Vancouver Veterans Rally Against Sussexes: A Call for Change at Invictus Games

In a striking display of discontent, hundreds of veterans gathered outside Vancouver's city hall to voice their frustrations over Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's involvement in the upcoming Invictus Games.

This protest, organized by a group aptly named Veterans Against the Sussexes, unfolded on Thursday, bringing together around 500 veterans from various branches of the Canadian Armed Forces.

Their message was clear: they want the Sussexes to steer clear of the event next year.

The veterans, many of whom are wounded, injured, or suffer from illnesses related to their service, expressed feelings of betrayal and disrespect towards Harry and Meghan.

They believe the couple's actions and public statements have undermined both the military community and the monarchy itself.

The sentiment among the protesters is that the Sussexes are leveraging the Invictus Games—a competition founded in 2014 to support injured service members—for their own personal gain and media exposure.

Chants filled the air as demonstrators waved signs with messages such as “Harry and Meghan, go away!”

and “We are Invictus, not Sussex.”

Some even burned effigies of the couple, showcasing the depth of their anger.

The atmosphere was charged, yet the protest remained peaceful, with participants adhering to police guidelines and ensuring no disruption to the surrounding area.

Among the crowd, stories of personal sacrifice resonated deeply.

Many veterans shared how the Invictus Games had played a crucial role in their recovery, helping them regain confidence and a sense of purpose after their service.

Their pride in the military and loyalty to the monarchy only intensified their disappointment with Harry and Meghan, whom they feel have turned their backs on the very values the Games represent.

This protest marks a significant moment in Canada, being the first of its kind directed against the Sussexes in relation to the Invictus Games.

It raises important questions about the future of the event and the couple's role within it.

The Invictus Games Foundation, chaired by Prince William, has found itself in a challenging position.

In response to the protest, they acknowledged the veterans' concerns while reaffirming their support for Harry and Meghan as key figures in the Games.

The foundation's statement emphasized their commitment to delivering a meaningful experience for all participants, aiming to honor the veterans and their families.

Similarly, the organizers and sponsors of the 2025 Invictus Games, including the Canadian government and local corporations, expressed their backing for the Sussexes, highlighting their contributions to the event.

Despite the official support, the veterans' protest reflects a growing division and dissatisfaction among the public regarding Harry and Meghan's involvement.

As the Games approach, scheduled for February 8 to 16, 2025, in Vancouver and Whistler, the tension surrounding the Sussexes' roles may overshadow the spirit of the event.

The Invictus Games aim to celebrate the resilience and bravery of competitors from 23 nations, featuring a variety of sports such as skiing, swimming, and wheelchair rugby.

With expectations of attracting thousands of spectators and volunteers, the event is intended to be a heartfelt recognition of service members' sacrifices.

However, as the veterans rally for change, the future of the Invictus Games remains uncertain.

Will the Sussexes continue to play a prominent role, or will the mounting pressure lead to a reevaluation of their involvement?

Only time will tell as the countdown to this significant event continues.