Harry and Meghan ‘blame King’s letter’ as Uganda withdraws from Invictus Games with move ‘clearly a consequence’

THE Sussexes have blamed Uganda’s decision to pull out of the Invictus Games on King Charles’ letter over their royal status, a source has claimed. The Ugandan General Muhoozi Kainerugaba said on Wednesday morning that the country would not compete without the King’s approval. He added that he felt compelled to do away with the “Harry-Meghan nonsense”. The announcement came less than 48 hours after the King made it clear that the Sussexes are not working royals, despite returning to the UK. Harry and Meghan claim they were not properly consulted about the decision before the letter was released by his Lord Chamberlain on Monday. Prince Harry is understood to have been made aware of the letter at 3.09pm on Monday afternoon – three minutes after it was made public. Read more Royal News But according to the Daily Mail, palace sources claim the Sussexes had in fact been made aware of the letter prior to publishing. The couple were apparently “surprised” by the King’s bombshell announcement about their royal status. Reflecting on Uganda’s a decision, a source close to Harry told ITV News tonight: “Intended or unintended, this is clearly a consequence of the Lord Chamberlain’s guidance regarding the Duke and Duchess of Sussex that was rushed out without consultation on Monday. “Sadly, the only people who will suffer are the Invictus Games competitors.” Most read in Royals Other sources said the couple would have preferred to be described as “public figures”, despite expressing their desire for privacy. Kainerugaba, son of the Ugandan president, told The Times the nation had “withdrawn support” for the Invictus Games amid the royal row. He said: “I have factions in the Ministry of Defence that support that Harry-Meghan nonsense. “I had to quash it straight away. I support the monarch. Period.” We previously reported that the Duchess of Sussex will be “rekindling” her work with UK charities as she starts life back in Britain. The couple are understood to be trying to iron out a new “fair” structure for coverage of their engagements and public work. Though, they withdrew from the Royal Rota system in 2020 they will continue to take on public facing engagements and charity work. It comes weeks after the Ugandan defence minister was seen smiling with Harry at an event celebrating the country’s entry to the games. It comes after The Invictus Games Foundation announced Uganda as the 26th nation to join the community. Defence minister Kiryowa Kiwanuka hailed Kainerugaba for “championing our team’s entry” during the event at Chatham House, Central London. It was the second African nation to confirm its participation at the 2027 games – set to be held in Birmingham. Next year’s Invictus Games will run from July 10 to 17. There have been seven games held across the globe since it was launched by Harry in 2014.