Prince Harry's Invictus Games Faces Backlash After This 'Immoral' Decision

According to Daily Mail, a new controversy has emerged regarding Prince Harry's Invictus Games. The event, which allows injured British troops to compete, will require the players to wear shirts with the logo belonging to the UK's biggest arms exporter, BAE Systems. The "immoral" decision to place the logo on the uniforms comes after the company paid a six-figure sum.

BAE Systems has "sold billions of pounds of weaponry around the world," per Daily Mail. Saudia Arabia is one location where the products reportedly were sold and used in its 2015 war in Yemen.

"This is yet another example of big business using sporting sponsorship to sportswash its reputation. During more than four years of devastating war in Yemen, the Saudi Arabia-led coalition has used British-made bombs that have killed thousands in indiscriminate air strikes that have hit hospitals, schools, weddings, and funerals," said Kate Allen, director of Amnesty International UK. Continuing, she asked, "Is that really who Prince Harry wants to be supporting the Invictus Games?"

Regarding the scandal, royal author Penny Junor called it an "unfortunate choice of partner."

"It was something to be so proud of," Junor said, adding, "I fear this might just taint the whole thing."

Additionally, Former Special Forces soldier Ben Griffin, who once served with the SAS in Iraq, stated that it seemed "deeply inappropriate" for the arms dealer to sponsor an event that revolves around injured war veterans.

As for Prince Harry's involvement, he is a patron of the Invictus Foundation, which is the association who is responsible for the games. At this time, approximately 350 Invictus UK competitors will wear the BAE Systems logo.

A spokesman for BAE Systems has commented on this controversy, saying, "We are proud to be the presenting partner of Invictus UK and of the opportunity it presents to support the competitors who have made significant personal sacrifices in service to our nation."