Prince Harry stepped out for his first public engagement since his surprise return to the UK last month – and HELLO! was on hand to catch up with the royal.
The Duke, 42, spent Thursday evening at the Invictus Spirit Awards, an incredible event held to honour the bravest and most resilient former servicemen and women – and HELLO! had the honour of being the exclusive media sponsor of the inaugural awards.
© Getty ImagesIt was a reunion of sorts for Harry, and he was clearly in his element as he moved around from table to table during the event, stopping to talk and give selfies to anyone who wanted one.
He was especially elated to see comedian James Corden, who was on hand to open the evening. During his speech, the former talk show host joked: “It is an honour and a favour to be here tonight”, prompting Harry to burst out laughing before later embracing his friend in a huge bear hug.
Other friendly faces included Mark Dyer, singer Sonique who has known him since he was a child, James Haskell and Ross Kemp, a member of the Invictus Games advisory board.
And it wasn’t just those in attendance who showed their support for Harry – many famous friends donated lots for auction, including Michael Bublé, Elton John and David Furnish, Ed Sheeran and Coldplay’s Chris Martin.
Indeed, Harry received such a warm welcome that when he came to speak to HELLO!, he admitted he was a little hot and sweaty and had makeup all over his tuxedo from hugging.
The event – which also saw Harry made a private donation of £10k – raised some £1.7 million, and Harry was clearly elated
“It’s meant everything,” he told us. “It’s been many weeks, many months and years in the making. So to have a room full of, what, 340 people, and Invictus competitors from all around the world and their families, from every time zone that the world has to offer… we did it.
We got to tell some incredible stories and celebrate some amazing heroes. So, yeah, I feel really, really happy that everyone came out and showed their support. It’s been an incredible evening.”
© InstagramWe also asked him how life has been since settling back into the UK with wife Meghan and their two children, Archie and Lilibet. Asked if he had a highlight since his return, he joked: “My highlight so far? Oh, I don’t know. Would I dare share it with you?
“The last two weeks have been… it’s been eventful. But, you know, we’re getting stuck into the work. Kids are in school. We’re happy. And as I said, it’s great to be back on British soil, and looking forward to Birmingham next year for the Invictus Games that’s coming up.”