On Monday, King Charles sent out a letter of guidance to relevant senior stakeholders across Government, the military and Lord Lieutenancies explaining Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s current standing within the Monarchy.
The fallout seems to have been immediate, both from the Sussex camp and other sources. For example, Invictus Games has lost one of its youngest additions in the way of Uganda.
The country recently pulled out of the veteran games as a sign of respect to the King.
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Two days after King Charles’ letter caused the Sussexes to be “surprised” and divided Royal fans and experts alike, the chief of Uganda’s defence forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba announced that the African nation has chosen to pull out of the event.
The released statement read: “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.”
It added, “We shall not participate in anything that does not have His Majesty’s approval.”
A Sussex source reacted to this development in a chat with ITV, saying, “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.”
Prince Harry and Meghan were known to have been given a lead of one hour before the letter was distributed. In it, the Palace clarified Harry and Meghan’s standing with the Monarchy, whilst classifying them as “private citizens.”
The Sussexes have so far pushed back on this, revealing instead that they prefer to be labeled “public figures.”
Perhaps the most striking point of the letter remains the line that reads, “The charitable work of the Duke and Duchess is a personal matter for them both and undertaken in their private capacity. In short, their position is akin to private citizens with commercial and charitable interests.”
Despite being in the country for just a handful of days, Harry has officially kicked off his official engagement slate, with reports hinting that this fall is action-packed for the Sussexes.
He will soon be returning to the US to attend the Clinton Global Initiative annual meeting in New York City.
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