The 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham, England just lost a participating country, and the reason has nothing to do with athletics. Uganda’s Chief of Defense Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, announced Tuesday on X that Uganda is withdrawing, citing loyalty to King Charles III and stating the country will not take part in anything that could be seen as opposing the monarch.
The timing is what’s getting attention. On Monday, King Charles’lord chamberlain released a letter clarifying that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle remain non-working royals and“private citizens.”A Sussex source told ITV News that Uganda’s withdrawal is a“consequence”of that guidance, which was reportedly issued without consultation. Sources say Harry and Meghan are frustrated with the wording, preferring the label“public figures.”Neither has responded publicly.
Harry founded the Invictus Games in 2014 to support wounded, injured and sick military personnel, and the event has grown into a global movement. With Harry and Meghan having moved back to the UK two weeks ago with their two children, this story is far from over. So we want to know: do you think the Invictus Games should stay above royal family politics, or is that impossible now? Sound off in the comments.
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Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.