'Unbelievable': Users Discuss Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Interaction with Veterans at Invictus Games

The couple were elated to attend the seventh edition of the competition for wounded military servicemen and women. The first edition of the game was held in London in 2014.

On February 8, Meghan Markle shared a clip from the Invictus Games opening ceremony on her Instagram story, sparking online debate. Many users accused her and Prince Harry of being insensitive in their interaction with veterans.

The short video captures Harry and the Duchess of Sussex smiling and waving at cheering crowds as they ride in a golf buggy. However, what caught many viewers' attention was how they seemed comfortable taking the ride as they passed by disabled veterans, some of whom were in wheelchairs.

The scene has led to mixed reactions, with some questioning why the couple didn’t choose to walk through the crowd, engaging directly with the veterans.

One user asked, "So Meghan and Harry, two able bodied people, are driven on a golf cart passed disabled veterans. Some of the veterans are wheelchair bound. They should have walked through the group, meeting, greeting and shaking hands. All with a camera following them. Unbelievable [sic]."

Another user didn't hold back, penning, "What a tone deaf couple. It was clear the last time around that the Harry and Meghan show completely overshadowed the wounded soldiers and their games yet here we are, version 2.0. Twice as unappealing [sic]."

Someone else kept it short but sharp, questioning, "Could these two be anymore [sic] insensitive?" Another user with similar views, wrote, "They drive along being taped by the cart behind them…with people being encouraged to yell out for them. When does this madness stop?"

Someone else wondered, "Did they lose the power of their legs. Shameful they couldn't walk and greet them." A different commenter sympathized with the veterans, "I feel bad for the Athletes. The two of them are making Invictus look like one big grift." Other people simply declared, "So inappropriate."

Another user pointed out, "The optics of this are hard to believe. They are RIDING past injured veterans. Some in wheelchairs. Waving to them from their cart because H/MM are too important to WALK. And of course they are being filmed. They are such odious people. This epitomizes."

As the games kicked off, an enthusiastic Meghan Markle took to Instagram to share a clip highlighting veterans competing in various events from past Invictus Games. The footage captured the spirit of determination as it showed athletes pushing their limits in sports like wheelchair basketball, sitting volleyball, and indoor rowing.

Injured veterans were seen giving their all by racing on the track, powering through cycling events, and displaying unwavering focus in archery. Their passion was evident on their faces as they turned each moment into a show of perseverance, while the audience cheered them on.

Meghan captioned the post, "Let the games begin! Get ready for a week of heart, hope, and heroes in action. Join us in cheering loudly and proudly to show just how much these competitors and their families mean to us."

Prince Harry founded the Invictus Games in 2014 for wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women. He was inspired to take this bold step when in 2013, Harry attended the US Warrior Games, a sporting event for injured service members.

Seeing how the competition helped in their recovery, he went on to create the Invictus Games, which is now a global event celebrating the resilience of wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women.

Furthermore, after serving in Afghanistan, Harry witnessed firsthand the harsh realities faced by wounded soldiers. A pivotal moment came when he saw the flag-draped coffin of a fallen Danish soldier being prepared for repatriation, alongside three injured British servicemen.

Deeply moved, he sought ways to support those who had sacrificed so much. Today, the Invictus Games Foundation also provides recovery programs that help participants rediscover purpose and identity beyond their injuries, ensuring they continue to thrive despite their challenges.

The game is now in its seventh edition, running from February 8 to February 16 in Vancouver and Whistler, Canada. Coldplay's Chris Martin and singer Nelly Furtado performed at this year's opening event.

The popular games, including swimming, wheelchair curling, and indoor rowing, will see 500 competitors from 23 nations take part in them. Additionally, the event will include winter sports for the first time.

At the opening ceremony, Harry received a hero's welcome. His speech also touched the veterans deeply, as he said, "Beyond any differences, here at the Invictus Games we are grounded in mutual respect, competing fiercely, but believing in one another. Supporting one another. And rooting for one another."

Harry added that it is his "sacred obligation" to support fellow military veterans. The games, which generate respect for those who served their country, have previously been held in London in 2014.

Afterwards, it moved to Orlando in 2016, Toronto in 2017, Sydney in 2018, The Hague in 2022, and Dusseldorf in 2023. In all the places the games have been held, it has managed to unite veterans and their families for moments of competition, fun, and joy.