Prince Harry has lost another long-standing ally from one of his key charities, marking a setback for the Duke of Sussex.
Edward Lane Fox, Harry’s former private secretary for five years and an early supporter of the Invictus Games, has stepped down from the Foundation’s Board of Trustees.
Mr Lane Fox, a former captain in the Household Cavalry, reportedly departed on February 28 – the same day fellow trustee Patrick Nicoll also left.
He served as Harry’s private secretary from May 2013 to May 2018, continuing in the role for both the Duke and Duchess of Sussex after their wedding until July 2018.
Prince Harry loses key Invictus Games ally as charity faces major changes
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He had supported Harry’s Invictus charity since its launch in 2014, joining the Board of Trustees the following year.
Reports have suggested the two men were “genuinely close,” with Mr Lane Fox described as a “bridge between Harry’s old life and new”.
The Sussex office has not commented on the departures. An Invictus source stressed that Harry’s old friends within the organisation had “fallen away” because they had reached their maximum terms.
Among others to step back this year is JJ Chalmers, a Royal Marine reservist, Invictus Games gold medallist and one of Harry’s closest supporters.
Prince Harry pictured with Edward Lane Fox in 2014
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Harry, currently in the UK for a four-day visit, also stepped down from his charity Sentebale earlier this year following a row with its chairwoman Sophie Chandauka.
Despite the speculation, Invictus leaders have publicly reaffirmed their support for the Duke.
Chief executive Rob Owen said this week: “We are proud to have the Duke of Sussex as a patron and founder.
“The spotlight he brings to the community, and to our work, has changed the perceptions of mental health, of military personnel and of disability worldwide.”
Edward Lane Fox with Meghan Markle's former private assistant secretary, Amy Pickerill, in 2018
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Prince Harry has extended his return trip to the UK | PAThe Invictus Games remain one of Prince Harry’s most high-profile initiatives since stepping back from royal duties.
The charity has grown into a global movement, staging games in cities from London to Düsseldorf.
Next year’s event will be held in Vancouver and Whistler, focusing on winter adaptive sports for the first time.
Organisers say Harry’s continued involvement is central to maintaining the profile and impact of the Games.