Uganda withdraws from 2027 Invictus Games after King Charles clarifies Prince Harry's royal status

Uganda said it will pull out of the 2027 Invictus Games, a multi-sport event for wounded and sick service members founded by Prince Harry, citing respect for King Charles III. The announcement was made on X by General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the chief of Uganda’s defence forces and son of President Yoweri Museveni. He wrote that the country would not participate in any activity that might be seen as opposed to the British monarch and added that the decision was made to avoid appearing contrary to the king’s wishes.

Kainerugaba told the Times that factions within Uganda’s defence ministry supported what he described as “Harry-Meghan nonsense” and that he had to suppress that sentiment, emphasizing his support for the monarch.

The decision follows a letter from King Charles, delivered through the lord chamberlain, which clarified that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle remain non-working members of the royal family and may no longer be addressed as His and Her Royal Highness. The letter, circulated to the prince’s team, the UK government, the military and local officials, stated that the Sussexes are private citizens with commercial and charitable interests. A spokesperson for the couple said they were surprised they had not been informed earlier.

The next Invictus Games are scheduled for July 2027 in Birmingham, England. Uganda had been added as the 26th nation in the Invictus community at a ceremony in London in July, where Uganda’s defence minister praised Harry’s commitment to wounded service personnel. The Sussexes returned to the United Kingdom in late August with their two children and are reportedly seeking a residence in the Cotswolds.