Prince Harry has met runners who are set to compete in the London Marathon later this year. Brightening up a dreary Sunday morning with his charm and wit, Harry – who is patron of the annual sporting event – was spotted arriving at Twickenham to watch a training session.
The Prince was making the visit to meet people who are not only taking part in the gruelling 26-mile race in April, but who are running specifically for a number of the charities he supports.
As Harry met staff and runners at the start of the engagement, he thanked the participants for supporting organisations that hold a special place in his heart.
© Photo: PAPrince Harry spent his Sunday thanking runners for their support
One runner he met was Jane Fishwick, who is running for her son Jack, who was injured playing rugby and is currently being supported by the Rugby Football Union Injured Players Foundation – of which Harry is also a patron.
The red-haired Prince also met runners Colin, Louise and Peter who are fundraising for MapAction – another of Harry's charities that provides humanitarian relief in major disaster zones.
While the marathon runners were put through their paces during the training session, Harry watched from the side and cheered the group on. The sporty royal, who played rugby at school, chose to dress down for the occasion, wearing navy trousers, a matching jumper and a khaki green jacket.
Last year Harry, who usually stands at the marathon finish line to hand out trophies, was unable to make the event and instead recorded a video message that was played to runners on giant screens at the start of the race.
© Photo: PAPrince Harry is patron of the London Marathon and RFU Injured Players Foundation
"You've all done incredibly well so far to raise as much money as you have and now you're going to have to run for 26 miles around London, which is something that I'm not doing this year and I'm very sad to be missing out," said Harry.
"But I am hugely privileged to be patron of the London Marathon. So much support, so much effort and so many volunteer hours go into this so hopefully everybody who's taking part and helping will have a really fantastic day. I'm sorry to be missing out but good luck and have fun."
Harry last attended the Virgin-sponsored London Marathon in 2013, when he and Sir Richard Branson presented the winners with their medals.
