Uganda Withdraws from Invictus Games Amid Royal Tensions
Prince Harry’s flagship Invictus Games, scheduled for Birmingham next year, has suffered a significant setback after Uganda announced its withdrawal. The decision appears linked to the escalating public dispute between Buckingham Palace and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, which intensified following a formal letter from King Charles III.
Royal Dispute Escalates Publicly
The controversy erupted on Monday when King Charles issued a letter describing Harry and Meghan as “private citizens” and reaffirming they were not permitted to use their royal HRH titles. The Duke and Duchess, who are reportedly moving back to the UK after years in the US, responded by stating they were “surprised” and sought to portray themselves as “public figures” while questioning the rationale behind the letter’s release.
Uganda Cites Lack of Royal Approval
With Commonwealth nations observing the fallout, Uganda’s General Muhoozi Kainerugaba — son of the Ugandan president — declared on Wednesday that his country would not participate in the Games without the express permission of King Charles. The Invictus Games were founded by Prince Harry in 2014 to support wounded servicemen and women.
A Sussex insider speaking with ITV connected the withdrawal directly to Monday’s letter:
“Intended or unintended, this is clearly a consequence of the Lord Chamberlain’s guidance regarding the Duke and Duchess of Sussex that was rushed out without consultation on Monday.”
“Sadly, the only people who will suffer are the Invictus Games competitors.”
General Kainerugaba’s Strong Stance
General Kainerugaba, who has been outspoken on the Sussexes, told The Times:
“I have factions in the Ministry of Defence that support that Harry-Meghan nonsense. I had to quash it straight away. I support the monarch. Period.”
In a subsequent post on X (formerly Twitter), he elaborated:
“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.”
The Uganda High Commission has been contacted for further comment.
