Uganda’s Invictus Games exit is Harry’s fault – Sussexes have made it about themselves rather than veterans, expert says

UGANDA’S Invictus Games exit is Harry’s fault – the Sussexes have made it all about themselves rather than veterans, an expert has said. The Ugandan General Muhoozi Kainerugaba said on Wednesday morning that the country would not compete in the games without the King’s approval. Uganda pulled out of the games just a few weeks after joining Credit: AP Harry needs to stop making the games about himself, an expert has said Credit: AFP Kainerugaba added that he felt compelled to do away with the “Harry-Meghan nonsense”. In response, the Sussexes blamed Uganda’s decision to pull out of the games on King Charles’ letter over their royal status. Sign up for the Royals newsletter Thank you! The announcement came less than 48 hours after the King made it clear that the Sussexes are not working royals, despite returning to the UK. Royal expert Angela Levin has since warned the Sussexes that other countries may step back from the games if they don’t find a way to keep a lid on the unfolding drama. Royal expert Angela Levin has warned the Sussexes other countries may step back from the games Credit: The Sun Angela said Harry and Meghan’s behaviour may be getting in the way of their charity work Credit: AFP She said the games had become a publicity stunt for Harry, 41, and Meghan, 45, and that it needed to return to being about the veterans. Angela said: “The story is about how these veterans overcome adversity to run or walk again — it’s not about Harry and Meghan. “Harry needs to behave properly and make the Invictus Games something the wounded veterans can be proud of.” “They certainly don’t want to be used as publicity props for Harry and Meghan.” Most read in Royals Kainerugaba, son of the Ugandan president, told The Times the nation had “withdrawn support” for the Invictus Games amid the ongoing royal row between Harry, Meghan and the Monarch. He said: “I have factions in the Ministry of Defence that support that Harry-Meghan nonsense. “I had to quash it straight away. I support the monarch. Period.” Angela told how Harry and Meghan choosing to blame Uganda’s exit from the games on the King’s letter was only adding fuel to the fire. She explained: “You cannot be rude to your father and then blame him for the consequences.” She suggested that Mr Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s respect for the King was likely what caused him to announce his country’s withdraw from Invictus – not the King’s letter. Angela added: “If somebody respects the King, the way Harry and Meghan are behaving is absolutely shocking. “What is interesting is that Uganda only joined recently, so obviously they have been taken aback by Harry’s behavior. “If you truly respect the King, you act with respect. To notify the King only three days before their arrival—when they spoke to him a couple of weeks prior and didn’t say a word—and then announce they are coming to live here permanently… how is that respectful? “It makes you feel you have to jump up, even while he isn’t well. We know he has cancer, so you ought to behave with respect.” The Sussexes are understood to be trying to iron out a new “fair” structure for coverage of their engagements and public work. Though, they withdrew from the Royal Rota system in 2020 they will continue to take on public facing engagements and charity work. But Angela said Harry and Meghan’s behaviour towards the firm may be getting in the way of their charity work. She explained: “At the beginning, Harry handled it very well. He was very kind to people in wheelchairs and knew how to engage with them. “When I was working on his book, I observed him with soldiers who had suffered terrible injuries, and he was very kind, nice, and encouraging. “But now that Meghan is there, it’s very difficult for him to operate as he used to.” Next year’s Invictus Games will run from July 10 to 17 with Uganda only recently joining. There have been seven games held across the globe since it was launched by Harry in 2014. Angela said Uganda’s decision to remove themselves from Harry’s initiative was entirely justified in the wake of the drama unfolding around him and Meghan’s return. She said: “They [Uganda] feel the King should not be treated that way. That is very important. “The military chief stated they would not participate in events lacking King Charles’s approval, which is completely fair. “Harry insisted the King had to be present and wanted him to stand beside him the entire time. “Next year, we don’t know how well the King will be feeling. Expecting him to stand there the whole time is shocking, and the situation no longer works. “As for other countries pulling out of the Invictus Games, they will read the King’s letter and evaluate whether Harry’s actions align with what the King supports. “Once military leaders see that there is disrespect toward the King, they won’t want to participate in something that displeases him. People still hold great respect for the King.” Comment now