King Charles intervenes after Prince Harry suffers major Invictus Games blow

King Charles III intervened after Uganda pulled out of the Invictus Games last week in a brutal blow to Prince Harry. While the monarch was “moved” by the country’s decision to abstain from the charity event in an effort “not to be construed as being opposed to” Charles, the 77-year-old king clarified he took no issue with their participation. According to Chris Magezi, the spokesperson for Uganda People’s Defence Forces, Charles’ top adviser “encouraged the CDF to proceed with preparations for UPDF’s participation in the games” during a recent phone call. King Charles (pictured above in September 2014) intervened on Prince Harry’s behalf after Uganda stepped out of the Invictus Games. Getty Images The monarch (pictured above in December 2025) allegedly “encouraged” the country to participate via his top adviser. Anadolu via Getty Images Magezi subsequently tweeted that the country would take part in the charity event after all. “The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has approved UPDF participation in the upcoming Invictus Games next year in Birmingham, United Kingdom,” he wrote Monday. “Kainerugaba appreciated the King’s message and clarity provided by Buckingham Palace on the subject, promising that the UPDF would resume preparations to participate in the upcoming games.” The 77-year-old (pictured above in May 2023) allegedly stressed that he was “moved” by Uganda’s decision to withdraw. Getty Images After Charles “provided clarity,” the country announced its decision to recommit on Monday. Bav Media / SplashNews.com Want more celebrity and pop culture news? Start your day with Page Six Daily. Thanks for signing up! Reps for Charles and Harry did not immediately respond to Page Six’s requests for comment. News initially broke last week that Uganda was withdrawing, with Kainerugaba announcing, “We shall not participate in anything that does not have His Majesty’s approval.” Additionally, he told the Times UK, “I have factions in the Ministry of Defense that support that Harry-Meghan [Markle] nonsense. I had to quash it straight away. I support the monarch. Period.” Uganda initially pulled out last week in the wake of Charles declaring Harry (pictured above on July 10) a “private citizen,” not a working royal. Getty Images Harry (pictured above in September 2014) reportedly blamed Charles’ statement for the brutal blow to his biennial charity event. Getty Images His “nonsense” comment came on the heels of Harry, 41, and his wife, Meghan Markle, relocating to the United Kingdom with their two kids. More than one week after the duo touched down in England with Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, Charles released a statement clarifying their status as “private citizens with commercial and charitable interests” — not a working royal. He wrote, “It is well known that in January 2020 the Duke and Duchess stepped down from undertaking representative duties on behalf of the Sovereign, and are no longer working Members of the Royal Family.” Harry and Markle, 45, have taken issue with the label, per People, as they consider themselves “public figures.” The Duke of Sussex (pictured above in February 2025) launched the Invictus Games in 2014. Samir Hussein/WireImage He and wife Meghan Markle (pictured above in February 2025) moved back to the United Kingdom from California last month with their two kids after six years away. WireImage The Duke of Sussex reportedly blamed his dad’s announcement for Uganda’s short-lived exit, with a source telling ITV News, “Sadly, the only people who will suffer are the Invictus Games competitors.” The former military pilot launched the charity event in 2014, with the organization throwing a biennial multi-sport event for wounded, injured and sick military service personnel. Thursday’s Invictus Spirit Awards will be Harry’s first official engagement since departing Montecito, California, followed by the WellChild Awards later this month. Community Guidelines Welcome to the Page Six Community! Our community is about connecting people through open and thoughtful conversations. We want our readers to share their views and exchange ideas in a safe space. In order to do so, we've created a simple set of rules that will improve your experience. Simply put, keep it civil. 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