Prince Harry cheers on Team UK and poses for photos with fans at the Invictus Games wheelchair rugby final
Prince Harry smooched Team USA’s Davey Martinez on the head this evening as he presented the team with their gold medals after they beat Team UK in the wheelchair rugby final of the Invictus Games.
Harry sat in the front row and showed his excitement as he clapped and cheered along with the loud crowd.
The final took place in an exuberant atmosphere in the Merkur Spiel Arena in Düsseldorf, as both groups of fans cheered on the participants.
Large numbers of British supporters waved flags and tried to shout down their rivals who were waving the Stars and Stripes flag.
A wheelchair-bound USA fan sitting in front of Harry was so excited that she took off her prosthetic leg and waved it in the air.
Prince Harry kisses Team USA’s Davey Martinez on the head as he presents the team with gold medals after defeating Team UK
Prince Harry sat front row at the wheelchair rugby final between Team USA and Team UK at the Invictus Games. He chats with a fan wrapped in a Union flag
During the game, which Team USA ultimately won 21-13 and took home the gold medal, Harry could be seen laughing and joking with other fans
Every time a try was scored, Harry tapped his leg to the music.
He joined in the applause as Team USA won 21-13 and took home the gold medal.
A fan dressed in army green and wearing a plastic helmet stood in front of Harry and saluted him.
Harry has been a huge supporter of the British team since arriving in Düsseldorf and has taken the time to talk to as many participants as possible, often posing for selfies.
But he will also likely have some loyalty to the US team as America is now his adopted home, having lived in California since leaving royal life.
An adviser to Harry said he was rooting for both sides in the final.
“He’s an equal opportunist,” the aide said.
The wheelchair rugby final is one of Harry’s favorite sports at the Invictus Games – and also one of the few where there is direct contact between participants.
It is considered one of the hardest sports in the world.
Although physical contact is not permitted, athletes are allowed to use their wheelchairs to block opponents, often causing collisions.
The players compete against each other in teams of four using a special volleyball.
The goal is for the players to carry the ball on their laps across the opposing team’s eight-meter goal line.
The Duke of Sussex showed his excitement as he clapped and cheered along with the loud crowd
The final took place in an exuberant atmosphere in the Merkur Game Arena, as both groups of fans cheered on the participants
Harry smiles and poses with two teenagers during the finale. Large numbers of British supporters waved flags and attempted to shout down their rivals who were waving the Stars and Stripes flag
Another British fan takes a selfie while a friend sits next to a smiling Harry and holds his pet
The Duke was only too happy to chat with the other spectators while giving a little high-five
Team USA and Team UK fight for the gold medal in the wheelchair rugby final at the Invictus Games in Düsseldorf
Harry has been a huge supporter of the British team since arriving in Düsseldorf and has taken the time to talk to as many participants as possible, often posing for selfies
An adviser to Harry said he was rooting for both sides in the final. “He’s an equal opportunist,” the aide said
Harry is a keen rugby fan, having attended most of England’s home games at Twickenham as a patron of the Rugby Football Union.
However, he was stripped of the role given to his sister-in-law and Princess of Wales Kate Middleton when he lost all of his honorary titles during Megxit.
Harry arrived in Germany on Saturday for the opening ceremony of his Invictus Games, where he drew mixed reactions.
An excited crowd of royal fans eagerly awaited Prince Harry’s arrival at the ceremony at Düsseldorf City Hall. He was joined by Stephen Keller, Mayor of Düsseldorf.
A small group of demonstrators shouted anti-military slogans, but as soon as Harry’s car pulled into the market square in front of the town hall, they were drowned out by the cheers of his fans.
Over 500 people stood behind the barriers in the blazing sun, hoping that the prince would take a tour and greet them. They called out his name as he walked by in a light blue suit, white shirt and silver tie.
Earlier today, the Duke of Sussex left two boys elated after giving them each a high-five while accompanied by bodyguards.
He was led next to a stand by his security team, which included former US presidential bodyguard Chris Sanchez and former Metropolitan Police officer Dave Langdown, as the two boys held out their hands for a high-five.
After Harry happily obliged, the children – one of whom was draped in a Union Jack – jumped up and down in excitement, with one raising his fist in celebration.
The Duke of Sussex could be seen putting his hands over his mouth and cheering with the crowd
Prince Harry greets Dane Kasper Holm Henriksen at the athletics event today
The Duke of Sussex meets competitors as he takes part in the athletics event
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, meets his competitor Wali Noori at the Invictus Games
Prince Harry with Ukrainian Veterans Minister Yulia Laputina in Düsseldorf today
The Duke was given a hero’s welcome by participants in the latest edition of the competition he founded for wounded and disabled military veterans.
Harry has said he plans to take part in as many events as possible during the week-long competition.
Meghan Markle is expected to meet some of the children taking part in the event when she arrives at the games later this week.
The Duke founded the games in 2014 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 participate in ten team and individual sports.