Uganda has withdrawn from the Invictus Games due to what its military chief described as "Harry-Meghan nonsense," a decision made out of deference to King Charles III. General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, head of Uganda's armed forces, stated on X that the country would not participate in any event lacking King Charles's approval, emphasizing his support for the British monarch.
This withdrawal follows a recent announcement by Buckingham Palace confirming that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are no longer working members of the Royal Family and are not permitted to use their HRH titles. General Kainerugaba explained that the decision was necessary to prevent any perception of opposition to King Charles, whom he described as deeply revered. He also indicated that there were internal factions within Uganda's Ministry of Defence that supported what he termed "Harry-Meghan nonsense," which he felt compelled to address.
The development comes two months after Uganda was announced as the 26th country to join the Invictus Games community and the first from East Africa. Uganda's Defence Minister, Kiryowa Kiwanuka, had previously posed for photographs with Prince Harry at an Invictus Games gathering in London in July.
During that event at Chatham House on July 7, Uganda was welcomed into the Invictus Games community. Prince Harry met with delegates from Uganda and presented Minister Kiwanuka with a commemorative plaque. The Invictus Games, an international Paralympic-style sporting event for wounded, injured, or sick servicemen and women, was founded by Prince Harry in 2014.
The King's formal reiteration of Harry and Meghan's status as private citizens reportedly surprised the couple. A letter, authorized by King Charles and sent by the Lord Chamberlain to senior stakeholders in government and the military, outlined guidelines regarding their status. This letter was shared with Harry and Meghan's team approximately one hour before its public release.
A spokesperson for Prince Harry and Meghan stated they were surprised not to have been informed of the guidance in advance. The disclosure of these internal communications has fueled speculation about tensions between the Sussexes and the Royal Household, particularly following their return to the UK for an extended period. Prince Harry is currently awaiting decisions regarding his family's security arrangements in the UK, which are subject to a threat assessment and review by the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec).