Prince Harry's Invictus Games Suffers a Major Setback After King Charles's Letter
The King’s statement on Monday precedes a meeting of the royal and VIP Executive Committee to determine if the Sussexes qualify for state security.
In a surprising move, King Charles clarified the royal status of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in a letter, after the couple arrived in the UK for an 'extended stay'. The monarch made it clear that the Sussexes remain 'private citizens' and informed officials of various ranks in official and state organizations that courtesies to the couple, especially those involving public funds, should be addressed to Buckingham Palace. With this directive in place, Harry has taken a major blow to a charitable cause that has been very close to his heart.
Uganda has withdrawn from the Invictus Games, with military chief General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of the Ugandan president, citing the ongoing dispute between the Sussexes and Buckingham Palace as a reason. Kainerugaba tweeted the announcement on X, showcasing major support for the King. "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," he wrote.
Ironically, the stance comes days after a Ugandan minister was photographed smiling with Harry at an event marking the nation's entry to the games. In July, the Invictus Games Foundation announced Uganda as the 26th nation to join the charitable veterans cause. Defense minister Kiryowa Kiwanuka praised Kainerugaba for leading the effort. Uganda was the second African country confirmed for participation in the 2027 games set to be held in Birmingham.
However, the country will no longer support Prince Harry's initiative due to ongoing tensions with the Crown. "I have factions in the Ministry of Defense that support that Harry-Meghan nonsense. I had to quash it straight away. I support the monarch. Period," Kainerugaba told The Times.
Meanwhile, Kainerugaba had met the CEO of Invictus in Britain before Uganda's announcement of its intention to join the games, which was publicized later. A Ugandan military press release had expressed gratitude to the Duke: "Gen. Kainerugaba also conveyed his gratitude to Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, the founder and Patron of the Invictus Games Foundation, for his vision in establishing a movement that continues to transform the lives of service personnel worldwide," Newsweek reported.
The King’s statement on Monday precedes a meeting of the royal and VIP Executive Committee (Ravec) to determine if the Sussexes qualify for state security. A spokesperson for the couple asserted that they were not notified about the letter prior to its public release. Next year’s Invictus Games are scheduled to take place from July 10 to 17, marking the eighth event since its inception by Prince Harry in 2014.
