Prince Harry has been dealt a fresh public blow after his pal Dominic Reid stepped down from his role as chief executive of the Invictus Games.
Reid had been with the initiative since the very beginning, playing a vital role in organizing the inaugural event, which was held in Harry’s home country.
His decision to step down comes following backlash surrounding Harry’s controversial decision to accept a Pat Tillman Award.
The award is given to veterans who have made an impact through sport, but many critics argued that there were more deserving recipients than the prince, including Tillman’s own mother, Mary.
“I am shocked as to why they would select such a controversial and divisive individual to receive the award,” she told The Daily Mail.
A Change.org petition was even launched against the duke, urging ESPN to “rethink” its decision to give him “to receive an honour of this magnitude”.
As the controversy continued to rage in the US, Harry shared a statement regarding Reid’s departure in rare personal move, saying, “I am immensely grateful to my friend, Dominic, whose dedication and leadership transformed the Invictus Games from an ambitious idea to an internationally recognized 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.”
Reid added that it had been “an honour” to serve in the role, but insisted that he felt it was “the right time” to step aside from the organization.
Meanwhile, Harry’s statement comes after a shocking detail emerged in the investigation into the attempted assassination of Donald Trump.
It’s been revealed that the gunman who tried to kill the former President researched the member of the royal family days before his attempt on Trump’s life.
Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, was killed after opening fire on Trump last Saturday at a rally in Pennsylvania.
His electronic devices were subsequently seized and revealed that he had Google searched several public figures leading up to the incident, including FBI director Christopher Wray.
