Uganda has announced its withdrawal from the 2024 Invictus Games, citing its support for King Charles III and a desire to avoid involvement in controversy surrounding the event’s association with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. The East African nation had initially confirmed participation only two months ago and was scheduled to send servicemen to compete in Birmingham next July.

The decision was made public last week by General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s chief of defence forces and a prominent presidential contender. In a statement, Kainerugaba emphasized Uganda’s respect for the monarch, stating that the country would not take part in any event lacking His Majesty’s approval. He also indicated internal opposition within Uganda’s Ministry of Defence to the Sussexes’ involvement, referring dismissively to what he called “Harry-Meghan nonsense” and affirming his personal loyalty to the king.

This development comes amid ongoing tensions between the Sussexes and the British royal establishment. Sources revealed that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have sought to be recognized as “public figures” rather than “private citizens,” which is at odds with the current royal stance. Last week, King Charles III reaffirmed the terms of the 2020 Sandringham Agreement in a letter to government, military, and other officials, underlining that the couple remain non-working royals and should be treated as private individuals with commercial and charitable interests.

According to Sussex representatives, the couple were given only short notice before the letter was publicly released and objected to the terminology used, preferring to be defined as public figures. The Sussexes stepped back from full royal duties in 2020, partly due to concerns about media intrusion and privacy.

Harry is preparing to resume public engagements in the coming weeks, focusing on his patronages and charitable work. Meghan is not expected to participate alongside him publicly as she focuses on her children, Archie and Lilibet, and their schooling. The withdrawal of Uganda from the Invictus Games adds a diplomatic dimension to the ongoing disputes involving the Sussexes and the royal household.