The boss of Prince Harry’s charity has stepped down just days after the Duke collected an award in memory of a war hero.
Invictus Games Foundation chief Dominic Reid said he was standing down because it was “time for someone new to take this vital movement forward into its second vigorous decade.”
The duke, who founded the Paralympic-style sporting competition for veterans in 2014, thanked Mr Reid for his “tireless” work with the foundation.
He said: “I am immensely grateful to my friend, Dominic, whose dedication and leadership transformed the Invictus Games from an ambitious idea to an internationally recognised movement.
"His tireless efforts over the past decade have supported thousands of wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans through sports rehabilitation, helping to showcase their unparalleled strength and contribution to society.
“Thank you, Dominic, for a decade of relentless service to the Invictus Games Foundation.
"What a journey it has been, and how fortunate we are to work with such an incredible community of people.
"We pray we don't need the Games for another 10 years, but thanks to you, the team and our future CEO, we will be ready."
In his own statement, the former soldier turned charity boss said he would continue to support the work of the Invictus Games.
He said: “Once a member of the Invictus family, you never leave.
"I have delivered the 10-year vision I set out, which includes the introduction of winter sport which is close to my heart as a former biathlete.”
He added in praise of Prince Harry: “His concept, passion, and drive have been instrumental in our success, in particular by focusing attention on mental health in sports rehabilitation."
It comes after Harry was criticised for accepting an award for veterans last week.
The Duke was given the Pat Tillman Award for veterans, named after the late Pat Tillman, a former American footballer who gave up his career to serve in the US military in the wake of 9/11.
Some have argued that there were more deserving recipients, including Mr Tillman’s mother, Mary.
“I am shocked as to why they would select such a controversial and divisive individual to receive the award,” she told the Daily Mail.
But speaking at the awards ceremony in Los Angeles, Prince Harry stressed he was accepting the award in his capacity as an ambassador for the Invictus Games, saying the honour belonged to “the thousands of veterans and service personnel from over 20 nations who have made the Invictus Games a reality.”
