Another twist in the ongoing saga between the King, and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle has unfolded today
Uganda has pulled out of Prince Harry’s Invictus Games as a ‘consequence’ of the King’s cutting letter on the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s royal status, a source has claimed.
On Monday ‘guidance’ was issued by Buckingham Palace on behalf of the King, declaring the couple have not returned to the UK as working royals.
A spokesperson for the Sussexes hit back at the announcement, claiming: “We were a little surprised not to have been told about this in advance” with the publication of the letter said to be catching the returning Sussexes off-guard.
Now Uganda will no longer be taking part in the Games, the country’s military chief has said, out of respect for King Charles amid division over the “Harry-Meghan nonsense”, reports the Mirror.
However, a source close to the Sussex’s camp 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.
“Sadly, the only people who will suffer are the Invictus Games competitors.”
The withdrawal was announced on social media by Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of the Ugandan president.
He wrote: “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.”
Speaking to The Times, General Kainerugaba he made the decision to withdraw from the Games due to his support for King Charles.
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.”
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On Monday the King issued a letter to “senior stakeholders” where he made it clear – despite being back in the UK – his son and Meghan should be considered “private citizens”.
In a firm letter statement on his behalf, it stated the Sussexes’ should not use their HRH styles, which are still in abeyance, and they “do not represent the sovereign” while out making public appearances.
It was sent under the King’s instruction by his most senior official, the Lord Chamberlain, to offer clarity over Harry and Meghan’s royal status after requests for guidance. It has been sent to those in government, the military and lord lieutenants up and down the country.
Leading up to the Sussexes’ return to Britain, the King was said to be glad to be able to spend more time with the family, but remained adamant they would not be working royals and there was no half-in, half-out option.
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