Uganda Withdraws From Prince Harry's Invictus Games, Citing King Charles

Uganda is pulling out of the upcoming Invictus Games, an Olympics-style event for disabled veterans founded by Prince Harry, according to General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, chief of defense and son of the president.

Gen Kainerugaba announced the decision on Wednesday in a social media post on X, stating it was in order not to be construed as being opposed to His Majesty King Charles III of the United Kingdom, whom they deeply revere. Uganda's government spokesman Alan Kasujja confirmed this to the BBC. The snub came less than 48 hours after Buckingham Palace confirmed that Harry and Meghan are private citizens and not working royals.

This statement was written at King Charles's instruction and was the first sign of tension between Buckingham Palace and Harry & Meghan since their U.K. return. A source close to the Sussexes told ITV News that Uganda's withdrawal was clearly a consequence of the Lord Chamberlain’s guidance regarding the Duke and Duchess of Sussex that was rushed out without consultation on Monday.

The source added, "Sadly, the only people who will suffer are the Invictus Games competitors." Prince Harry announced in July that Uganda was joining the Invictus Games, making it the 26th country to enter the multisport event. Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle returned to the United Kingdom in late August, six years after they moved to California.

In January 2020, they announced they would be stepping back from official royal duties. On Tuesday, King Charles sent a letter to UK government and military officials reiterating that Harry and Meghan would not resume royal duties. A Palace source said that the King encourages all action in support of wounded service personnel. It is unclear whether Gen Kainerugaba misinterpreted the King’s clarification regarding Harry and Meghan's royal status.