Prince Harry was all smiles as he hugged TV personality Alison Hammond before challenging her to a lively session of laser tag at a Birmingham event that initially anticipated Meghan Markle’s attendance.
In a bustling atmosphere, the Duke of Sussex also raced against This Morning’s host and his friend JJ Chalmers as part of promoting the Invictus Games. Meanwhile, it’s rumored that his wife and their two children are expected to join him in the UK by the weekend.
Though the presence of Meghan, Archie, and Lilibet is anticipated, they are not slated for any public appearances. Discussions remain ongoing about the potential for a reunion with King Charles.
Initially, the Duchess of Sussex planned to accompany Harry to the Invictus Games event in Birmingham; however, security issues prevented her from traveling to the UK with him earlier this week.
During a live appearance on This Morning, Harry expressed his enthusiasm about being in Birmingham, describing it as ‘great’ and noting the city’s significance as a pivotal location for wounded soldiers returning from Afghanistan.
He added: ‘Being here back in Birmingham means a hell of a lot to most of these guys’, saying it was a ‘real homecoming for some of them’.
The Duke also said there was ‘resilience in every single one of us’. He told Alison Hammond: ‘By the way my kids love Junior Bake Off.’
Ms Hammond then asked him to her house for ackee and saltfish – but that she needed to tidy up first. He joked that he would bleach her toilet.
Harry also called football ‘soccer’ when talking about the World Cup quarter-finals before apologising and correcting himself.
With Arthur Fery in the Wimbledon semi-final today, Harry also showed off his racquet skills when he tried pickleball – an alternative to tennis – at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in the Second City.
Meghan is now widely expected to travel to Britain with Archie and Lilibet, with some claiming they are already here, fuelling speculation that the King could finally meet his California-based grandchildren for the first time in four years.
Helen Helliwell, chief executive of Invictus Games Birmingham 2027, opened the event by saying: ‘Invictus has always been more than a week of games.’
She added: ‘It transforms lives not only for competitors but for their families.’
Prince Harry embraced TV star Alison Hammond as he marks one year until the Invictus Games in Birmingham
The Duke of Sussex took on the This Morning presenter in a laser gun event
Harry, Alison and JJ Chalmers also did a running race around the NEC
Prince Harry takes part in a pickleball match during an event to mark the ‘Invictus Games Birmingham 2027: One Year To Go’, at the NEC in Birmingham today
Harry participates in Wheelchair Rugby during the Invictus Games Birmingham 2027, One Year To Go Event at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham
Harry was joined by This Morning and Great British Bake Off host Alison Hammond, who is from Birmingham, and TV presenter Ade Adepitan, who won a bronze with the GB basketball team at the 2004 Paralympics.
The duke joined a partner on court to compete against another pair in pickleball, which will make an appearance when the games are staged in Birmingham next year.
Harry was clearly enjoying himself at the ‘One Year to Go’ event, with one particularly funny moment where he went to shake hands with an opponent and pulled away his hand, sparking roars of laughter.
Harry was later joined by former defence minister Al Cairns to compete in a game of wheelchair rugby where he was seen clattering into other competitors.
He then watched on as veterans, including Mr Cairns, took part in a hybrid athletics event, where the Duke chuckled at the MP’s efforts to jump repeatedly on to a box.
The royal, who arrived in London on Monday, has not been joined in the UK by Meghan or their children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet due to a row over security.
However, it was last night reported that the Duchess of Sussex and the children could be coming to the UK this weekend, although the trio are not expected to be seen at any public engagements.
If, as expected, the Sussexes make their home at Althorp, the ancestral home of Harry’s maternal family, the Spencers, for the next couple of days, it may be that a meeting with King Charles doesn’t take place until this weekend – or possibly even Monday, before His Majesty embarks on another busy week of engagements.
Highgrove, Sandringham or Windsor could be a venue, as Harry has made clear he won’t bring his family to London because he is convinced it is ‘unsafe’.
The Duke of Sussex yesterday met seriously ill children and nurses at Birmingham Children’s Hospital as his five-day trip to Britain continued.
Harry toured the wards as he marked the 20th anniversary of the hospital’s WellChild Nurse programme, having been patron of the charity for 18 years.
Harry was clearly enjoying himself, cheering on a fine shot in the match
The Duke of Sussex also feigned being over competitive about the match, jokingly berating a teammate and also made everyone laugh by refusing to shake an opponent’s hand
Harry is towards the end of a five-day trip to the UK
It has been reported Meghan could make her first return to the UK since 2022, accompanied by her children Prince Archie, seven, and five-year-old Lilibet, in time for the weekend – but will not be seen in public
Harry’s visit to the UK is part of the ‘One Year to Go’ celebrations for the next Invictus Games in the city in July 2027.
On Wednesday, he was also at the Royal Hospital Chelsea for meetings about the Invictus Games Foundation, including a summit for international team managers.
They spoke about plans for the Invictus Spirit Awards in the capital this September.
While Harry was in Birmingham, other members of the Royal Family carried on with a busy series of summer engagements – with the duke’s estranged brother Prince William travelling to Hastings on Thursday to meet a fishing community as well as local youth-led and community-driven organisations.
In Birmingham yesterday, Harry was surrounded by nurses when he visited the hospital and spoke about the ‘financial difficulties’ facing the NHS.
Harry was highlighting WellChild’s specialist nursing programme, helping seriously ill children and their families transition from the hospital to their homes.
His appearance caused excitement in the hospital corridors, with one female medic receiving a hug.
Families asked for pictures and the duke posed for a group shot with around a dozen nurses, telling them: ‘Thank you for everything you do.’
Prince Harry, Patron of WellChild, meeting patient Alec Hill, 12, who has a rare chromosomal condition, meeting in Birmingham yesterday
Harry greets a child as he leaves the Birmingham Children’s Hospital
Harry met two nurses funded by WellChild, which facilitates the early discharge of children by teaching their parents the skills needed to provide care at home, and met some of the young patients.
In a lighter moment the duke revealed his son’s love of toy building bricks when he shared stories with Alec Hill, 12, and his parents.
‘Do you know who’s obsessed with Lego? My son Archie – and he’s a master builder,’ said Harry.
Harry’s five-day visit to the UK, which moved to Birmingham yesterday, is part of the ‘One Year to Go’ celebrations for the next Invictus Games in the city in July 2027.