This tragic farce goes from one extreme to another. To put things into context at the Service Members of the Year Awards held on 24 April 2024, Kenneth Fisher of Fisher House (a sponsor) made a speech and mentioned a partnership with Invictus Games when they introduced adaptive sports as a means of rehabilitation. He then introduced the video clip of Harold saying, ‘‘Please direct your attention to the screens for a special presentation,” without introducing or naming Harold. Yet, in the video clip Harold appears to say he is presenting an award to Sergeant First Class Elizabeth Marks.
He didn’t actually present the award because it was General James Mingus who introduced her and presented her with the award. Was there a change of heart, or did the military step in and state the obvious in that it was inappropriate for Harold to be involved? After his video ended there were a few inaudible claps, and perhaps the military have finally accepted that the Harkles are using Harold’s veteran status and title for their own financial and PR gains?
The Harkle website appeared to have edited Harold’s speech that he gave that evening, incorrectly transcribing it once they realised he wasn’t actually presenting an award, and wasn’t even publicly mentioned. This isn’t the first time the Harkles have edited the truth to suit their narrative, and the focus should have been on Sergeant First Class Elizabeth Marks, who gave a moving toast using her flask, and there was no mention of Harold to steal the moment.
A visit to Nigeria appears to be on the cards for the Harkles in what can only be described as a haphazard and clumsy press release. Littered with grammatical errors (perhaps a translator tool was not accurate?) it suggests that the Nigerian Defence Headquarters has invited Harold and TW in relation to the Invictus Games.
However, the press release is worded in a manner that suggests it is an official royal visit by using the HRH styles that have been stripped back, only to be used at formal events as approved by BP. It also contain inaccurate information, claiming that the duo founded the Invictus Games where it was only Harold under the guidance of various aides (who actually did the hard work) who founded IG.
Then why the sudden odd and obscure press release without actually naming any dates? Was it to coincide with William and Kate’s wedding anniversary today and to take attention away from them? If so, that is really petty, pathetic, mean spirited and sad—plus it failed. The header is amusing— Prince Harry and wife!
Why didn’t the Harkles release a statement themselves? It looks as if they wanted to try and get away and use the HRH, and to use the Nigerians who would take the blame for the deliberate error. Earlier this year, Harold’s team inserted HRH into some court documents, which was removed with subsequent documents, where it looked as if Harold was trying to reinstate use of the HRH style after his granny had died.
While this visit is related to the Invictus Games, the fact that the HRH is being used indicates that not everyone is aware that the HRH has been stripped back, therefore, BP need to make it clear that the Harkles do not use the HRH style/titles, and that they do not represent the RF or the UK in any of their endeavours or speeches. The Nigerian press release suggests that BP needs to make things clearer. Another option is to remove the ducal title and leave them with an earldom, that of Dumbarton.
