Prince Harry gets close and personal as he plants kiss on male athlete's head at Invictus Games

Prince Harry

Prince Harry plants kiss on male athlete's head at Invictus Games

PA
Oliver Trapnell

By Oliver Trapnell


Published: 11/09/2023

- 22:55

‘Grasp every opportunity and revel in it,’ Harry said in the opening ceremony

Prince Harry got up close and personal with Invictus Games athletes in a rare display of physical touching for the royal.

The Duke of Sussex planted a kiss on the top of a US team member’s head as he presented medals to winning athletes.


Davey Martinez of Team US received the royal smooch following the wheelchair rugby finals at the Merkur Spiel-Arena during the Invictus Games in Dusseldorf, Germany.

Harry had a front-row view during the final as he cheered on both teams alongside the filled arena.

Harry awards medals to US team

Harry awards medals to US team at Invictus Games

PA

One wheelchair user became so animated at the events, she removed and subsequently waved her prosthetic leg in front of Harry.

The US team stormed to victory against the British team, winning 21-13 to take home the gold medal.

Since Day one of the games, Harry has been cheering on the British team and has made time to talk with as many of the competitors as he could, often posing for selfies.

Despite his preference for cheering on his home country, an aide to Harry said he had been cheering on both sides during the final.

\u200bHarry awards medals to US team at Invictus Games

Harry awards medals to US team at Invictus Games

PA

“He is an equal opportunist,” said the aide.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Duke of Sussex said: “We’re really excited to have new nations join us.

“Let’s hear it for Colombia, Israel and Nigeria.

“I’m not saying we play favourites in my home, but since my wife discovered that she is of Nigerian descent it’s likely to get a little bit more competitive this year.”

Prince Harry cheers on Team UK and Team US in the wheelchair Rugby finals of the Invictus Games

Prince Harry cheers on Team UK and Team US in the wheelchair Rugby finals of the Invictus Games

PA

Meghan Markle is expected to be at the games tomorrow in time for the closing ceremony.

Harry’s speech championed wounded servicemen and women for the games which this year featured 500 competitors from 21 nations competing in 10 sports.

“Grasp every opportunity and revel in it,” he said.

“Because in your joy, in your happiness, in your achievements, we all win.”

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