Prince Harry’s Invictus Games is thrown into chaos as TWO top chiefs are ‘sacked’ – as insiders warn staff morale ‘is at an all time low’ and claim event is ‘over budget’ despite $30m government grant

Prince Harry’s upcoming Invictus Games in Canada – a country loved by him and Meghan Markle – are in “turmoil” after two senior executives were “fired for no apparent reason” with just over a year to go, it was said today today a whistleblower at MailOnline.

The Invictus Games will take place in Vancouver and Whistler in February 2025 and will feature winter sports for the first time.

But MailOnline can exclusively reveal that CEO Peter Lawless, a lawyer and arguably Canada’s most respected Olympic and Paralympic administrator, has abruptly left his job.

An insider claimed Mr Lawless, who received the Diamond Jubilee medal from Harry’s grandmother the Queen in 2012, had been fired and staff morale was now ‘at rock bottom’ . An Invictus Games spokesperson declined to comment on whether he had been fired, instead saying he had been “transferred” and was “no longer an employee” but would remain as an ambassador.

Bill Cooper, who served as sales director for ten months until his departure in October, is also leaving the Vancouver-Whistler team. He thanked his colleagues for their support after many praised his “grace” and accused Invictus 2025 of making a big mistake in getting rid of him.

A Games volunteer said staff “are concerned that these recent measures are once again overshadowing this incredible event for our veterans.” They also raised concerns that Sussex security and other costs could strain the Games’ finances if Invictus 2025 were to foot the bill.

CEO Peter Lawless (pictured with Justin Trudeau) left abruptly. Insiders claim he has been sacked. Invictus says he has been ‘in transition’ and will be ambassador

In Düsseldorf in September, Meghan Markle showed off her charm by joining Prince Harry at a reception hosted by the Canadian delegation to promote the 2025 Invictus Games which will feature winter sports for the first time.

Prince Harry and Ontario Lieutenant Governor Elizabeth Dowdeswell listen to Peter Lawless speak on stage during the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Gold Award winners’ ceremony on the second day of the 2017 Invictus Games.

He said the 2025 Games were facing financial problems, a claim denied by an Invictus spokesperson, although the governments of Canada and British Columbia have committed to spending almost £20 million sterling ($30 million) to organize the games.

The whistleblower said: “CEO Peter Lawless and Chief Commercial Officer Bill Cooper were fired for no apparent reason.

Bill Cooper, who served as sales director for ten months until his departure in October, is also leaving the Vancouver-Whistler team.

“This is a significant setback with just over a year to stage the Games, which I am told are well over budget and no plans to close the gap even after securing $30 million in government support from the province of British Columbia and the Canadian federal government.’

The volunteer claims that the departure of the CEO and the commercial director caused internal concern.

He said: “As you might expect, staff and volunteer morale is at an all-time low, and Prince Harry and his wife have become a major distraction with all their troubles.

“As volunteers, we are concerned that these recent movements will once again overshadow this incredible event for our veterans. Enough already’.

MailOnline has contacted the Duke and Duchess of Sussex for comment on the departures and whether they were involved in the decision to terminate Lawless and Cooper’s employment.

The governments of Canada and British Columbia have committed to spending almost £20 million to stage the games in February 2025.

The Duchess of Sussex, 42, spoke with members of the committee which will organize the games which will be held in Vancouver – a city they know well having fled there in 2019 after leaving royal life.

Their spokesperson was also asked whether Harry and Meghan covered their own travel, accommodation and security costs during Invictus, the last one held in Dusseldorf, Germany, in September.

Peter Lawless, recipient of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal, will be an ambassador for the 2025 Games, but is no longer employed there.

The deep rift between Prince Harry and his family has cast a shadow over the Invictus Games, said veterans “caught in the royal crossfire” this year.

The Duke of Sussex’s time in the army in Afghanistan inspired him to launch the sporting event in 2014, but the Prince and Princess of Wales played a central role in its initial success.

Nine years ago, Harry, his father and brother were united as they attended the opening ceremony and several events at the games in London – but the new king and his heir have had no involvement since that Harry met Meghan.

The Prince and Princess of Wales both took part in the Rugby World Cup in France when Invictus took place in Germany, Charles and Queen Camilla and other members of the royal family were at the Highland Games.

MailOnline asked Peter Lawless for comment on his departure. Bill Cooper confirmed his departure on LinkedIn.

Mr. Cooper announced his departure on LinkedIn, politely calling it a “shuffle.”

Mr Cooper’s colleagues and friends on LinkedIn were baffled by the decision

Colleagues and friends expressed shock and questioned the decision, with Mr Cooper thanking them for their support.

One said: “Shocked to hear this news, Bill. The team will be well established thanks to your leadership thus far. You share this news with such grace.

Another wrote: “What an absolute shame and huge loss. From where I sit, it’s very difficult to see any logic behind this decision.”

A third said: “Sorry to hear that, Bill. You bring your passion, energy and experience to everything you do and that has undoubtedly been invaluable to IG 2025. Difficult to understand the rationale for this decision, but it’s in the rearview mirror now… there are other great things await you… there are always are for those who excel.”

Mr Cooper responded: “Thanks for the note of support.”

It came just two months after Harry and Meghan wowed at a reception hosted by the Canadian delegation to promote the 2025 Invictus Games.

The Duchess of Sussex, 42, spoke with members of the committee which will organize the games which will be held in Vancouver – a city they know well having fled there in 2019 after leaving royal life.

Meghan has close friends in the city and has a great affection for Canada having lived in Toronto while filming the series “Suits”.

The couple knows Vancouver very well having temporarily moved there in 2019 when they separated from the royal family.

They remained on Vancouver Island in a £14 million home in North Saanich, British Columbia, following their decision to step back from being working members of the royal family.

The separation was concluded as Megxit and the couple stayed in Canada for several months before moving to Montecito, California. Meghan spoke with many of the contestants who took part in the Dusseldorf events.

And for the first time, adaptive winter sports, including alpine skiing, Nordic skiing and curling, will be included in the week-long program of events and hosted at the Whistler resort.

It is not yet clear whether Invictus 2025 is looking for a new CEO and CCO.

A spokesperson said: “We can confirm that Peter Lawless and Bill Cooper are no longer employees of Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025.

“We would like to thank them for their efforts and support in helping bring the Games back to Canada for the first hybrid winter edition of the Invictus Games and establishing the organizing structure over the past year.”

“We are delighted that Peter will continue to support the Vancouver Whistler 2025 Games as Ambassador and CEO Emeritus.

The spokesperson added: “There are no budgetary issues related to the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 and the organization is on track to meet its revenue, sponsorship and fundraising goals.”