Prince Harry’s Invictus Games have been accused of going “woke” following their latest move.
A controversy has erupted over the replacement of traditional rifles with laser guns at next month’s Invictus Games biathlon event in Whistler, Canada.
Some have described the change as a “woke move”, and it has sparked criticism from some veterans participating in the winter sports competition.
Competitors have reported significant technical difficulties with the laser weapons during snowy conditions at the prestigious sporting event founded by Prince Harry.
Prince Harry’s Invictus Games slammed as ‘woke’ tournament replaces rifles with laser guns
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US Army veteran Christopher Bryde, who lost both legs below the knee in Afghanistan, detailed specific problems with the new equipment.
He told Fieldsports Channel: “We had a couple of issues with the cold and some of the [laser] guns just not working.
“Also, snow seemed to obstruct some of the targets.”
Bryde described one particularly frustrating incident: “I shot perfectly for five laps and then in one lap I only hit one target.
Laser guns are set to be used in the upcoming Invictus Games
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“We checked out the gun and there was a bit of snow covering the laser thing [lens].”
The Invictus Games, created by Prince Harry in 2014, supports injured and sick service personnel through competitive sports.
This year’s tournament at Whistler Ski Resort marks a historic milestone as the first to feature winter sports.
Harry and Meghan visited the Canadian venue last February to inspect preparations for the nine-day tournament.
Prince Harry attending the Beaufort hunt as a child in 1999
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A spokesperson for the Invictus Foundation defended the switch to laser weapons, citing accessibility as the primary motivation.
They told the Mail: “The principal reason for the lasers is inclusivity.
“[They] can be used by a wide range of those with disabilities.”
The Foundation firmly rejected claims about snow-related malfunctions, stating: “That wouldn’t be the case, as there would be officials on site ensuring readiness for the rifles.”
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the Invictus Games in 2023
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The controversy comes amid broader changes in Prince Harry’s relationship with shooting sports.
Dr Jane Goodall predicted in 2020 that Harry would stop shooting, pointing to Meghan Markle’s influence as she “doesn’t like hunting.”
The Duke of Sussex has not been seen with a gun since, making the shift to laser weapons at his signature sporting event particularly noteworthy.
