Uganda has announced its withdrawal from the Invictus Games, with the country’s military chief attributing the decision to recent guidance issued regarding the royal status of Prince Harry and the Duchess of Sussex.
On Monday, Buckingham Palace released official guidance on behalf of King Charles III, clarifying that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, despite returning to the UK, are not considered working members of the royal family. The statement emphasised that the Duke and Duchess should be viewed as private citizens, should not use the HRH styles (which remain in abeyance), and do not represent the sovereign during public appearances.
The letter, dispatched by the Lord Chamberlain to senior stakeholders including government officials, military personnel, and lord lieutenants, aimed to provide clear directives about the Sussexes' roles following their recent return.
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A spokesperson for the Sussexes expressed surprise at the publication of the guidance, stating that they were not informed beforehand. A source close to the couple described Uganda’s withdrawal as an unintended consequence of the rushed communication, lamenting that “the only people who will suffer are the Invictus Games competitors.”
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and head of Uganda’s military, announced the nation’s withdrawal on social media. In his statement, he said, “In order not to be construed as being opposed to His Majesty King Charles III of the United Kingdom, whom we deeply revere, Uganda hereby withdraws from the Invictus Games. We shall not participate in anything that does not have His Majesty’s approval.”
Speaking to The Times, General Kainerugaba elaborated that the decision was influenced by divisions within the Ministry of Defence regarding the “Harry-Meghan nonsense,” affirming his unwavering support for the monarch.
Leading up to the Sussexes' return, it was reported that King Charles was pleased to spend more time with his family but remained clear that there would be no compromise on their status as non-working royals.
The development has introduced further complexity to the ongoing discussions surrounding the roles and recognition of members of the royal family in public engagements.