Prince Harry’s Invictus Games is plunged into chaos as TWO top chefs are ‘sacked’ – while insiders warn staff morale is ‘at an all-time low’ and claim the event is ‘over budget’ despite a $$$ government grant 30 million

Prince Harry’s next Invictus Games in Canada – a country he and Meghan Markle love – are in ‘turmoil’ after two senior executives were ‘fired for no apparent reason’ with just over a year left in their jobs, a whistleblower has said today to MailOnline.

The Invictus Games will be held in Vancouver and Whistler in February 2025 and will include winter sports for the first time.

But MailOnline can exclusively reveal that CEO Peter Lawless, a lawyer and perhaps Canada’s most respected Olympic and Paralympic administrator, has abruptly quit his job.

An insider has claimed that Mr Lawless, who was awarded the Diamond Jubilee Medal by Harry’s grandmother the Queen in 2012, was sacked and staff morale is now ‘at rock bottom’. A spokesperson for Invictus Games declined to comment on whether he was fired, instead saying he had “transitioned” and was “no longer an employee” but will remain an ambassador.

Also leaving the Vancouver-Whistler team is Bill Cooper, who served in the role of Chief Commercial Officer for 10 months until his departure in October. He has thanked colleagues for their support after several people praised his “grace” and accused Invictus 2025 of making a big mistake by losing him.

A Games volunteer said staff are “concerned that these recent steps will once again overshadow this incredible event for our veterans.” They also raised concerns that the Sussexes’ security and other costs could put pressure on the Games’ finances if Invictus 2025 has to foot the bill.

He said the 2025 Games are facing financial concerns, a claim denied by an Invictus spokesman, despite the governments of Canada and British Columbia pledging to spend nearly £20 million ($30 million) to stage the games to organize.

The whistleblower said: ‘CEO Peter Lawless and Chief Commercial Officer Bill Cooper were dismissed for no apparent reason.

“This is a significant setback, with just over a year to host the Games, which I am told are well over budget and that there is no plan to close the gap, even after we spent $30 million in have received government support from the Province of British Columbia and the Canadian federal government. government’.

The volunteer states that the departure of the CEO and the Chief Commercial Officer has caused internal unrest.

He said: ‘As you would expect, morale among staff and volunteers is at an all-time low, and Prince Harry and his wife have become a major distraction due to all their problems.

“As volunteers, we are concerned that these recent steps will once again overshadow this incredible event for our veterans. Enough already’.

MailOnline approached the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to comment on the departure and whether they were involved in the decision to terminate Lawless and Cooper’s employment.

Their spokesperson was also asked whether Harry and Meghan will cover their own travel, accommodation and security costs during Invictus, which was last held in Dusseldorf, Germany, in September.

Peter Lawless, who has been awarded the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal, will be an ambassador for the 2025 Games but will no longer serve there.

The deep rift between Prince Harry and his family cast a shadow over the Invictus Games, with veterans claiming this year ‘caught in the royal crossfire’.

The Duke of Sussex’s time with the army in Afghanistan inspired him to launch the sporting event in 2014, but the Prince and Princess of Wales were central to its initial success.

Nine years ago, Harry, his father and brother were united as they attended the opening ceremony and multiple events at the London Games — but the new king and his heir haven’t been involved since Harry met Meghan.

The Prince and Princess of Wales were both at the Rugby World Cup in France when Invictus took place in Germany, Charles and Queen Camilla and other senior royals were at the Highland Games.

MailOnline has asked Peter Lawless to comment on his departure. Bill Cooper confirmed his departure on LinkedIn.

Colleagues and friends expressed their shock and questioned the decision, with Mr Cooper thanking them for their support.

One said: ‘Shocked to hear this news, Bill. The team will be well-rounded because it has had your leadership so far. You share this news with such grace.”

Another wrote: ‘What a shame and a huge loss. From where I sit, it’s very difficult to see any logic behind this decision.”

A third said: ‘Sorry to hear this, Bill. You bring your signature passion, energy and experience to everything you do and that has undoubtedly been invaluable to IG 2025. It’s difficult to understand the reason for this decision, but that’s the rear-view mirror now… it says more great things await you… there are always those who excel’.

Mr Cooper replied: “Thanks for the message of support.”

It came just two months after Harry and Meghan turned on the charm at a reception hosted by the Canadian delegation to promote the 2025 Invictus Games.

The Duchess of Sussex, 42, chatted with members of the committee that will organize the games to be held in Vancouver – a city they know well after fleeing there in 2019 after leaving royal life.

Meghan has close friends in the city and has a great affection for Canada, having lived in Toronto while filming the series ‘Suits’.

The couple is very familiar with Vancouver temporarily moving there in 2019 when they split from the royal family.

They stayed on Vancouver Island in a £14 million home in North Saanich, British Columbia, following their decision to step back as working members of the royal family.

The split was called ‘Megxit’ and the couple spent several months in Canada before moving to Montecito, California. Meghan chatted with many of the participants who took part in the events in Dusseldorf.

And for the first time, adaptive winter sports such as alpine skiing, cross-country skiing and curling will be included in the program of week-long events hosted in the seaside town of Whistler.

It is not yet clear whether Invictus 2025 is looking for a new CEO and Chief Commercial Officer.

A spokesperson said: “We can confirm that Peter Lawless and Bill Cooper are no longer employees of Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025.

“We would like to thank them for their efforts and support in helping to bring the Games back to Canada for the first hybrid winter edition of the Invictus Games and in setting up the organizational structure over the past year.”

“We are pleased that Peter will continue to support the Vancouver Whistler 2025 Games as Ambassador and CEO Emeritus.”

The spokesperson added: “There are no budget issues related to Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 and the organization is on track to achieve its revenue, sponsorship and fundraising goals.”