Prince Harry has broken his silence after it was announced that the CEO of the Invictus Games, Dominic Reid, is stepping down from his role.
Mr Reid has been with the initiative since it was first founded in 2014, back when Harry was still part of the working Royal Family and before he started dating Meghan Markle.
The former CEO also played a significant part in organising the inaugural Games held in London, with subsequent tournaments being held in Orlando, Toronto, Sydney, The Hague and Düsseldorf.
Harry made a statement in which he emotionally paid tribute to Mr Reid: “I am immensely grateful to my friend, Dominic, whose dedication and leadership transformed the Invictus Games from an ambitious idea to an internationally recognised movement.
“His tireless efforts over the past decade have supported thousands of wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans through sports rehabilitation, helping to showcase their unparalleled strength and contribution to society.”
The Duke of Sussex continued to express his gratitude, adding: “Thank you, Dominic, for a decade of relentless service to the Invictus Games Foundation.
“What a journey it has been, and how fortunate we are to work with such an incredible community of people. We pray we don’t need the Games for another 10 years, but thanks to you, the team and our future CEO, we will be ready.”
Mr Reid also reflected on his decision to leave his role, saying: “I have delivered the 10-year vision I set out, which includes the introduction of winter sport which is close to my heart as a former biathlete.
“I remain the Pageantmaster of the Lord Mayor’s Show and look forward to the exciting new projects I am developing.”
Mr Reid explained it was “the time for someone new to take this vital movement forward into its second vigorous decade”, although he implied he would stay in touch with Harry as he added: “Once a member of the Invictus family, you never leave.”
He also spoke fondly of his time working so closely alongside the Duke as he concluded: “His concept, passion, and drive have been instrumental in our success, in particular by focusing attention on mental health in sports rehabilitation.”
The 2025 Invictus Games will take place in Vancouver and Whistler and will include winter sports for the first time – something which Mr Reid has championed.
Speaking on Sky News Australia, commentator Esther Krakue pointed out that it may seem unusual that Mr Reid did not stay to preside over the winter Invictus Games as it had been “his idea”.
She suggested there were likely “more personal reasons” behind it as Invictus celebrated its 10th anniversary this year, with a special service being held at St Paul’s Cathedral in May to mark the occasion.
Harry flew to London for a few days to be at the service on May 8. But Meghan chose not to return, instead meeting her husband at Heathrow before they travelled to Nigeria together a few days later.