Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, the Invictus Games and the couple's evolving commercial ventures have become the focus of fresh scrutiny after reports claimed the Duchess of Sussex is earning commissions from clothing associated with appearances tied to the veterans-focused sporting event.
The controversy centers on Meghan's involvement with OneOff, an AI-powered fashion platform that allows users to purchase clothing and accessories linked to public figures. Critics argue that promoting outfits worn at charitable or nonprofit-related events risks blurring the line between philanthropy and personal profit, while supporters contend the practice is commonplace among celebrities and influencers.
The dispute has taken on added significance because of Prince Harry's deep connection to the Invictus Games, the international sporting competition he founded in 2014 for wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans.
According to reports citing unnamed sources, Harry is privately wrestling with the optics of the situation, even as he continues to publicly support his wife.
"Harry is always going to defend Meghan publicly but it's no secret this is making him deeply uncomfortable," one source was quoted as saying.
"The last thing he needs is even a whiff of impropriety at such a sensitive time."
The latest criticism emerged after clothing Meghan wore during appearances linked to the Invictus Games reportedly appeared on her OneOff profile alongside affiliate purchasing links. The platform allows participating personalities to earn commissions when consumers buy featured products or similar alternatives.
The issue echoes an earlier controversy involving a dress Meghan wore during a hospital visit with seriously ill children in Australia. Critics objected after a photograph from that engagement appeared on the platform. The image was later removed.
A spokesperson for Meghan defended the situation, attributing the photograph's appearance to the platform's automated image-selection process.
"Meghan's team has been working closely with them to make sure they're using approved photography and correcting as needed," the spokesperson said.
The debate has reignited broader questions surrounding the Sussexes' post-royal business model. Since stepping back from official royal duties in 2020 and relocating to California, Harry and Meghan have built a portfolio of commercial partnerships that includes media projects, publishing deals and consumer brands.
For supporters, those ventures reflect the couple's effort to achieve financial independence after leaving the monarchy. Critics, however, have repeatedly questioned whether the Sussexes are leveraging royal connections, charitable activities or public service initiatives for commercial gain.
Royal commentator Tom Sykes was among those who criticized the hospital-related fashion promotion, describing the incident as "sickening."
Another source quoted in reports argued that the controversy is particularly sensitive because of the nature of the Invictus Games.
"She's blurring the lines between philanthropy and personal profit. If the money she made was going back to Invictus there'd be no questions asked, but the money is going into her account and that is absolutely raising eyebrows - it's seen as very bad form."
The source added that veterans involved with the Games had made extraordinary sacrifices and that some supporters considered the affiliate links "tone deaf."
The criticism has extended beyond Britain. A supporter of the 2025 Invictus Games in Vancouver questioned whether charitable events funded by governments, donors and sponsors should become connected to personal earnings opportunities.
"It's a charity function, sponsored by the taxpayers of Canada and other donors for war veterans, and Meghan is making a dollar on the back of those veterans... Her husband is actively promoting a charity where she is profiting!" the supporter reportedly said.
Friends of Meghan have offered a sharply different perspective. According to reports, people close to the Duchess view the criticism as disproportionate and argue she is being judged by standards rarely applied to other public figures who routinely monetize fashion recommendations through affiliate programs.
Those close to her reportedly characterize the backlash as "manufactured" and part of an "endless witch hunt."
The controversy also touches on a longstanding difference in how Harry and Meghan are perceived to approach public life. Harry, who spent decades operating within the royal system, has often been portrayed as highly sensitive to questions involving conflicts of interest, public perception and institutional credibility. Meghan, by contrast, emerged from the entertainment and business world, where personal branding and commercial partnerships are widely accepted.
That distinction has fueled recurring speculation about how the couple balances charitable work with private business interests.
