Prince Harry Thanks NYC Tattoo Artist Joshua Lord with Heartfelt ‘Skillful Dodger’ Letter

21 July 2025

Joshua Lord and Prince Harry, Jelly Roll. Credit : Josh Lord/Instagram; invictusgames25/Instagram

Prince Harry recently extended a warm and personal thank you to New York City tattoo artist Joshua Lord after using Lord’s East Side Ink studio to film a playful promotional skit for the Invictus Games in late 2024. Lord posted the letter on Instagram on July 20, 2025, revealing that Harry had humorously referred to him as the “Skillful Dodger” for his deft handling of the press during the shoot. The Duke of Sussex expressed his gratitude in writing, thanking Lord for his generosity in allowing the use of his space, for the genuine conversations about the shop’s history, and most notably for managing any media questions with discretion and wit. “They’ll be in for a shock when they see the final cut,” Harry wrote, underscoring his appreciation for Lord’s quiet professionalism and tact.

The skit in question featured country singer Jelly Roll, who surprised Harry with a faux neck tattoo while filming at East Side Ink’s Lower East Side location. Released in November 2024, the video drew praise not only for its humor but also for its respectful support of veterans and the broader Invictus community. In the Instagram post, Lord shared candid snapshots taken during filming that capture Harry in relaxed conversation with both him and Jelly Roll, testifying to a lighthearted, genuine collaboration.

Beyond thanks, Harry invited Lord to attend the next Invictus Games, scheduled to take place in Vancouver and Whistler in February 2025. The Duke emphasized Lord’s importance to the project, stating in the letter, “Grateful for your partnership and support in service of the Invictus community. If you’d like to come to Vancouver in February, we’d love to have you”

For Lord, the experience and Harry’s commendation were both exciting and humbling. He noted that despite dealing with A‑list clientele like Robert Downey Jr. and Scarlett Johansson, being trusted by Harry to handle an event of this nature meant a great deal. He respectably maintains a strict client‑privacy policy, but years later, sharing the letter brought satisfaction and pride in his shop’s discretion and community values.

This episode casts a gentle, humanizing light on the Duke of Sussex. Known for his advocacy as the founder of the Invictus Games a global adaptive sports competition for military and veteran athletes Harry’s gesture underscores his commitment to authenticity, respect, and humility. The letter offers a model of gracious leadership: a small, sincere act of thanks that carries weight and meaning.

More than just a funny moment involving a pretend tattoo, this story reinforces Harry’s ongoing effort to maintain normalcy and humanity in his public persona. It also shines a spotlight on small‑business owners like Joshua Lord, whose discretion and professionalism helped support a cause close to the Duke’s heart.

In celebrating Lord’s integrity and extending an open invitation to the Invictus community, Harry achieved something rare a reminder that modest gestures often speak louder than grand statements. In the modern age of headlines and noise, acts of courtesy and mutual respect remain profoundly impactful.