it next time someone posts that there is no evidence having a royal patron benefits the charity involved.

Do have a read of this. It is a huge investigation piece databased with 3million entries. As can be evidenced, it depends on how 'hands on' a person is with their Charity. If you are just on a letterhead, obviously, as proven it doesn't particularly help. Involvement is the key.

If, like Harry... for 16 years you have made a point of attending their annual awards like WellChild... it does make a difference.

https://giving-evidence.com/2020/07/16/royal-findings/

Yes and I can respect all of his work more now, as he's not doing it as part of paid work via the Sovereign grant. As you know from being on the Duchy thread, sadly not all charities are formed to actually help those who need it.

Yes indeed. The Duchy thread goes into great detail... and whilst one of the DoL charities is just what I imagined should be done with the money received from deceased intestate with no traceable relative people... the other two are personal enrichment. Best to leave that there... the thread explains all.

You guys are funny! Critiquing the RF then realising you need to find a way of excepting Harry 😂

He doesn't get anything from the Sovereign Grant these days, but his money is 100% from the UK taxpayers given to the RF. From Diana's divorce settlement from Charles, and from his trust fund from the QM (who then owed millions)

That is really untrue.

A quick glance at the Daily Mail today.

MM smiling in Montecito after race row

MM sends subtle message to King wearing tennis bracelet.

Prince Harry and something about security

Prince Harry acused of causing drug adictiuon due to bragging abut drug use.

Duke of Westminster won't invite Harry to wedding

That is a glance at the top few stories.

They have profile.

I see it as a constant campaign of harassment by King Charles close friend, Lord Rothemere, but there you go.

Great minds etc...😁

His public profile is not because of his relationship to the RF.

It is because he is royal.

He wrote a book about his life thus far - fair enough! I saw no attack in the book.

In your opinion he has nothing else to offer. In mine, he does!

DoS had a charming onscreen presence, and was an actor who achieved her stated aim, which was, to have a long running part in a long running show.

You may not be happy with that but she was.

Why be pissy about peoples acomplishments?

As women, lets not reduce other women's success for the sake of winning an argument. Surely we have enough of the crap in our daily lives.