LONDON / KAMPALA — A fresh diplomatic and royal rift has emerged following Uganda’s sudden withdrawal from the Invictus Games, with sources close to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle expressing frustration over an official palace directive they believe precipitated the decision.
The Withdrawal and Military Directive
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Chief of Defence Forces of the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) and son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, announced the nation’s immediate exit from the multi-sport event on social media.
According to reporting by The Guardian, General Kainerugaba declared:
“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.”
Speaking to The Times, Kainerugaba characterized internal military divisions over the event as “that Harry-Meghan nonsense,” adding: “I had to quash it straight away. I support the monarch. Period.” Government spokesperson Alan Kasujja subsequently confirmed that Kainerugaba holds sole authority over UPDF’s participation in international military sporting programs.
The Palace Letter
The Ugandan military’s move directly followed an official circular issued by Lord Chamberlain Richard Benyon on behalf of King Charles III to senior UK government and military departments, as detailed by 1News.
The letter clarified the institutional standing of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex following their recent activities in the UK, reiterating provisions established during the 2020 Sandringham Summit:
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The Sussexes remain non-working members of the royal family.
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They are not permitted to use their “HRH” (His/Her Royal Highness) styles.
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Their charitable and commercial initiatives are conducted strictly in a private capacity.
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Official courtesies, particularly those involving public resources or state apparatus, must be coordinated through Buckingham Palace rather than directly with the couple.
While palace officials have stressed that King Charles maintains personal goodwill toward wounded veterans and the Invictus movement, foreign officials reportedly interpreted the circular as a diplomatic signal to distance state institutions from unsanctioned royal engagements.
Reaction from the Sussex Camp
Sources close to Prince Harry and Meghan reported that the couple was deeply disheartened by the fallout, noting that the political manoeuvring has come at the expense of wounded veterans.
As reported by 1News and corroborated by ITV News, an insider familiar with the situation stated:
“They made it very clear that the reason they pulled out was a direct result of perceived guidance from the Lord Chamberlain. This was an unintended or intended consequence of the letter — and that was always going to happen. The only people suffering as a result are the competitors from Uganda who would have been taking part in next year’s Invictus Games.”
Impact on the Invictus Games
The decision marks a significant blow to the Invictus Games Foundation. Uganda had joined the organization just months earlier, becoming the 26th participating nation. Prince Harry had personally welcomed Uganda’s delegation alongside Ugandan Defence Minister Kiryowa Kiwanuka in London, celebrating the inclusion of the country’s injured service members.
The next edition of the Invictus Games is scheduled to take place in Birmingham in July 2027. Representatives for Buckingham Palace and the Invictus Games Foundation have not issued formal public statements regarding Uganda’s cancellation.