Prince Harry’s recognition as one of the world’s most influential sporting figures has been denounced by royal commentators as “ridiculous”. The Duke of Sussex earned a place on TIME Magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people in sport list this week alongside major sporting figures including world No.1 tennis player Aryna Sabalenka and World Cup winner Lionel Messi.
The honour recognised Harry’s work to establish the Invictus Games in 2014, the international competition for wounded, injured or sick servicemen, women and veterans. But commentators on TalkTV labelled it a “totally undeserved accolade”, suggesting the Sussexes’ PR machine must have “pursued” TIME to receive it.
Kinsey Schofield told host Kevin O’Sullivan: “Clearly they are looking into the old strategy playbook, which is ‘garner attention [and] positive headlines’ through these trophies that we can clearly see they didn’t earn. They are PR-pursued and given to them.”
Ms Schofield also pointed to Harry and Meghan’s inclusion in TIME Magazine’s list of the top 100 most influential people in 2021, shortly after their move to the US, suggesting the couple “have a relationship” with the outlet.
“This is just one of those things we have to sit back and laugh at,” she said. “It just jeopardises the credibility of this publication. But at this point, how much credibility do they have when they continue to engage with this couple, [who] have proven little to no value when it comes to their true contributions to the world of philanthropy.”
Mr O’Sullivan also branded Harry’s feature in the list of influential sporting figures as “absolutely ridiculous”, adding: “What’s even more embarrassing is the way he happily accepts these accolades as if he deserves them.”
Harry has continued to oversee the Invictus Games since relocating to California in 2020, during which time the competition has expanded significantly to six further editions, with the 2025 games also including winter sports for the first time.
The 2027 summer games will be held in Birmingham and welcome 550 competitors from 25 nations.
Harry is planning to travel to the UK this summer for a series of promotional events, with reports suggesting he could seek a face-to-face reunion with his father, potentially accompanied by his wife and two children.
Speculation has also surrounded the extent of King Charles‘ involvement with the games, with Harry rumoured to have asked the monarch to attend or help open the event, although neither Buckingham Palace or the Sussexes have confirmed thse claims.