Prince Harry and Meghan Markle ‘snubbed’ by Invictus Games’ hosts despite royal being the founder of sporting event

THE Invictus Games seems to have distanced itself from its founder Prince Harry.

The Duke of Sussex created for wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women in 2014 but in publicity for the event this month, hosts Alex Jones and JJ Chalmers have avoided any mention of the royal.

It comes after the royal family have distanced themselves from Harry and wife Meghan Markle after they in January 2020. 

And the Dutch royals seem to have also kept the Sussexes at arm’s length – as Meghan and Harry won’t be greeted with a royal reception.

Alex Jones says in an interview to promote the spectacle: “I think the beautiful thing about the Games is the way it has given our service men and women a chance to rebuild their lives after experiencing often traumatic events. 

“The competitiveness is very important and is palpable when you watch the events, but underneath all that is an event that was created to give people who have lost hope focus and something to strive for.

“And that’s why, in my opinion, it’s the best sporting event out there.”

Strictly star JJ Chalmers competed in the Games in 2014 and will now host alongside Alex. 

Again, he gushes about the competition without mention of Prince Harry. 

JJ, who starred on Strictly in 2020, said: “There’s something particularly special about the competition.

“It’s not just about sport – it’s about the stories of the athletes and the competitors there. It’s something truly unique.”

The snub is a move away from previous close relations between Harry and the hosts – who were believed to be close pals.

The royal previously recorded a video message of support for JJ while he was competing on Strictly. 

And JJ has said the Duke is “one of the key people who created one of the key catalysts in my recovery”.

Alex said she was “so sad” when Harry’s games were cancelled in 2020 during the pandemic. 

This comes after bombshell news that the Sussexes WON’T be greeted with a red carpet or royal reception in The Hague – and will stay in a hotel rather than being hosted by the Dutch royals.

Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Princess Margriet will attend the seven-day Invictus Games for wounded soldiers at The Hague’s Zuiderpark.

But there will be no official royal reception, audience, or red carpet for the couple.

The Dutch royal family are expected to attend the games but Harry and Meghan will not be staying at their palaces – and instead, they’ll be staying in a hotel in The Hague.

Traditionally the Dutch royal family do host foreign royals – but this has not been extended to Meghan and Harry, a spokesperson confirmed.

ROYAL SNUB

It’s believed the pair may be handed a ‘VIP status’ by Dutch police instead.

It comes as a spokesman for the Sussexes have confirmed that the pair will attend the first few days of the competition taking place from April 17 to 22 in The Hague.

The Queen is said to be “deeply hurt” Meghan and Harry have chosen to go to Holland over Prince Philip’s memorial.

It will be Meghan’s first trip out of America since Megxit – and the pair will be followed around by Netflix cameras.

But royal experts have claimed that this is a “snub” to the Queen – after they refused to attend Prince Philip’s memorial just days ago.