Prince Harry was in high spirits today as he chanted with spectators at the Invictus Games track and field event.
To the cheers of the crowd, he and half a dozen of his entourage took a seat in the stands of the Merkur Spiel-Arena in Düsseldorf.
As participants took part in a 200m dash, the Duke of Sussex could be seen putting his hands to his mouth and cheering with the crowd.
Harry sat next to Yulia Laputina, the Minister of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine, who was wearing a green military uniform and slung a Ukrainian flag over her shoulders as a sign of patriotism.
The Duke would spend an hour at the event and later attend the wheelchair rugby final, which is often one of his favorite venues.
The Duke of Sussex could be seen putting his hands over his mouth and cheering with the crowd
Prince Harry with Ukrainian Veterans Minister Yulia Laputina in Düsseldorf today
Prince Harry greets Kasper Holm Henriksen, who is taking part in the athletics event today
The Duke of Sussex walks down the athletics track during the Athletics Final today
Prince Harry speaks to a spectator during the Invictus Games in Dusseldorf today
Harry was escorted to the event in Germany today by a member of the Ukrainian military
Prince Harry will greet Ukraine’s Minister for Veterans Affairs Julia Laputina at the Games today
Harry has announced that he will attend as many events as possible during the week-long competition for wounded and disabled military veterans.
Loudspeakers along the racetrack played music constantly, putting the spectators in a party mood.
The large group of Team UK fans joined family and friends from other countries to take part in a Mexican Wave.
At wheelchair basketball – where he playfully tugged at a Canadian fan’s beard – there was a revolving door full of dignitaries seated next to the prince.
First came Nigeria’s defense minister, Nasa Administrator Bill Nelson, and finally a member of the South Korean delegation to the games.
Harry had arrived at the event followed by dozens of excited school children who had been given time off from studying to attend the event.
His chief bodyguard, Chris Sanchez, led the way while Harry walked briskly to his seat in the stands.
Harry’s wife Meghan Markle is expected to meet some of the children attending the event when she comes to the games later this week.
She and Harry will stay in the waterfront hotel’s presidential suite, where they will celebrate his 39th birthday on Friday.
Harry reacts as he takes part in the Invictus Games 2023 athletics event in Düsseldorf today
The Duke of Sussex still meets his competitors when he takes part in athletics
Prince Harry greets a spectator at the Invictus Games athletics final today
Prince Harry greets Dane Kasper Holm Henriksen at the athletics event today
The Duke of Sussex greets a member of the Danish team at the Games this morning
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, meets his competitor Wali Noori at the Invictus Games today
Harry has announced that he will attend as many events as possible during the week-long competition for wounded and disabled military veterans
Prince Harry welcomes Ukrainian Veterans Affairs Minister Julia Laputina to the Games today
Harry’s wife Meghan Markle is expected to meet some of the children attending the event when she comes to the games later this week
The Duke of Sussex still meets his competitors when he takes part in athletics
The Duke founded the Games to support the rehabilitation of military personnel by giving them the challenge of competing in sporting events similar to the Paralympics.
This year’s competition runs until September 16th.
A total of 550 sick, wounded and injured former and current military personnel from 21 countries will compete in ten team and individual sports.
Team UK, captained by Royal Navy Submarine Officer Lieutenant Commander James Rogers, was supported by the Royal British Legion in conjunction with the Ministry of Defence.
Harry announced at the opening ceremony on Saturday that Meghan will be cheering for Nigeria at this year’s Games after revealing she is of Nigerian descent.
The Duke said that while the Sussexes are not “favourites”, the discovery means things are likely to become “a little more competitive” between the couples.
“We are also very pleased that new nations are joining us,” said the Duke in front of the packed arena. “Let’s hear it for Colombia, Israel and Nigeria.”
“I’m not saying we’re favorites at home… but since my wife has found out she’s of Nigerian descent, it’s probably going to be a little more competitive this year,” he added.
Meanwhile, Harry took part in a penalty shootout on German television and lost without scoring a goal.
The Duke founded the Games to support the rehabilitation of military personnel by giving them the challenge of competing in sporting events similar to the Paralympics
Harry speaks to French athletes today as he takes part in the Games’ athletics event
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, meets his competitor Wali Noori at the Invictus Games today
Prince Harry welcomes Ukrainian Veterans Affairs Minister Julia Laputina to the Games today
There was a revolving door of dignitaries who sat next to the prince at the games
The engaged and excited-looking Duke chats with those watching the games
The prince announced at the opening ceremony on Saturday that Meghan will be cheering for Nigeria at this year’s Games after discovering she is of Nigerian descent
The Duke took part in the challenge on ZDF along with German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and two athletes from the Invictus Games.
Harry joked: “What happens to zero?” before taking part in the penalty shootout and agreed to wear a Germany jersey if he missed his attempts.
Instead of a goalkeeper, two holes were created in the goal through which the competitors could score points.
Harry politely joked with spectators sitting near the gate: “You might want to move,” before walking towards the mark.
After a quick dance, the Duke hit his first two attempts right into the middle of the goal, missing the hole in the bottom right corner. Although his third attempt was closer, he also failed.
The Duke then watched as Mr Pistorius calmly converted his first two chances. Harry returned later in the shootout to take three more shots, but failed to get the ball through a hole in the top left corner.
Since there were no German jerseys around, Harry donned an FSV Mainz 05 scarf after his defeat and joked with the German politician: “In your free time you could manage the national team.”