Prince Harry was in high spirits as he carried out an engagement focused around one of his favourite sports – rugby. The athletic Prince was invited to Twickenham stadium in south-west London where he watched the England rugby team train. During the session, Harry, who excelled at rugby at school, watched the players prepare for their next Six Nations match. The Prince looked smart in a navy suit and blue shirt, mingling with other spectators in the stands.
On previous occasions, Harry has got involved and showed off his own sporting skills on the pitch, but at Friday's engagement the 32-year-old stayed in his suit. Harry chatted to aspiring young rugby players who are involved in the Coach Core programme. The apprenticeship scheme aims to improve the lives of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, and Harry heard how they are using rugby to turn their lives around. The Prince also had the chance to meet some of the England team's players and head coach, Eddie Jones.
Prince Harry surprised rugby fans in the stands
Harry, who recently celebrated Valentine's Day with his girlfriend Meghan Markle, was handed the England Rugby patronage from his grandmother the Queen in January. Her Majesty was patron from 1952 to 2016. Last year the Queen relinquished a number of patronages to younger members of the royal family, including Princes William and Harry and William's wife Kate. At the time, RFU president Peter Baines, said: "We welcome Prince Harry as our new Patron. He has been vice-patron for a number of years already and a regular at England Tests at Twickenham."
William, Kate and Harry are hosting a children's tea party at the palace
The Prince met England rugby team players at the training session
Fans are hoping they won't have to wait for long for Harry to bring his girlfriend Meghan to a rugby match. The sporty Prince has previously been spotted attending Twickenham games with ex-girlfriends Cressida Bonas and Chelsy Davy. Harry, who started dating Meghan last summer, has been fiercely protective of the American actress. The pair have been pictured together on just a handful of occasions, enjoying low-key date nights around London.
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For Valentine's Day, the lovebirds are believed to have celebrated at Harry's home in Kensington Palace. A source told Us Weekly: "Harry and Meghan are together at Kensington Palace. Tonight, she and Harry are staying in for Valentine's."