Uganda's Invictus Games exit 'clearly a consequence of King Charles letter' as Sussexes' team hits back

Thank you for subscribing!

The African nation withdrew from the Games just days after the Palace issued guidance on the Sussexes' status

Prince Harry and his team believe Uganda's decision to withdraw from the Invictus Games was prompted by the Lord Chamberlain's letter issued on behalf of King Charles earlier this week, sources have claimed.

The chief of Uganda’s defence forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, announced on Wednesday: "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."

Uganda was the most recent country to join the Invictus Games, the international multi-sport event for wounded veterans that the Duke of Sussex founded in 2014.

In response to Uganda's decision, a source close to Prince Harry told ITV: "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."

GB News has contacted the Duke of Sussex's spokesman and the Ugandan Government for comment.

Government spokesman, Alan Kasujja, claimed General Kainerugaba "speaks for the UPDF (Uganda People’s Defence Forces)".

He told the outlet: "There’s no higher authority in the military besides the president. Until he changes his position, consider it the position of the military."

There is no indication that King Charles is unsupportive of the Invictus Games.

The King attended the inaugural Games in London in 2014 and is understood to be proud of the achievements of his youngest son.

On Monday, the Lord Chamberlain, at His Majesty’s direction, provided a letter to relevant senior stakeholders across Government, the military and Lord Lieutenancies to make clear the Sussexes' continued position as private individuals and not working royals.

GB News understands the letter was released to avoid any accusations of "secrecy" around its contents.

LATEST ROYAL DEVELOPMENTS

The Lord Chamberlain’s letter was received by Prince Harry and Meghan at 1.59pm on Monday. At 2.19pm, the Sussexes' team asked Buckingham Palace whether the "guidance had gone out already".

At 3.09pm, Prince Harry was personally informed that a letter had been drafted and that his team were seeking guidance on whether the letter had been distributed.

At 3.11pm, it was confirmed that it had already been sent to the media. Sources close to the Sussexes told GB News that Harry and Meghan were “surprised” about the letter's distribution.

The Lord Chamberlain's letter stated: "Following the decision by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to relocate to the UK, we have received a number of requests for Guidance. To help avoid doubt or confusion, The King has directed that the following information be shared.

"It is well known that in January 2020 the Duke and Duchess stepped down from undertaking representative duties on behalf of The Sovereign, and are no longer working Members of The Royal Family.

"This position, distinct from the State and Royal duties undertaken by the working Royal Family, and with the personal latitude it brings the couple in respect of financial independence and protection of their privacy as they would wish, will continue to be fully respected.

"It follows that there is no change to the current status of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Their styles as His and Her Royal Highness remain in abeyance and are not used.

"The charitable work of the Duke and Duchess is a personal matter for them both and undertaken in their private capacity.

"In short, their position is akin to private citizens with commercial and charitable interests.

"Any specific questions from official and State organisations about the courtesies which should be extended to the Duke and Duchess, and particularly where recourse to public funds may be required, should be directed to Buckingham Palace.

"Any operational security issues should continue to be directed to the relevant Police authorities.

"All correspondence and administrative questions relating to the couple should be sent directly to their office, which will continue to operate separately from The Royal Household."