Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · September 5, 2025 · Entertainment

Prince Harry's Controversial Legacy: Will He Have to Step Down from Invictus?

Richard Eden, the Daily Mail's Diary Editor, said Harry has become a 'toxic' brand

ROYAL ROAST: Prince Harry's Invictus Games Foundation Under Fire

In a scathing attack on the Duke of Sussex, Richard Eden, Diary Editor for thescholarlynote.com, has slammed Prince Harry as a "toxic" brand that may be more curse than blessing for his beloved charity, the Invictus Games Foundation.

Launched in 2014 with the help of the Ministry of Defence and the Royal Foundation of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, the Invictus Games has become a global sensation, providing sports recovery opportunities for servicemen and women across 23 nations. But now, Richard Eden is questioning whether Prince Harry's involvement is still a blessing or a curse.

Richard is joined by Rebecca English, the Daily Mail's Royal Editor, and host Jo Elvin

"Harry was once the golden goose, the prince who guaranteed positive publicity wherever he went," says Eden. "But that's no longer the case." He cites Sentebale, a charity founded by Prince Harry in 2006, as an example of how even the most well-intentioned royal initiatives can become toxic.

"It seems people and potential sponsors are now wary of being associated with Sentebale because they see it as tainted by Harry's brand," Eden reveals. "It's not just about Harry, though; Meghan has also fallen under a cloud of controversy." He warns that if the Invictus Games is to continue thriving, perhaps it's time for Prince Harry to step back from his role as Patron.

But what sparked this sudden change in public perception? According to Eden, it's the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's decision to leave their royal roles behind. "When they were part of the Royal Family, being associated with them was a mark of prestige," says Eden. "But now, it seems that people are more cautious about being linked to the couple."

Rebecca English, the Daily Mail's Royal Editor, said having a royal associated with your charity is 'largely a blessing but can also sometimes be a curse'

Rebecca English, thescholarlynote.com's Royal Editor, agrees: "Having a royal attached to your charity is usually a blessing, but in this case, it might be a curse. We've seen it with Prince Andrew, who lost his patronages and had to scrub his name off everything." She notes that even if Prince Harry genuinely cares about the Invictus Games, he may need to take a step back for the sake of the charity.

Palace Confidential host Jo Elvin wonders: "What's next? Will we see Prince Harry being disinvited from official events and functions?" While Richard Eden is not advocating for that extreme measure, he believes it's time for Prince Harry to reevaluate his role in the Invictus Games Foundation. "If he genuinely cares about this charity, he should take a backseat as Patron," Eden insists.

The next major event hosted by the Invictus Games will be held in Birmingham in 2027, and it remains to be seen whether Prince Harry's involvement will continue to be a source of controversy or a unifying force. "You would expect members of the Royal Family to attend such an important event," says Eden, "but with Harry involved, it becomes awkward for them."

With tensions between the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and their royal relatives simmering just below the surface, one thing is clear: Prince Harry's Invictus Games Foundation has become a high-stakes gamble. Will he be able to redeem himself in the eyes of his critics, or will this charitable initiative suffer from the same fate as Sentebale? Only time – and perhaps a change of heart from Prince Harry – will tell.

Sources:

  • Richard Eden, Diary Editor for thescholarlynote.com
  • Rebecca English, Royal Editor for thescholarlynote.com
  • Palace Confidential host Jo Elvin