The British government, the British media and the British royal family all collude on one thing: doing the most to snub the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. A few months ago, the Daily Mail ran a curious story which answered several of my questions about the Biden administration’s approach to Prince Harry and Meghan. Basically, whenever it looks like President Biden or Dr. Biden might do anything with or for the Sussexes, the British government freaks out on the State Department, Buckingham Palace throws a tantrum towards the Bidens and then the whole thing is leaked to the British media as “the Bidens snub the Sussexes.” During QEII’s funeral week, some Tory minister was sent to the American delegation, begging President Biden to NOT give the Sussexes a ride on Air Force One. The reason why Dr. Biden didn’t attend the Invictus Games in The Hague last year was for a similar reason – Buckingham Palace and Downing Street contacted the First Lady’s office and whined, cried and pleaded with her to not go to Invictus. The whole thing is despicable and it speaks volumes about the Sussexes’ power. The Windsors and the Tories are expending their political capital with the Biden administration to… whine about the Sussexes. Well, guess what happened again?
Jill Biden will skip Prince Harry’s upcoming Invictus Games and will instead attend a going-away dinner next week for U.S. athletes, the White House announced on Friday. The first lady is opting against traveling to the veterans event in Düsseldorf, Germany, which Harry and Meghan will attend, and will instead speak to the competing Americans next week.
Jill Biden, who is a staunch advocate for veterans, will still mark the Games by addressing 60 wounded, injured and ill active-service military members and veterans in Belvoir, Virginia, the East Wing confirmed on Friday.
She has enjoyed a close friendship with Harry for years and they have bonded over their support for veterans. But recent developments in their relationship suggest she has started to keep her distance. The First Lady wanted to attend the April 2022 games in The Hague in the Netherlands, per a source close to her, but ultimately didn’t go to avoid offending the British Royal Family, DailyMail.com exclusively revealed in July.
“Ultimately didn’t go to avoid offending the British Royal Family…” The palace and Johnson government contacted the First Lady’s office and TOLD HER that they would be terribly offended if she supported the Invictus Games. That’s literally what happened last year, and I can guarantee that the same thing happened this year. And I have to ask – why does the Biden administration keep folding? I realize this is nowhere near their biggest priority, but that’s all the more reason to say “you know what, this is wrong, I’m going to support Invictus in any way I can.” What’s the worst that can happen? The palace’s tantrum will spill out in public? It already is. The British media will attack President Biden? Guess what, they already are.
PS… This was reported before Dr. Biden tested positive for Covid, but it doesn’t change the fact that the British government freaked out on the White House and demanded that the Bidens not do anything with or for Invictus.
Photos courtesy of Getty, Avalon Red, Cover Images.
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- Prince Harry attends Wheel Chair Basket Ball at the Pan AM stadium as part of the Invictus games,Image: 350984896, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: , Model Release: no, Credit line: Euan Cherry / Wenn / Avalon
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- The First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama (L), visited with Prince Harry the Fort Belvoir army base in Virginia, USA. Right sits Jill Biden, the wife of the US vice president, First Lady Michelle Obama and Prince Harry have campaigned on Wednesday in one of the largest military bases of the United States for “Invictus Games» 2016th. The only in its kind of international sports competitions and limbless person wounded soldiers. Photo: Martin Bialecki/,Image: 507595595, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: UK ONLY – Fee Payable Upon Reproduction – For queries contact Photoshot – sales@photoshot.com London: +44 (0) 20 7421 6000 Florida: +1 239 689 1883 Berlin: +49 (0) 30 76 212 251, Model Release: no
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- Britain’s Prince Harry (2nd L) and Sir Peter Westmacott (2nd R), the British Ambassador to America, talk to Dr. Jill Biden (L), the wife of U.S. Vice President Biden, during a reception for U.S. and British wounded warriors at the British Ambassador’s Residence in Washington, D.C., USA, 07 May 2012. The wounded soldiers participated in the Warrior Games which is an event hosted every year by the US Olympic Committee. Photo: KEVIN DIETSCH/POOL,Image: 529513116, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: NO GERMANY, AUSTRIA, SWITZERLAND – NO 3RD PARTIES – Fee Payable Upon Reproduction – For queries call London + 44 (0)20 7421 6000 , New York + 1 646-329-6242 or Hamburg + 49 (0)40 530 240 5959, Model Release: no
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- Britain’s Prince Harry (L) and Dr. Jill Biden, the wife of U.S. Vice President Biden, talk with Captain Simon Maxwell, British Royal Marines, Wound Warriors Games medalist during a reception at the British Ambassador’s Residence in Washington, D.C., USA, 07 May 2012. The wounded soldiers participated in the Warrior Games which is an event hosted every year by the US Olympic Committee. Photo: KEVIN DIETSCH/POOL,Image: 529513135, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: NO GERMANY, AUSTRIA, SWITZERLAND – NO 3RD PARTIES – Fee Payable Upon Reproduction – For queries call London + 44 (0)20 7421 6000 , New York + 1 646-329-6242 or Hamburg + 49 (0)40 530 240 5959, Model Release: no, Credit line: Kevin Dietsch/Pool / DPA Picture Alliance / Avalon
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- Britain’s Prince Harry (front L) and Sir Peter Westmacott (hidden), the British Ambassador to America, talk to Dr. Jill Biden (R), the wife of U.S. Vice President Biden, during a reception for U.S. and British wounded warriors at the British Ambassador’s Residence in Washington, D.C., USA, 07 May 2012. The wounded soldiers participated in the Warrior Games which is an event hosted every year by the US Olympic Committee. Photo: KEVIN DIETSCH/POOL,Image: 529513192, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: NO GERMANY, AUSTRIA, SWITZERLAND – NO 3RD PARTIES – Fee Payable Upon Reproduction – For queries call London + 44 (0)20 7421 6000 , New York + 1 646-329-6242 or Hamburg + 49 (0)40 530 240 5959, Model Release: no, Credit line: Kevin Dietsch/Pool / DPA Picture Alliance / Avalon
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- Britain’s Prince Harry (L) and Sir Peter Westmacott (2nd L), the British Ambassador to USA, talk to Dr. Jill Biden (R), the wife of US Vice President Biden, during a reception for U.S. and British wounded warriors at the British Ambassador’s Residence in Washington, USA, 07 May 2012. The wounded soldiers participated in the Warrior Games which is an event hosted every year by the US Olympic Committee. Photo: KEVIN DIETSCH/POOL,Image: 529513247, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: NO GERMANY, AUSTRIA, SWITZERLAND – NO 3RD PARTIES – Fee Payable Upon Reproduction – For queries call London + 44 (0)20 7421 6000 , New York + 1 646-329-6242 or Hamburg + 49 (0)40 530 240 5959, Model Release: no
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- ORLANDO, FL – MAY 11: Prince Harry and Vice President of the United States of America Joe Biden watch USA Vs Denmark in the wheelchair rugby match at the Invictus Games Orlando 2016 at ESPN Wide World of Sports on May 11, 2016 in Orlando, Florida. Prince Harry, patron of the Invictus Games Foundation is in Orlando for the Invictus Games 2016. The Invictus Games is the only International sporting event for wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women. Started in 2014 by Prince Harry the Invictus Games uses the power of Sport to inspire recovery and support rehabilitation.,Image: 530561532, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: NO UK USE FOR 48 HOURS – Fee Payable Upon Reproduction – For queries contact Photoshot – sales@photoshot.com London: +44 (0) 20 7421 6000 Los Angeles: +1 (310) 822 0419 Berlin: +49 (0) 30 76 212 251, Model Release: no, Credit line: – / Avalon
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- 126129, Prince Harry meets Israel Del Torrd and Dr.Jill Biden at the Lee Valley Velo Park in London. London, United Kingdom – Saturday September 13, 2014. UK, FRANCE, AUS, NZ, CHINA, HONG KONG, TAIWAN, SPAIN & ITALY OUT,Image: 530982806, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: WORLD RIGHTS, DIRECT SALES ONLY UNLESS STATED OTHERWISE IN CAPTION – Fee Payable Upon Reproduction – For queries contact Avalon.red – sales@avalon.red London: +44 (0) 20 7421 6000 Los Angeles: +1 (310) 822 0419 Berlin: +49 (0) 30 76 212 251 Madrid: +34 91 533 4289, Model Release: no, Credit line: i-Images, PacificCoastNews / Avalon
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- Prince Harry, Jill Biden, and Vice President Joe Biden cheer on and applaud the medal winners for Wheelchair Rugby during the Invictus Games on May 11, 2016 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida.,Image: 563522069, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: , Model Release: no, Credit line: Vicki DiAddezio / Avalon
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- North America Rights Only – Toronto, Canada – 9/29/2017 – Vice President Joe Biden, Jill Biden, President Barck Obama, Prince Harry watched the mens wheelchair basketball game between the USA and France at the Pan Am sports centre in Toronto during the Invictus Games -PICTURED: Jill Biden, President Barck Obama, Prince Harry -PHOTO by: INSTARimages.com Editorial Rights Managed Image – Please contact www.INSTARimages.com for licensing fee and rights: North America Inquiries: email sales@instarimages.com or call 212.414.0207 – UK Inquiries: email ben@instarimages.com or call + 7715 698 715 – Australia Inquiries: email sarah@instarimages.com.au or call +02 9660 0500 – for any other Country, please email sales@instarimages.com. Image or video may not be published in any way that is or might be deemed defamatory, libelous, pornographic, or obscene / Please consult our sales department for any clarification or question you may have – http://www.INSTARimages.com reserves the right to pursue unauthorized users of this image or video. If you are in violation of our intellectual property you may be liable for actual damages, loss of income, and profits you derive from the use of this image or video, and where appropriate, the cost of collection and/or statutory damage. Featuring: Jill Biden, President Barck Obama, Prince Harry Where: Toronto, Ontario, Canada When: 29 Sep 2017 Credit: INSTARimages.com **North America Rights Only**
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- North America Rights Only – Toronto, Canada – 9/29/2017 – Vice President Joe Biden, Jill Biden, President Barck Obama, Prince Harry watched the mens wheelchair basketball game between the USA and France at the Pan Am sports centre in Toronto during the Invictus Games -PICTURED: Jill Biden, President Barck Obama, Prince Harry -PHOTO by: INSTARimages.com Editorial Rights Managed Image – Please contact www.INSTARimages.com for licensing fee and rights: North America Inquiries: email sales@instarimages.com or call 212.414.0207 – UK Inquiries: email ben@instarimages.com or call + 7715 698 715 – Australia Inquiries: email sarah@instarimages.com.au or call +02 9660 0500 – for any other Country, please email sales@instarimages.com. Image or video may not be published in any way that is or might be deemed defamatory, libelous, pornographic, or obscene / Please consult our sales department for any clarification or question you may have – http://www.INSTARimages.com reserves the right to pursue unauthorized users of this image or video. If you are in violation of our intellectual property you may be liable for actual damages, loss of income, and profits you derive from the use of this image or video, and where appropriate, the cost of collection and/or statutory damage. Featuring: Jill Biden, President Barck Obama, Prince Harry Where: Toronto, Ontario, Canada When: 29 Sep 2017 Credit: INSTARimages.com **North America Rights Only**
I want Obama to show up. You know. To be petty.
Obama’s not going either. He wouldn’t want to offend the Royal Family. He, oh so loved the Queen.
That is incredibly disappointing. I hope, at the very least, they send a good representative for the US delegation.
Mrs. Obama shared in her Becoming book how when she daned to touch the Queen, the Queen responded with kindness. The BP press and the U.S. press had a fit over it. I think the Obama’s were always grateful for the outward kindness that they showed.
@girl_ninja: I have absolutely no memory of the Queen telling the British press to back off Michelle Obama after that incident so perhaps her love of the Queen is misplaced.
If he loved the late Queen, then he should go, because the Queen “loved” Harry.
@bisynaptic: Queen was the Head of State, Harry’s not. He’s just a member of the Royal Family and he’s barely that now. Obama is not going to cause an international incident by going to the Invictus when the British Government doesn’t want high level people to be there.
It isn’t about who is or isn’t a member of what family. It is the First Family of the US failing to support the men and women who put their lives on the line for the US. This is a very poor choice from the Bidens.
Barack and Michelle were dazzled by the charm offensive put on by the Queen.
If the UK has to intercede through diplomatic channels to persuade the Biden’s not to attend the Invictus Games, that show you just how much the Firm is afraid of Harry’s power. The fact is, however, that no sitting US President has ever attended the IG. Jill Biden attended as second lady when Joe was VP.
I doubt the brit gov /via charlie has that much influence over the WH. Their exit from the EU left them largely bereft of clout, they’re now going around begging for trade deals and there the U.S. has them by the proverbial balls. And, honestly, its a nice that Jill B shows up for this, but lets face it, as important as IG are, its not the olympics of olympics. If they were doing this, they’d only look worse than they already do to the US government…and given their treatment of an American who married in, welll, yikes.
“I doubt the brit gov /via charlie has that much influence over the WH.”
If that’s true why isn’t Jill going? The US First Lady has gone to Invictus in the past.
@ Amy Bee
see Dee(2) response below for a clearer/fuller explanation.
The Obamas have better things to do then engage in a sibling squabble that has gone public. They have their own lives and causes.
Who IS leading the US delegation? I liked Secretary Pete last year, I thought that was a good compromise. And I am surprised the Biden administration keeps folding here, but my guess is that its between the state department and the british government and its probably just seen as easier to go along.
But, the British government should be ashamed they’re even asking.
Right? Who is leading the delegation? Perhaps someone from the military? Has there been any announcement about it? My dream would be the VP attending.
Apparently there’s been no announcements on who’s leading the U.S. delegation or if there even is one. This is a bad look. I recall the Obama’s promoting the Invictus Games while in the White House. It’s been crickets from the Biden’s.
The U.S. teams website does talk about military support: https://invictusteamus.com/
Harry doesn’t no longer represents the British Royal Family, there’s no way that the Biden Administration is going to promote the Invictus Games now.
Harry didn’t rep the royals during the last IG but the Biden administration still sent secretary Pete and senator Tammy Duckworth, both veterans. I believe some right-wing journos later criticized the secretary for spending public funds to go to a celebrity thing to which he clapped back that it was for veterans. So I’m just thinking someone will be sent to rep in some way but it hasn’t been announced?
@Jais: Sending the Secretary of Transportation instead of the Secretary of Defense or the Secretary of Veteran Affairs is a demonstration of the US Government acquiescing to the UK Government’s request.
@AmyBee The Secretary of Transportation is a veteran. It makes and made sense send him given that, just like Senator Duckworth is an actual veteran. I hope that they send them again, or if not they send other veterans who are part of the administration.
Dr. Jill was at the initial games in London in 2014. A combination of Obamas/Bidens were of course at the 2016 games the US hosted in Orlando, and Toronto in 2017 (when neither one was in office). But for the 2018 games in Sydney (when Harry was still a working member of the RF) the US delegation was headed by Secretary of the Army Mark Esper. And last year, by former veteran and Secretary of Transportation Buttigieg. As the Invictus games have grown in significance – they were a big deal for the Netherlands last year (the king attended) and for Germany this year (the President will attend) – I wonder if the US has pulled back a little, especially with the Bidens in the WH, as a reminder this is an international, not a solely US event, and respecting the countries actually hosting the event.
That doesn’t mean the UK/RF wouldn’t ask the State Dept. not to have the Bidens attend, and publicize that. Just means Dr. Jill may not be going for entirely different reasons.
@Becks, Dee, Jais, ITA. If this is even true— a big “if” considering the source— I think it reflects more poorly on Jill Biden for capitulating to this juvenile demand/request/whatever by the UK. But as others here have pointed out, this was written before she was diagnosed with COVID, and I didn’t realize she was still teaching.
In a vacuum, though, I don’t think anyone in or affiliated with the US government should alter their behavior or plans in any way because it would “upset” the fragile sensibilities of the RF. Give me a break.
I remember when we talked about this the last time and people didn’t believe that the UK Government would ask Jill not to go to the Invictus Games. Well, there we have it, she’s not going most likely because the UK Government made a request that she not go. The UK’s argument will be that Harry no longer represents the Royal Family and that her attendance will offend the King. Whatever.
I still dont believe there an ask, it would look terrible/petty on the UK government; this is afterall about THEIR veterans and veterans generally, It would not be a good look to the U.S. government if they did this. Its one thing for charles to be petty toward his son and his DiL but I dont think he wants to raise the ire of veterans….they’re already being attacked for their military cosplay, imagine the the fallout if someone leaked they were doing this.
This is where you get it wrong. It’s not about the veterans, it’s about diplomacy. It’s clear that the Foreign Office asked that the White House not attend the Invictus Games and the White House has agreed.
^^ Exactly @Amy Bee! 💯 That’s what I was going to point out. Things such as this involve diplomacy, and have nothing to do with the fact that the Bidens like and respect Harry & Meghan. If it’s true that the British government made these petty requests, it would have happened via contacting the U.S. State Department, not the White House.
Perhaps few people are aware that Jill Biden, as FLOTUS, participated in a Zoom session with Prince Harry and U.S. military officials, circa 2021. They both exhibited nothing but respect and admiration for each other during that Zoom session. Look for it on YouTube.
Meanwhile, President Biden has very weighty, substantive matters to attend to every single day as POTUS! While representing the U.S. in their official capacity, the Bidens will probably continue to avoid being directly embroiled in petty nonsense by the British government, the royal cult, and other Salty Isle nonces. But make no mistake, such pettiness by the Brits and what passes for royalty in Britain, does not go unnoticed. Surely, a lot of eyebrows have been raised and eyes have been rolling, in private at the WH and the DOS! 🙄
Amy Bee I completely disagree about this being about diplomacy. Diplomacy would mean that they continue the same procedures as they previously did. The change that happened had nothing to do with politics but a change in family dynamic and the only reason politics is brought into this issue is because a man who has political influence as king is using that influence to bully his son, regardless of the optics or who it impacts. The UK’s treatment of the veterans participating in IG last year was appalling. To now find out that they carried that appalling behavior to another country, is even more appalling. Diplomacy would be not allowing petty family drama to be the cause of some veterans in the IG being treated differently and unfairly.
The importance of the games are bigger than this…Exposing themselves in this petty manner does nothing for the RF.
They want any control they can get! If they can’t control Harry they will go after others. They are completely insane! Jill should do whatever she wants so I don’t understand why she didn’t go to The Hague. I’m glad about her being there to send the athletes off but will she this year due to her having Covid or will she do a zoom call.
This might be petty, but also seems in-line with what politicians have to consider for all kinds of public appearances. These sorts of asks for showing up or not showing up happen all of the time.
Sorry my American friends, but I’m really, really disappointed that not even one of the Bidens are going. You know the Royals and the British media are going to make hay with this. The games will be a success even without them there, but it would have been so good if they had attended. It just makes the British Royal family look like they are able to make America bow down to them
I hope they don’t turn out to see bullyam or the Palace will be crowing for years to come, and the bm will report how America and it’s president only favour William and Kate.
Agree with you Mary. If we slam the Brits as a whole for their treatment of M&H, then we need to be equally critical of the Americans. I thought America had won independence from the Brits – no? Very poor that Jill Biden is not going.
As for the Obamas, also disappointing.
How did the Obamas get pulled into this? I seem to remember them supporting Invictus when Barack had the top job. Am I wrong?
As far as the Obama’s are concerned usually past Presidents try not to interfere in what the current one does in his administration. It’s the current administration who makes a decision as to who attends what. The former administration does not come in to usurp that decision. It would be bad form if the Obama’s decided to go just because the Biden’s aren’t attending. I am sure the Biden’s will send an appropriate delegation. Even during the Olympics the President or his wife may not attend. They will send a delegation though. I feel the the Biden’s are doing the right thing by having a send off for them. FLOTUS was going to do this before she got Covid. I think people are forgetting about the big picture. This is for the veterans and their families. This is not about who Harry has a friendship with or what the British media/tabloids will say. They are going to be bias regardless who attends. Sometimes when you have high profile people at events like this it takes away from the event. I think the people at Invictus make a conscious decision not to take away from the opening of the event and focus mainly on the veterans. If the President or his wife attended the focus would surely be on them and not the vets. This maybe the reason Meghan is attending later. So much attention was focusing on her and what she’s wearing not the vets. We will see her later but for the moment let the veterans shine. They have all worked so hard to get there.
@Angie. Agree. POTUS nor FLOTUS goes to every event because they have other duties. At the end of the day Invictus is a private event and if there are government duties that either of them have to do they absolutely should prioritize those duties. Doesn’t mean they don’t support veterans and it doesn’t mean that they’re snubbing anyone or folding to British royal family tantrums it means that they unlike the BRF are doing what they’re supposed to be doing.
Please understand everyone who is upset, this has absolutely nothing to do with the Bidens not having enormous respect for Harry and for what he’s accomplished with the Invictus Games. Look at my previous post. This is about diplomacy and appearances, not at all about ‘caving’ or ‘bowing down’ to the BRF. In 2021, Jill Biden and Prince Harry appeared in an official Zoom session together with U.S. military officials, in regard to honoring veterans. Look it up.
This nonsensical, petty behavior by the British Foreign Office and the royal cult is long-term detrimental, not to anyone in the U.S., but to all the despicable nonces on salty isle.
You saved me posting Mary. I can understand the Pres not going but, Jill Biden should have said “I’m going.” Politics is the reason why most of those veterans were hurt and maimed in the first place. Just because our President of the FA chooses not to support his countrymen/women at major sporting events doesn’t mean the rest of the world has to follow. Jill Biden should have been more like Queen Letiza and ignored any tantrums from the UK.
^^ Why not wait until you become FLOTUS, before trying to tell Dr. Jill Biden what she should have said and done regarding any situation she faces in her current role. 🙄
Jill Biden is NOT Queen Letizia, nor vice versa!
So the UK government is asking the US government to snub their country’s veterans?
Uh-huh. Cuz that’s a good look🙄. Harry and Meghan’s mere existence really incite people to act like petty fools.
How is this landing in America, that the first lady will snub veterans (that fought for their country and received life changing injuries) at the request of a monarch that is not the actual leader of a country? It seems ill-advised all round imo.
Most Americans probably don’t know that this is going on. Jill is practicing diplomacy she’s not going so as to not offend the Royal Family.
I haven’t seen a single mention of it in any US press which is why again acting like the Biden’s kowtowed to some BRF demand because of crack reporting in the Mail is silly. I can’t speak for most Americans but I can’t speak for myself when I say I realize that the President has a lot on his plate and I need his focus to be on passing laws and handling issues here not private events overseas.
^^ Exactly @Dee(2)! 💯 🎯
Yeah, not super impressed with the Biden’s on this front. Supporting your own troops should be more important than the Royal family’s feelings. Jmo.
Apparently, last night Dr. Jill Biden had been scheduled to speak at an @InvictusTeamUS
send off dinner to close their final D.C. training camp. But she had to cancel due to Covid.
Not going to Invictus doesn’t mean they don’t support veterans, good lord. And it’s frankly f-ing offensive to the Bidens considering Beau to act like they’re snubbing veterans by not attending. Biden actually has a lot going on being the POTUS, and Dr. Jill has Covid. This reporting is from prior to that.
As wonderful as Invictus is, attending is not the only way to support veterans and it’s laughable that people actually believe this is because the RF threw a toddler temper tantrum rather than people having other shit on their plates to do.
This! Beau Biden. If you think the Bidens don’t support the troops, then you don’t know the Bidens or are being led by the nose by the UK press.
This isn’t a good look for the Bidens, so I almost wish for some sort of clap back. That the POTUS and/or FLOTUS wouldn’t go to an event involving US wounded veterans because a king in another country (that we fought a war to get rid of no less!) threw a little temper tantrum is ridiculous.
Agreed! Look to see the Obamas there!
You guys do not seem to understand the role the Bidens are in and the levels of diplomacy that are involved. Not to mention the mountains of work and full daily schedules. Please see my previous posts. Dr. Jill, as FLOTUS, has previously appeared in a Zoom session with Prince Harry, and U.S. military officials, for the purpose of honoring veterans. Look it up on YouTube. Relax your ire. Neither Harry, nor Invictus Games veterans need Sussex devotees to be outraged over this. 🤦♀️
President Biden is trying to win an election so that we don’t have to get f!cked again by the Republicans and Dr. Jill has covid. The Biden’s have been supporting the veterans long before The Sussex’s. The issue here is the British government being trash and focusing on trying to tear Invicus down and not caring for the people starving in their country.
💯 🎯 Thank you, thank you, @Girl_Ninja! 👌🏽
Agreed.
This really is disappointing but it’s more a loss for the veterans. A lot of supporters of the Bidens will notice this and it does not look good. Looking at the dismal performance and lack of anything substantial from the British royals, the diplomacy mice must be really working hard behind the scenes for this very huge favor.
So supporting injured veterans offends the King? I hope people remember this when the RF show up in their costumes and wear their chocolate medals on Remembrance Day. They don’t care about veterans or their well-being.
It’s not going to happen, but I wish Michelle Obama would show up. #privatecitizen.
I don’t know why they bother appeasing UK govt. Germany’s govt officials being there is the most important but not showing support for our veterans going cause some of country’s govt will throw a tantrum is pathetic.
@S808, why do you think the U.S. government is not showing support for U.S. Invictus military veterans, simply because neither of the Bidens can attend? I doubt decisions made by the Biden administration and the US DOS, have much to do with petty family squabble requests made by the royal cult via the British foreign office. 🙄
Representatives of the U.S. government, who have connections to the military, will surely be sent as delegates, the same as occurred for Invictus in The Hague.
Good god, this again? Dr. Biden did not attend IG last year because it coincided with the Easter Party at the White House—which is HUGE and on the First Lady’s shoulders.
Seriously, these are WORKING politicians and have other priorities at home. Give me a break.
@Heather – Give you a break from what? This isn’t about a diary clash. People are disappointed that the First Lady couldn’t make time in her calendar for the injured veterans because the government from another nation has told her not to do so. Hopefully Pete Buttigieg will attend in her place. I actually prefer him to Jill as he has actually served.
However, the point still stands that the American government has allowed the UK government to dictate the movements of the First Lady. It’s a bit like when they demanded that the President go to a pointless photo-op with William just to highlight his pet project. The BRF said to the most powerful man in the free world “jump” and the president said “how high?”
I meant give me a break from the piling on Jill Biden for being unable to attend last year. I really think at most the WH would have eye rolled at the suggestion that she alter her schedule for the BRF. Dr. Biden had 30K people coming to the WH for the Easter event—she was a little busy.
Absolutely agree that Secretary Pete was a perfect choice. Still is, I hope he can make it 😊
Heather, people tend to forget that Dr. Biden still teaches, and it’s the beginning of the school year. I never thought she would go. I didn’t think the President would go either.
I believe that the head of state that hosts the games are the one who will shows up. Last year, the delegation for the US was named just a few days before the IG started. I suspect we’ll hear about it very soon. The US will continue to support their Vets.
I don’t think the UK government are asking them not to attend. I think the brf and bm are making it a ‘snub’ because they can. Idiots.
Agreed!
The fact that attendance at this event constitutes “offending the Royal Family” tells you all you need to know about these horrible, disgusting, spoiled, self-absorbed people. Invictus isn’t about them. It isn’t even really about Harry. It’s about the CAUSE, which Harry just happens to be devoted to. There is no excuse for a high-ranking Biden Administration figure not to attend. They should tell them to piss off and get over it. They aren’t going to do anything. The British government’s leverage in the world has only diminished since Brexit, and the U.S. is their most important ally in the world.
First of all, we don’t even know for a fact that these petty requests were ever made! Consider the source: British tabloid media. Side-eye it all with a huge grain of salt. 🤡
What a load of nonsense, the British Government can’t even get a new trade deal from the U S, but they can tell the U S Government, who can or can’t attend the Invictus Game.
Biden always do brief visits in England, but can find the time to spend a week in Ireland.
Chucky is waiting for a state visit offer from Biden, Britain is not the super power it once was, their leadership is as bad as Trump was.
All this is true but if the UK Government has told the State Department that Jill attending would offend the Royal Family, she’s not going to go.
Agreed. I find it dubious—and hope it’s not true—that the British government had any say in the Bidens’ calendar. All the same, I wish the Bidens would send a family member.
Dr. Biden tested positive for COVID-19 recently.
Also, college started not long ago. Dr. Biden still works full-time as a professor at a college.
President Biden has the G20 Summit on Sept 9-10, 2023.
The DM neglected to mention those facts.
Also, President Biden is traveling to Vietnam after the G20 Summit for an important visit that will cover multiple issues.
Dr. Biden teaches English and Writing full-time at Northern Virginia Community College. The new term started on Aug. 21, 2023.
This is why I think the DM is an untrustworthy source for factual information.
I don’t know why people are assuming that they’re not going because the British government asked them when is reported in the daily mail. We can’t be selective about what we don’t believe from the mail and what we do. Bottom line is more likely there’s more going on at the Biden’s have to prioritize then this event. Doesn’t mean they don’t support the vets, which I think the implication given Beau is offensive. It means that they have jobs to do and they can’t always prioritize the stuff that we on the outside want them to. He is the actual President and has a busy schedule, and so does she. I keep saying this but supporters of the Sussexes have to remember that everyone’s not going to do everything in public for our consumption, so we can use it to dunk on the Royal Family. They have long term goals to think about that’s not about “shading” people or whatever.
This might be the most sensible comment I’ve ever read here.
Exactly, Britain is running around trying to get trade deals, they are not about the ask US gov to essentially snub U.S. vets so they can stick it to Harry. Post brexit they have no clout, anyway. But, yes, we cant pick choose what we believe, if we think the df is trash when it comes to M&H, the grain of salt approach has to apply everytime.
I agree with you. To me, the damning issue isn’t that the Bidens aren’t going. There are many sensible reasons for the Bidens not to attend, especially as Jill Biden is covid+. But for the British royals to be offended at the idea of American leadership supporting an international gathering of veterans is appalling to me. Not everything is about the GD royal family. These games are about the veterans and their resilience and recovery. That the RF could be so petty to deny the veterans due to their jealousy of Harry speaks volumes. It would be “royal” after all to focus on the veterans. So the royals are baiscally saying that everything they do is performative–it’s for their own edification, not for the service of their citizens. Got it.
Agree with you wholeheartedly. This is the type of story that the royals should be ashamed to have out there whether they planted it or not. If you can respond about Botox and other silly things you absolutely should respond to negate the idea that you would ask a government not to support veterans because it’s a horrible look. But considering the fact that they have not even congratulated or supported their own national team going to the Invictus games that’s not that shocking.
💯🎯👏
Agreed. The DM is a British establishment and specifically Tory mouthpiece. This is a flex for their fans: “oh look we told the dumb Americans to snub Harry. We win. They lose. The Empire is just great.” We question 90% of the garbage the DM prints, we should take this with a grain of salt.
The Bidens are basically the top diplomats in the world. Diplomacy is about compromise and priorities. Jill is still meeting face-to-face with the delegation and therefore showing her support. But as others pointed out above, they both have a lot going on and an international trip is a big thing for POTUS/FLOTUS.
The UK is the biggest supporter of Ukraine after the US. The state department needs to prioritize that relationship over Chuck’s snits, unfortunately.
Love and agree with this comment 100%.
Who is part of the US delegation for Invictus? I don’t like this narrative that the BRF runs the White House. Lisa Bloom, the Atty who respents Epstein’s victims, went on GMB to claim the FBI is stonewalling the criminal investigation involving Andrew to avoid a diplomatic row.
Sunny O said it best above:
Dr. Biden tested positive for covid and teaches English and Writing full-time at Northern Virginia Community College. The new term started on Aug. 21, 2023.
President Biden has the G20 Summit on Sept 9-10, 2023. Also, President Biden is traveling to Vietnam after the G20 Summit for an important visit that will cover multiple issues.
The DM neglected to mention those facts. This is why I think the DM is an untrustworthy source for factual information.
I agree. The same people who say don’t believe the Daily Mail when it comes to the Sussex’s are believing them when it come to the Biden’s. Why would anyone believe this newspaper.
Ah thanks Saucy&Sassy!
I checked Northern Virginia Community College’s academic calendar for Spring 2022. The college was in session the week the Invictus Games took place in 2022. I’m guessing that was a contributing factor as to why Dr. Bidem didn’t go to the games last year.
According to an interview with Dr. Biden I read at Real Simple, Dr. Biden has a reputation for not missing classes.
People forget Dr. Biden still works full-time teaching in addition to her FLOTUS duties.
Plus the Invictus Games occurred during Easter weekend last year.
Sorry, I still don’t believe this story. The US administration has no problem offending much more globally important countries, like China, over much more significant things, like Taiwan. I don’t believe that the RF’s feelings about Harry are even on the radar. Joe Biden is campaigning and Jill has Covid – hope all works out well for them.
The UK is a close US ally, China is not. Jill had decided against going to Germany before she got COVID.
Close ally is fine, but nobody in the UK was worried about the Bidens’ feelings when Camilla was making fart jokes about Joe. In any case, this whole supposition seems stupid beyond belief. There’s no diplomatic capital to be gained or lost by participating in the RF’s personal vendetta – the US and UK will still be allies.
“There’s no diplomatic capital to be gained or lost by participating in the RF’s personal vendetta – the US and UK will still be allies.”
Sharp reasoning, EURYDICE.
I agree.
Ummmm, maybe she simply did not feel like traveling all the over there just to make an appearance. The Bidens are not young and if I were Jill, I would be VERY hesitant to leave the POTUS alone for more than a few hours. He does not seem well!!
How does POTUS not seem well? They have traveled separately before.
The way some of you can turn on the Biden’s and the Obama’s for that matter on a dime is pathetic. Lest we forget this is a country that drove away Harry from his home country to protect his family and this is an article from the Daily Mail. Be serious people.
I think at times some supporters of Harry and Meghan are too overzealous with needing performative public displays from people to vet if “we” think they are sufficiently good friends or supportive enough. This is not the case. It’s up to Harry and Meghan to determine if the people in their lives are supporting them the way they need to be supported, if they’re good with it we don’t get to have any say there. They aren’t our friends and it isnt our life. And I agree with your original point, none of these people have anything to prove to us.
I agree with you. As above , it was mentioned Jill was going to do an event with the US team before she got Covid. (Which is nasty , I just got it for the 1st time a mth ago as well. I’m waiting for the next booster shot soon).
It just shows the desperation of the BRF and the tabloids as they want Invictus to fail. But after this past weekend, who takes the BRF and esp the British tabloids seriously- they’re a laughing stock to be honest! The US govt doesn’t have time to worry about this British nonsense.
Even DHS laughed at the Heritage fund request.
When did the BM become
Such a credible
Source that we are “disappointed “ in the President of the United States ?
I don’t understand why the family isn’t proud of what Harry has achieved ,
The jealousy and propaganda of hate is just pathetic and childish .
I feel so sorry for the veterans who are caught in the middle of this shit because they hate Harry and won’t acknowledge anything he is involved in .
It’s beyond my comprehension .
The US delegation for the Invictus Games has been announced on the White House website https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2023/09/06/president-biden-announces-presidential-delegation-to-attend-the-opening-ceremony-of-the-invictus-games-in-dusseldorf-germany/ An impressive list.