King smooths out relations between Harry and Uganda over Invictus

By the Editorial Team · Tuesday, September 15, 2026

Uganda has decided to participate in the 2027 Invictus Games after reversing its earlier withdrawal prompted by concerns over Prince Harry and Meghan’s involvement and the need for King Charles III’s approval. This reversal followed diplomatic talks between Ugandan officials and the British royal household, underscoring efforts to prioritize support for wounded military personnel despite underlying royal family tensions.

Uganda has reversed its decision to withdraw from the 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham following a diplomatic intervention involving the British royal family. Initially, Uganda announced it would not participate in the Paralympic-style sporting event for wounded military personnel, citing concerns over the ongoing controversies involving Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, as well as the need for approval from King Charles III.

The withdrawal came shortly after a communication from the Lord Chamberlain at the request of King Charles, which emphasized that Harry and Meghan are private citizens since their return to the United Kingdom. Sources close to the Sussex camp suggested this letter had contributed to Uganda's initial decision to pull out, characterizing the communication as having caused confusion and negatively impacting military personnel and veterans.

However, relations were later smoothed when Sir Clive Alderton, the Principal Private Secretary to King Charles and Queen Camilla, held a phone conversation with General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces and Senior Presidential Adviser for Special Operations. According to Colonel Chris Magezi, acting director of defence public information in Uganda, General Kainerugaba’s sensitive approach to the King’s perspective was acknowledged, and Alderton conveyed that King Charles had no objection to Uganda’s participation. This exchange led to Uganda’s military resuming preparations for the Games.

The Invictus Games were founded by Prince Harry to support wounded, injured, or sick service personnel and veterans through competitive sport. The upcoming 2027 event in Birmingham will mark the first time Uganda will take part. King Charles, who is the head of the British Armed Forces, stated his support for all initiatives benefiting military personnel and is expected to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua later in 2026. Prince Harry is reportedly keen for his father to attend the Invictus Games in the UK for the first time since the inaugural event in 2014, which he and Prince William attended.

The situation highlighted tensions between the British royal family and the Sussexes, as well as the complexities involved in Uganda’s participation amid political sensitivities. Despite the initial withdrawal, the resolution signals a willingness on both sides to maintain cooperation in support of military personnel through the Invictus Games.

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