On May 7th, Prince Harry touched down in the UK alone, making his way from sunny California to London.
His visit coincided with the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games, a significant event set for May 8th.
Before the festivities kicked off, Harry attended a discussion at Armory House titled “Realising a Global Community,” hosted by the well-known journalist Louise Minchin.
However, social media quickly lit up with chatter as images from the event revealed a striking sight: empty seats directly in front of Harry while he spoke to the audience.
An unoccupied table at the forefront of the room painted a rather unflattering picture, leading many to speculate about the turnout.
One user on X pointedly remarked, “Thousands of participants appeared at the We Are Invictus event in London.
Oh wait, they didn’t.
Empty seats.”
The commentary didn’t stop there.
Another individual chimed in, highlighting that there weren’t enough attendees to even fill two tables, calling it a “disaster.” A third user even suggested that only journalists showed up, implying that the absence of the royal family was a significant blow to the event’s prestige.
It seems that Harry and Meghan’s social media presence has left some feeling indifferent.
Interestingly, while there are photos capturing a packed table, they were taken after Harry had exited the stage.
This raises questions about whether some attendees chose to wait in the lobby until he departed before entering the venue.
Harry himself expressed disappointment over the lack of participation, sharing in the foreword for the summit his pride in watching the Invictus Games Foundation evolve over the years.
In his words, he reflected on the journey from a simple vision aimed at honoring the courage of wounded service personnel to a thriving international organization symbolizing hope and unity.
During his on-stage conversation with Minchin, she prompted him to recall a memorable moment that brought him joy.
Without hesitation, Harry reminisced about the inaugural event in 2014, recalling his enthusiasm while selecting music and energizing the crowd.
He humorously called out to Guy Monson, a key figure in the Invictus Games Foundation, who was notably absent from the audience.
Monson, a city financier and trustee, played an instrumental role in the organization’s launch and later served as Treasurer for the Sussexes until their departure from royal duties.
Monson’s connection to the brothers runs deep; he stood alongside them during the unveiling of Princess Diana‘s statue at Kensington Palace in 2021, marking a poignant moment in their shared history.
Body language expert Judy James weighed in on Harry’s gestures during the event, noting his intentional mention of Monson as a signal of social connections during his UK visit.
James observed that Harry seemed eager to indicate he wouldn’t be dining alone during his stay, even going so far as to rub his thigh in anticipation while mentioning his dinner plans.
This gesture hinted at a desire for camaraderie, contrasting sharply with the narrative of solitude that emerged from the empty seats.
As Harry navigates this chapter of his life, the juxtaposition of his public engagements against the backdrop of personal choices continues to intrigue observers.
The Invictus Games remain a testament to resilience and strength, yet the attendance—or lack thereof—at such events speaks volumes about the evolving dynamics within the royal family and their supporters.