Prince Harry was spotted at a Canadian football game as the Duke of Sussex stepped out without Meghan Markle.
Harry made a surprise appearance at the Grey Cup football game in Vancouver on Sunday, delighting fans with a wave and a brief television interview before the match between the Toronto Argonauts and Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
The Duke of Sussex, who was dressed in a dark shirt and long black jacket, gave a cheery thumbs up to spectators at the Canadian football championship.
In his interview with The Sports Network (TSN), the duke expressed his enthusiasm, saying he was “looking forward to the game getting started – let’s go!”
Prince Harry spotted at Canadian football game as duke steps out without Meghan Markle
Getty
The 40-year-old’s unexpected visit to Vancouver comes as he promotes the upcoming Invictus Games, set to take place in the Canadian city and nearby Whistler in February.
The duke’s appearance at the Grey Cup was brief. After his pitchside interview, security quickly escorted him away.
His visit to Vancouver is part of ongoing preparations for the 2024 Invictus Games, where he has been actively involved in promotional activities.
Earlier this year, Prince Harry demonstrated his commitment to the Games by personally testing the Olympic sliding track in Whistler, reaching speeds of 99 kilometres per hour on a skeleton sled.
Prince Harry attended the game between Toronto Argonauts and Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Reuters
The Duchess of Sussex had joined him during that previous visit, attending training events in Whistler and a dinner in Vancouver.
In September, Harry released an emotional message about the “healing power of sport” ahead of the Games, emphasising its ability to “heal, to change lives and to save lives.”
The 2024 Invictus Games in Vancouver and Whistler will mark a historic milestone as the first edition to feature winter sports in its programme.
More than 500 athletes from 23 nations will compete in the Games, scheduled for February 8-16.
Prince Harry and BC Lions owner Amar Doman on the field prior to the start of the game
Reuters
The winter sports debut will include sit-skiing, sit-snowboarding, curling, biathlon and skeleton events.
Team UK will field a 64-strong squad, comprising 60 competitors and four reserves, joining athletes from across 20 nations in this groundbreaking event.
Prince Harry said in July: “These games present an incredible opportunity for our courageous service personnel and veterans to demonstrate their skills in new challenges like alpine skiing, snowboarding and skeleton, as well as providing a truly memorable experience for their families.”
The Games previously visited Canada in 2017, when Toronto hosted the event.
Prince Harry was dubbed the ‘pundit prince’ following his brief appearance in Vancouver
Reuters
The Invictus Games, founded by Prince Harry in 2014, serves as a platform for wounded, injured, and sick service personnel and veterans to compete in various sports.
Team UK captain Stephen ‘Hoops’ Hooper, who is returning for his second Invictus Games, spoke about the event’s transformative power.
“I gained a lot from the whole Team UK experience last time around, I’ve gone from standing in the corner of a room and not talking to anybody, to finding my voice again,” said Hooper, who previously served in the RAF.
Hooper, who was diagnosed with PTSD before being medically discharged in 2021, added: “That’s what I want to do for others this time – make sure every member of Team UK comes together and takes those steps forward in their recovery.”
Both serving troops and veterans are encouraged to participate as part of their recovery journeys.
