A promotional video released by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle for the upcoming 2023 Invictus Games has sparked controversy among veterans.

In the video, Meghan challenges Harry to a game of table tennis, but it is the couple’s presence that has left many veterans feeling frustrated.

One veteran from the Invictus Games expressed his anger, stating, “I’m part of the larger athletes with disabilities community that includes veteran athletes with disabilities.

Everyone I’ve spoken to is pissed as it’s about Harry and Meghan using wounded warriors in Invictus for personal promotion.”

Critics argue that the closing speech for an American competition should have been given by one of the older veterans, who may not be alive by the next competition, instead of a non-American.

They claim that the promotional video is the most ableist piece of content they have seen in years.

Promotional materials for the Invictus Games typically focus on highlighting the abilities of the competitors.

Able-bodied individuals only appear when sponsors hand out medals or when physical therapists assist athletes in transferring from wheelchairs to hand cycles.

This emphasis on showcasing the athletes’ skills is crucial, as it can determine their ability to secure funding for training, travel expenses, and equipment.

Furthermore, exposure through promotional materials often leads to press coverage and speaking engagements, which are vital for securing additional funding.

However, Harry and Meghan’s self-promotion in the promo video undermines these efforts.

Throughout the video, Harry competes against veteran athletes with disabilities in a series of ping pong matches, eliminating them one by one until he reaches the final match against Meghan.

Critics argue that this self-promotion takes away valuable time from the other athletes, but the bigger concern lies in the message it sends.

Regardless of the sacrifices made, the obstacles overcome, or the victories achieved, the video implies that no champion with disabilities can win against able-bodied individuals.

This message undermines the spirit of inclusivity and equality that the Invictus Games stand for.

Moreover, there are suspicions that the promo video, which will be played as a public service announcement, was cleverly designed to gain free PR for Harry and Meghan, potentially using funds allocated for the Invictus Games.

This further adds to the frustration felt by veterans and raises questions about the couple’s priorities.

As the countdown to the 2023 Invictus Games begins, Harry and Meghan have ample time to live quietly and prepare for their appearance.

The anticipation is high, with expectations of Meghan’s stunning fashion choices and the possibility of her showcasing a newborn baby, wrapped in a designer coat.

The couple’s presence at the event is expected to generate positive publicity, leaving little room for criticism.

It is worth noting that BetterUp, a familiar name, is listed as a partner on the Invictus Games Foundation site.

For those unfamiliar, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry signed a $100 million deal with Netflix in 2020.

One of their upcoming projects, “The Heart of Invictus,” will follow the journey of athletes participating in Prince Harry’s Invictus Games as they prepare for the 2022 event in The Hague, Netherlands.

The controversy surrounding the promotional video has highlighted the need to prioritize the voices and experiences of the veteran athletes.