A source close to the Sussexes said the timing had created concern the royal clarification could have consequences for the Invictus movement.
The insider told Radar in an exclusive interview: “Whether it was intended or not, there is a clear sense that the Lord Chamberlain and Charles’ latest guidance has contributed to this situation, and that is who Harry is blaming for the Uganda Invictus withdrawal.
“The Invictus Games were created to put wounded and injured service personnel at the center of the conversation, so it is deeply frustrating for Harry to see the event become caught up in questions about royal status and allegiance.
“The people who risk being forgotten in all of this are the competitors themselves. Ugandan service personnel had expected to take part in Birmingham, train for the competition and represent their country. They should not have to bear the consequences of disagreements surrounding the royal family.”
A second source familiar with the Invictus community said: “Whatever someone’s views are about Harry, Meghan or the monarchy, Invictus has always been about the men and women who have served. Turning participation in the Games into a question of loyalty to one particular member of the royal family risks distracting from the purpose of the event and, most importantly, the people it was established to support.”