In a surprising twist, Dominic Reid has stepped down as the chief of the Invictus Games Foundation, a position he has held for many years.

His resignation comes just after significant backlash against Prince Harry, who accepted the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the recent 2024 ESPY Awards.

This award is meant to honor outstanding contributions to the military community, but Harry’s acceptance has stirred up a storm of controversy.

Harry took a moment to express his gratitude towards Reid in a touching note, highlighting his friend’s crucial role in turning the Invictus Games into a global phenomenon.

Reid’s departure has raised eyebrows and ignited speculation about the underlying reasons for his resignation.

In his statement, Harry praised Reid for his unwavering dedication and leadership over the past decade, which has supported countless wounded, injured, and sick service personnel through sports rehabilitation.

Reid emphasized how grateful he was for the opportunity to lead the foundation, stating, “I’m immensely grateful to my friend Dominic whose dedication and leadership transformed the Invictus Games from an ambitious idea to an internationally recognized movement.” However, his resignation, announced shortly after the ESPY Awards, suggests a widening gap between the charity’s established leadership and Harry.

Reid has played a pivotal role in shaping the Invictus Games Foundation since its inception.

He described his decision to resign as a strategic move to make way for new leadership that can steer the organization into its next decade.

“It’s time for someone new to take this vital movement forward into its second vigorous decade,” he said.

Even though he’s stepping down, Reid plans to stay involved with the foundation and continue his work on other projects, such as serving as pageant master of the Lord Mayor’s Show.

Reflecting on his tenure, he remarked, “Once a member of the Invictus family, you never leave.” He also noted that he has fulfilled the ten-year vision he set out, including the introduction of winter sports, a cause dear to him as a former biathlete.

The timing of Reid’s resignation coincides with growing scrutiny of Prince Harry’s actions, particularly regarding the Pat Tillman Award.

Critics argue that accepting this award undermines the integrity of the Invictus Games, suggesting that Harry’s decisions have shifted the charity’s focus from genuine service to veterans to a platform for personal gain.

Some observers even claim that Reid’s resignation may stem from his disapproval of Harry’s acceptance of the award.

There are whispers that Reid views this move as a misuse of the charity, particularly given the notion that the award should have been directed toward organizations like the Invictus Games or the Warrior Games instead of enhancing Harry’s public image.

Since its founding in 2014, the Invictus Games have been celebrated for showcasing the strength and resilience of wounded veterans.

However, recent controversies have sparked concerns that the organization is being exploited for personal and public relations purposes.

Critics worry that the spotlight on Harry and Meghan Markle detracts from the charity’s core mission.

As the Invictus Games prepares for its future, there is hope among supporters that the board will appoint a new CEO who will prioritize the organization’s original values and remain focused on aiding veterans.

Additionally, some voices are calling for Meghan Markle to be excluded from future events, believing her presence undermines the charity’s objectives.

Dominic Reid’s resignation marks a pivotal moment in the history of the Invictus Games Foundation.

As the organization navigates this transition, it faces the challenge of addressing ongoing criticisms while remaining steadfast in its commitment to supporting service personnel and veterans.

The road ahead is uncertain, but the foundation’s mission remains clear: to uplift and empower those who have sacrificed so much.