Home · World · Sep 9 archive
Uganda Withdraws from Invictus Games Amid Tensions Over Harry-Meghan Issue
Confirmed
In Short: Uganda has pulled out of the Invictus Games, citing respect for King Charles amid ongoing tensions over the Sussexes' royal status.
Uganda has withdrawn from the Invictus Games, a sports event for wounded military veterans, according to reports. The decision, announced by the country's military chief, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, is said to be out of respect for King Charles III. This comes as the country had only recently announced its participation in the event, which was to be held in Birmingham next year.
The withdrawal has been attributed to tensions over the "Harry-Meghan nonsense," as stated by Gen. Kainerugaba in a social media post on X. This timing coincides with an official letter sent on behalf of King Charles, clarifying that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are not working royals and will not use their HRH styles. The letter, issued by the head of the royal household, Richard Benyon, has been seen as a response to the Sussexes' return to the UK.
The decision to withdraw has been met with surprise, as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were promoting the Invictus Games in London just two months ago. General Kainerugaba made the announcement in a post on X, which was first reported by the Uganda Pulse news website. The Invictus Games and representatives for the Duke of Sussex have been approached for comment, but no official response has been received as of yet.
According to reports, the King of the United Kingdom encourages all projects that support wounded service personnel. However, the official letter from the royal household has been seen as a potential cause for the withdrawal. The letter, sent on Monday by the Lord Chamberlain, Richard Benyon, on behalf of King Charles, reiterated the Sussexes' non-working status and their private citizen status.
The withdrawal of Uganda from the Invictus Games may have significant implications for the event, as it was to be the 26th country to participate. The Invictus Games, which celebrate the resilience and rehabilitation of wounded military men and women, have been promoted by Prince Harry as a way to support veterans. The timing of the withdrawal announcement suggests it may be in response to the official letter sent by the royal household, which has clarified the Sussexes' status after their return to the UK.
What's still developing
- Democratic Senate nominee Charles Booker is running behind Republican Andy Barr in Kentucky 's open Senate race, according to the latest available polling, even as the seat's incumbent, retiring Senator Mitch McConnell, remains absent from Washington amid unresolved questions about his health.