Team Sussex has attributed Uganda's withdrawal from the Invictus Games to a letter issued by King Charles that clarified Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's status as private citizens. The statement, released by a source close to the couple, indicated that Uganda's decision was a "consequence of the Lord Chamberlain's guidance... that was rushed out without consultation."
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the son of Uganda's president, announced on Wednesday that the nation would not participate in the games without royal approval, stating his motivation to quash "that Harry-Meghan nonsense" and his support for the British monarch. This move occurred less than 48 hours after King Charles reiterated that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are no longer working royals, despite their recent return to the UK for an extended period.
The King's letter, released on Monday, stated that Harry and Meghan's "styles as His and Her Royal Highness remain in abeyance and are not used." It further clarified that their charitable work is a "personal matter for them both and undertaken in their private capacity," likening their position to that of private citizens with commercial and charitable interests. This guidance followed the couple's announcement in August that there would be no change to their status as non-working royals.
A spokesperson for Harry and Meghan expressed surprise at not being informed in advance of the letter's release, noting that their team had been notified only about an hour before it went public. They attempted to clarify points and inform the Duke and Duchess before the media received the guidance, but confirmation that the letter had already been distributed was received shortly after.
Prince Harry founded the Invictus Games in 2014 as a platform for injured or sick military veterans and servicemen. Uganda was announced as the 26th participating country in July, with the defence minister, Kiryowa Kiwanuka, posing for photographs with Prince Harry at an Invictus Games gathering in London.
The situation has fueled speculation about ongoing tensions between the Sussexes and the Royal Household, particularly as Harry awaits a decision on taxpayer-funded security upon his return to the UK. The Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec) is expected to discuss royal security following a threat assessment by the Risk Management Board.