Prince Harry eagerly donned his sports kit to play a game of tag rugby with children on Thursday morning. The athletic royal, 29, travelled to Suffolk where he visited Ipswich-based charity Inspire Suffolk, which aims to educate and motivate young people through sport. Looking every inch the sporting professional, Harry arrived in an England rugby polo shirt and tracksuit which he paired with red trainers.
© Photo: PAPrince Harry coached a rugby session for children
The Prince was met by the charity's Terry Baxter and Dave Muller, who spoke to their guest of honour about their work with over 60,000 young locals. Not one to keep away from the pitch, Harry led a team of children in their rugby training session. The fourth-in-line to the throne huddled the group together for a pep talk at the start, before cheering on the youngsters as they darted around the green. Harry, who played the sport at school and is vice patron of the Rugby Football Union, showed off his skills and posed for a team photo with kids at the end. The Prince then took part in a football kick-around where he was tasked with standing in goal and unsurprisingly did not let any shots get past him into the child-size net.
© Photo: PAPrince Harry huddled the kids together for a team photo
After his sporty morning, Harry changed into a suit and tie to unveil a plaque at Inspire Suffolk. The royal also met with young people who were undertaking The Prince's Trust Team Programme, a 12-week personal development course run by The Prince's Trust, the charity set up by Harry's father Prince Charles. Harry moved on to the Suffolk Show where he was eagerly met by crowds of locals hoping to catch a glimpse of the royal. Harry met organisers of the show, Suffolk Young Farmers and a group of children who sang to the Prince. Other activities included viewing cattle, visiting the Farm Discovery Zone and watching a parade of the Royal British Legion Standards.
© Photo: PAPrince Harry unsurprisingly didn't let any goals in
"The Prince enjoys a strong public following and his visit is especially appreciated in a year when we are working to appeal to more young people at the show and presenting the kinds of careers available to them in the food and farming related industries," event director Bill Baker said ahead of the day. "I am very much looking forward to welcoming him and showing him around the fantastic features of this year's show."
