Prince Harry's Invictus Games facing crisis as 'morale at all-time low'
Prince Harry enlists Prince William's former royal aide for Invictus Games shake-up
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Prince Harry has enlisted Prince William's former royal aide in a new Invictus Games shake-up but morale is "at an all-time low" amongst staff, a royal insider has claimed.
One of the Duke of Sussex's most trusted British aides, who also worked for the Prince and Princess of Wales, will direct the next Invictus Games in Canada.
Nick Booth has become the interim CEO of Vancouver and Whistler 2025, which will feature winter sports for the first time.
Two senior executives CEO Peter Lawless and Chief Commercial Officer Bill Cooper quit abruptly in the autumn, meaning that Booth was available to step into the role.
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The Duke and Duchess of Sussex paid a surprise visit to Vancouver recently to meet Invictus staff who will work during the next Games in 2025.
An insider said: "Nick Booth is one of the Duke of Sussex's right-hand men.
"He was instrumental in setting up Invictus with Harry and has been asked to shore up the 2025 games with just over a year to go."
The source added that morale amongst Vancouver-Whistler staff is now "at an all-time low".
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ReutersThey told The Mail: "Nick used to work at the Royal Foundation before leaving and heading to Canada.
"Harry trusts him implicitly, but the changes have unsettled staff, especially after two such well-liked bosses left."
Booth, ran The Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry between 2010 and 2017.
He also helped Harry come up with the idea of the Invictus Games for injured veterans.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry at Invictus Games in 2023
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The Royal Foundation was originally opened in 2009 by the brothers, with Kate joining when she became the Duchess of Cambridge in 2011.
Meghan also joined when she became the Duchess of Sussex in May 2018.
In a statement confirming Booth as interim CEO, an Invictus spokesman said: "Since the award of the bid for the 2025 Games, Nick has been advising the team, and this transition allowed for a continuity of vision and no disruption to the team working to deliver the Games.
"The entire team behind the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 is focused and diligently working to host an incredible Games in February 2025, welcoming up to 550 competitors from up to 25 Nations."