Prince Harry’s Invictus Games replaces rifles with lasers — and US veterans aren’t happy
Prince Harry has replaced rifles with lasers in the biathlon event at the Invictus Games — much to the dismay of US Army veterans.
The 2025 Invictus Games will take place in Vancouver, Canada from Feb. 8 to Feb. 16, which comes 18 months after the 2023 event held in Germany.
It’s set to be the duke’s first time hosting the Winter Games.
Prince Harry has replaced rifles with lasers in the biathlon event at the Invictus Games. Chris Jackson
But the Duke of Sussex’s decision to ditch rifles has since been criticized by experts, who noted that snow will interfere with the laser beams which will hinder performance.
“We had a couple of issues with the cold and some of the [laser] guns just not working,” Christopher Bryde, a US Army veteran, told the Fieldsports Channel. “Also, snow seemed to obstruct some of the targets.”
“For example, I shot perfectly for five laps and then in one lap I only hit one target.”
The 2025 Invictus Games will take place in Vancouver, Canada from Feb. 8 to Feb. 16. @InvictusGames25/X
“We checked out the gun and there was a bit of snow covering the laser thing [lens],” added the former serviceman, who lost both of his legs below the knee from a bomb while serving in Afghanistan.
However, a spokesperson for the Invictus Foundation claimed that the change was made due to “inclusivity.”
“[They] can be used by a wide range of those with disabilities,” they told the Daily Mail in a statement.
The duke’s decision to ditch rifles has since been criticized by experts. Invictus Games
The spokesperson added that snow blocking the lasers “wouldn’t be the case,” despite US Army veterans’ growing concerns.
“There would be officials on site ensuring readiness for the rifles,” the statement went on, adding that the Games aim to “inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding and respect for those who have served their country, through the power of sport.”
More than 500 competitors from a total of 23 nations will take part in next month’s Invictus Games.
At the 2023 games, Harry’s wife Meghan Markle hinted that the pair will bring their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, to the next event.
At the 2023 games, Meghan Markle hinted that the pair will bring their two children to the next event. Getty Images for the Invictus Games Foundation
In February 2024, the Sussexes spent Valentine’s Day on the slopes of Vancouver as they joined members of the participating nations’ Winter Training Camp at the “One Year to Go” event.
The camp, held over three days, provided an opportunity for members of the international Invictus community to try their hand at winter sports ahead of February’s Games.
