Prince Harry All Smiles for First UK Appearance Since Return to ‘British Soil’
Prince Harry was his happy self at his first event after being back in the UK.
Prince Harry made his first public outing since returning to his homeland and was all smiles at the inaugural Invictus Spirit Awards. Held in honor of the bravest and most resilient former servicemen and women, the event took place on Thursday, September 17, at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich, London. Harry went solo for the event and was seen mingling with guests, greeting attendees, and posing for cheerful selfies.
Speaking to HELLO! Harry spoke passionately about the milestone gathering: “It's meant everything. 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.”
He added, “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.”
When asked what the highlight of being back in the UK was, the Duke of Sussex joked, saying, “My highlight so far? Oh, I don’t know. Would I dare share it with you?” The Sussexes are back in ‘British soil’ after 6 long years and are reportedly staying for an extended period.
He further added, “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.”
Beyond his family of four, Harry was equally elated to be reunited with his Invictus family. The journey he began back in 2014 has come a long way, and returning to the UK alongside the Invictus team was clearly a highlight for him. Speaking about the event, which also equaled a sort of reunion, he shared, “It's great. It’s wonderful to be back on British soil and really nice to see so many old faces and friends that came to this and new faces as well and new donors. And most of all, I guess, my Invictus family. It’s been a very special journey over the last 12 years. So, yeah, all families.”
During the evening, the Prince made a private donation of £10,000 to the foundation, contributing to a total of roughly £1.7 million raised at the event. High-profile guests in attendance included Mark Dyer, DJ and singer Sonique, and James Corden, while several of Harry’s famous friends, including Michael Bublé, Elton John and David Furnish, Ed Sheeran, and Coldplay's Chris Martin, donated items for the auction.
