Prince Harry will visit President Barack Obama in the White House as part of his trip to the United States on Wednesday. The 31-year-old, who is only in America for a day to promote the 2016 Invictus Games, began his action-packed day by meeting wounded military members in Virginia alongside First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr Jill Biden – the wife of US Vice-President Joe Biden.
© Photo: Getty ImagesHarry looked smart for the visit in a dark blue suit and white shirt, and took the time to chat with wounded servicemen and women who are in recovery and rehabilitation programmes at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. He also visited an art therapy class designed to help veterans with mental injuries at the USO (United Service Organisations) Warrior and Family Centre, which supports troops, their families and carers.
After meeting with the troops, the group watched a Paralympic sporting event before giving speeches, during which the First Lady told the group that she would do whatever she can to "shine a light" on the Invictus Games.
© Photo: Getty Images"We're going to do whatever we can to shine a light on this event," Michelle said. "We need to celebrate all of you our wounded warriors."
© Photo: Getty ImagesMeanwhile Harry reflected on his own time in the army, saying: "I am in no doubt that my two deployments to Afghanistan changed the direction of my life. I knew I had a responsibility to help all veterans to lead healthy and dignified lives after service."
He continued: "The 2014 Invictus Games epitomised the very best of the human spirit. We have to talk more about breaking down barriers around so-called invisible injuries like post-traumatic stress. I am sure the American public will embrace Invictus just as the British public did in 2014."
© Photo: Getty ImagesFollowing on from the tour of the base, Harry will meet with President Obama on Wednesday afternoon for an informal chat. The Prince is also set to visit the British ambassador's residence, where he will be updated on progress with the 2016 Invictus Games and meet event organisers who are responsible for bringing the games to Orlando, Florida in May.
Harry founded the Invictus Games in 2014 after seeing a similar event, The Warrior Games in America in 2013. After achieving great success with the first games in London in September 2014, he announced that he would be spreading the inspirational message further afield by hosting the second games in America.
The visit is not the first time Harry has met with the First Lady; they also met at Kensington Palace in June during Michelle's tour of the UK for her Let Girl's Learn initiative.
Following Harry's whirlwind visit to the US, he is set to return to the UK in time for the Rugby World Cup Final, where he is confirmed to hand out the Webb Ellis Cup to the winners on Saturday evening.
