Uganda has reversed its decision to withdraw from Prince Harry's Invictus Games after a direct intervention from King Charles's most senior aide, resolving a diplomatic misunderstanding that had threatened the country's participation in the 2027 tournament in Birmingham.

The dramatic turnaround followed a phone call between Sir Clive Alderton, the King's principal private secretary, and General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda's chief of defence forces and son of President Yoweri Museveni . According to a statement from Uganda's military, Sir Alderton conveyed that King Charles III had "no problem" with Uganda's participation and encouraged the country to resume preparations for the Games .

The confusion began last week when General Kainerugaba announced on social media platform X that Uganda would withdraw, stating the country would "not participate in anything that does not have His Majesty's approval" . The announcement came just days after Buckingham Palace issued a letter clarifying that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle remain "private citizens" and would not resume working royal duties .

General Kainerugaba later told The Times he made the decision to quash factions within Uganda's Ministry of Defence that supported "that Harry-Meghan nonsense," adding: "I support the monarch. Period" .

Colonel Chris Magezi, Uganda's acting director of defence public information, detailed the resolution in a statement, saying Sir Alderton "revealed that King Charles III was moved by General Kainerugaba's sensitive consideration of the King's opinion on the upcoming Invictus Games" . The statement confirmed that General Kainerugaba "appreciated the King's message and clarity provided by Buckingham Palace" and promised the Uganda People's Defence Force would resume preparations .

Rob Owen OBE, CEO of the Invictus Games Foundation, welcomed the news, saying: "Uganda has confirmed it will continue to be part of the Invictus community and participate in the Invictus Games Birmingham 2027, now less than 300 days away" . He noted that Uganda became the foundation's 26th nation earlier this year, "joining a growing movement that provides year-round recovery opportunities for wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans across the world" .

Representatives for Prince Harry declined to comment on the matter, though sources close to the Duke expressed hope that Uganda would reverse its decision . Royal sources characterized the outcome as a "positive outcome" for all sides and indicated the Palace remains ready to assist other organizations seeking similar clarity regarding the Sussexes' status .

Background of this event

Uganda joined the Invictus Games as its 26th participating nation in July, becoming the first East African country to enter the movement . The Birmingham Games, scheduled for July 10-17, 2027, will mark the event's return to the United Kingdom for the first time since the inaugural London Games in 2014, which King Charles attended alongside Prince William when he was Prince of Wales . Prince Harry, who founded the Invictus Games after his own military service in Afghanistan, is reportedly hopeful his father will attend the opening ceremony next year .

The episode highlights the delicate diplomatic balance Buckingham Palace must maintain regarding Prince Harry's charitable endeavors as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex settle back into life in the UK. While the Palace has clarified their non-working royal status, it has also signaled a willingness to support organizations connected to the Sussexes' charitable work when approached for guidance .