Prince Harry has suffered a fresh public blow after his friend Dominic Reid resigned as chief executive of the Invictus Games.
Mr Reid has been a supporter of the initiative from the beginning, and played a vital role in organising the inaugural event held in Harry’s home country.
His decision to step down comes in the wake of the backlash surrounding Harry’s controversial decision to accept the Pat Tillman Award.
The award is given to veterans who have made an impact through sport, but many critics have claimed there are more deserving recipients than the prince, including Tillman’s mother, Mary.
“I was shocked why they chose such a controversial and divisive person to receive the award,” she said. Daily Mail.
A Change.org petition has also been launched against the Duke, urging ESPN to “rethink” its decision to give him “an honor of this magnitude.”
As the controversy continued to rage in the US, Harry shared a statement on Mr Reid’s departure in a rare personal move, saying: “I am deeply grateful to my friend Dominic, whose dedication and leadership has transformed the Invictus Games from an ambitious idea into an internationally recognised movement.
“His tireless efforts over the past decade have supported thousands of wounded, injured and sick service members and veterans through sports rehabilitation, helping to showcase their strength and unparalleled contribution to society.”
Mr Reid added that it was an “honour” to serve in the role, but insisted he felt it was the “right time” to step down from the organisation.
Meanwhile, Harry’s statement comes after Shocking details She appeared in the investigation into the attempted assassination of Donald Trump.
Information revealed that the gunman who tried to kill the former president had researched the member of the royal family days before his attempt to assassinate Trump.
Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, was killed after shooting Trump last Saturday during a rally in Pennsylvania.
His electronic devices were later confiscated, and investigations revealed that he had Googled several public figures prior to the incident, including FBI Director Christopher Wray.
