Prince Harry seems to be taking things to another level now. The man who once wore the Invictus Games like a badge of honor, championing it as his passion project, has now decided that he deserves a significant salary increase for his efforts. But it’s not just a small raise—oh no. Harry wants a whopping $1.5 million to serve as the patron of the Invictus Games. $1.5 million for what exactly? To show up, wave, and give a few heartfelt speeches?
Prince Harry didn’t exactly create the Invictus Games. The idea for the games came from Sir Keith Mills, the Ministry of Defence, and the support of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Of course, Harry played a role in promoting it, but he wasn’t the sole founder. Nonetheless, he has a knack for attaching himself to anything successful, and since then, he’s positioned himself as the face of the games. But now, it seems he believes he should be paid like someone reinventing the wheel.
So, what exactly is he bringing to the table? It’s reported that Harry already earns $500,000 a year as the patron, just for lending his name and showing up at events. But apparently, that’s not enough. Now, he wants to triple that salary to a staggering $1.5 million. Enter Scott Moore, the newly appointed CEO of the Invictus Games. Moore, who likely signed up to promote sports for veterans, now finds himself navigating the demands of a man who seems to have lost touch with reality.
When Harry’s salary hike request landed on Moore’s desk, he did what anyone would do—he rejected it. Why wouldn’t he? Harry isn’t exactly breaking a sweat. He’s essentially a figurehead—a name on a poster—and that’s about it. What exactly is he doing for the athletes? Perhaps he’s spending his time negotiating his next Netflix deal or planning his next public appearance, but raising funds for veterans? Not so much.
Of course, Meghan Markle hasn’t hesitated to insert herself into the picture. It’s not like her career needs any more attention, right? She’s certainly had an influence on the Invictus Games—mainly by making every event about her, rather than focusing on the athletes. What’s truly baffling is the sheer audacity of Harry and Meghan to demand payment for what should be a privilege. When I think of charity work, I envision people offering their time and effort to help others, not using the platform to enrich themselves. But for Harry, it’s becoming a paycheck—a glorified side hustle. He’s not donating a cent to Invictus, unless you count the donation of his name and his wife’s relentless quest for attention.
t forget the additional expenses—flights, hotels, jewelry—you name it, all on top of that already generous $500,000 salary. This request for a salary increase comes after all the talk about the Invictus Games being Harry’s passion project. If that’s true, it’s odd that he needs such a massive salary to fuel his passion. It’s almost as if Harry and Meghan’s charity work is just another lucrative business venture.
Shouldn’t the focus be on the veterans, getting them the help and resources they need, instead of padding Harry’s bank account? In the end, Scott Moore’s refusal to cave to Harry’s demand is a small victory for common sense. Perhaps now, the focus can return to the athletes and the true purpose of the Invictus Games, rather than being hijacked by two self-serving attention seekers.
