Prince Harry’s Invictus Games has lost its financial support from injured and wounded veteran charity Help for Heroes.
The Games were founded by Harry back in 2014, with the most recent competition taking place in the Netherlands last month.
Harry founded the event to aid the rehabilitation of injured or sick military personnel and veterans from across the globe, by giving them the challenge of competing in sporting events similar to the Paralympics.
Prince Harry at the Invictus Games
PIROSCHKA VAN DE WOUW
But now, Help for Heroes, who were responsible for training the UK team, have now had their contract scrapped by the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
Instead, the MoD have chosen The Royal British Legion to back the event because they are able to provide more “more personnel, secure funding”.
In a statement, Help for Heroes has insisted that the decision to strip them of the contact was out of their hands.
Charity representative Lis Skeet said: “Help for Heroes is incredibly proud to have trained, supported and delivered Team UK for the past five Invictus Games.
“However, following extensive discussions, it has been decided by the MoD that the Royal British Legion will lead the end-to-end delivery of Team UK to the Invictus Games for the next five years and will also be the main funder of the programme.
“Unfortunately, therefore, we will no longer be directly involved in Invictus Team UK.
Harry founded the games back in 2014
PIROSCHKA VAN DE WOUW
“We want to emphasise that this was not a decision we made ourselves. We know The Games continues to play a unique role in shining a light on the abilities of wounded veterans.
“The MoD considered proposals from the Invictus UK partnership and have chosen this route moving forwards.
“Our focus now is on helping more people across the UK, within their communities, as part of keeping our promise to be here for wounded veterans for as long as they need us.
“Of course, we will continue to cheer on Team UK and look forward to seeing what the Invictus Games achieves in the future.”
An MoD spokesman added: “The Royal British Legion was able to offer secure funding, more personnel to support the team and a commitment to supporting Team UK into the future.
“We therefore felt this would be the best choice for Team UK. Our priority is always to ensure Team UK and our wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans get the best experience.
“We remain enormously grateful for all the work Help For Heroes has done to take Team UK to the Invictus Games and continue to work with them to support the Armed Forces community.”