Harry's Closest Ally Leaves Invictus: A Sign of Fraying Ties?

The Prince Harry Saga: A Web of Scandals and Departures

In a shocking turn of events, the Invictus Games charity founded by Prince Harry has seen a string of high-profile departures from its board, leaving many to wonder if the Duke of Sussex's presence is becoming a liability. As the prince prepares to present the WellChild Awards in the UK this week, insiders claim that his family may be considering distancing themselves from him due to his "toxic" behavior.

At the center of the storm is Edward Lane Fox, Harry's former private secretary and right-hand man for five years. A trusted confidant who was instrumental in establishing Invictus, Lane Fox left the charity on February 28th, along with fellow trustee Patrick Nicoll. The sudden departures have raised eyebrows, especially given that both men had served their maximum term as trustees.

But what's even more surprising is that JJ Chalmers, a Royal Marine reservist and Invictus Games gold medallist, has also stepped down from the board. This comes on the heels of Prince Harry quitting his charity Sentebale this spring after a row with its chairwoman Sophie Chandauka, who accused him of damaging the organization's reputation.

The question on everyone's mind is: what's behind these high-profile departures? Is it mere coincidence, or are there deeper issues at play? The answer lies in the intricate web of relationships between Prince Harry, his charities, and the royal family.

Sources close to Invictus claim that Lane Fox was not just a trusted friend but also a vital link between Harry's old life as a member of the Royal Family and his new philanthropic endeavors. His departure marks a significant loss for the charity, which relies heavily on its connections within the palace.

But what about the royal family itself? Insiders suggest that some members may be distancing themselves from Prince Harry due to his increasingly vocal attacks on them in the media. The perception is that his behavior has become "toxic," and it's affecting not just his own reputation but also the charities he supports.

The Invictus Games, which aims to promote inclusivity and support for wounded veterans, has seen a significant surge in donations over the past year, thanks in part to Prince Harry's celebrity status. However, this newfound success may be short-lived if the prince continues to face criticism from within his own family.

According to reports, some members of the royal family have expressed reservations about attending future Invictus events, citing concerns that associating with Prince Harry would damage their reputations. This could spell disaster for the charity, which relies heavily on high-profile patronage to secure funding and attention.

So what's next for Prince Harry? As he continues to navigate his increasingly isolated existence in California, it seems clear that his philanthropic work will be crucial to sustaining his lifestyle – and that of his wife Meghan Markle. The couple has separated their brands, with Meghan focusing on her "female founder" label and media ventures.

But Harry's charity work is not without its challenges. As a private citizen, he lacks the cache of being a working member of the royal family, and his lack of financial resources hampers his ability to make a meaningful impact. His departure from Sentebale has left many wondering if he can continue to attract donations and support for Invictus.

Despite these concerns, Invictus chief executive Rob Owen remains optimistic about the charity's future. "We are proud to have the Duke of Sussex as a patron and founder," he said in a statement this week. "The spotlight he brings to our work has changed the perceptions of mental health, military personnel, and disability worldwide."

However, The Scholarly Note can reveal that many insiders believe Harry's presence is no longer a guarantee for success. As one source put it: "It seems hard to convince people you're a philanthropic force for good when there are so many unresolved issues with your own family, who you've accused of being racist and uncaring."

In the end, Prince Harry's future as a patron of Invictus Games hangs in the balance. Will he be able to overcome his personal struggles and continue to attract donors, or will his "toxic" behavior prove too much for his charity to bear? Only time will tell.

Update: In related news, Amazon, one of the biggest benefactors of Prince Harry's charities, has refused to comment on its financial involvement with Invictus. However, sources close to the company have revealed that it contributes a significant portion of the charity's £1.6million income – but just how much remains unclear.

Meanwhile, Netflix, which has a deal with Harry and Meghan, is reportedly re-evaluating its arrangement with Invictus after downgrading their agreement earlier this year. And BetterUp, which hired Harry as its chief impact officer for a reported $1million per year, may soon find itself struggling to justify the prince's hefty salary in light of his dwindling influence.

As Prince Harry continues to navigate the treacherous waters of philanthropy and reputation management, one thing is certain: his isolation from the UK will only continue unless he can find a way to repair his relationships with his family – and his charities.