The Duke of Sussex showed unwavering support for wounded military members on Monday June 12 at the annual Department of Defense Warrior Games in San Diego.
Prince Harry made a heartfelt appearance at the event, where over 200 wounded, ill, and injured active duty and veteran military members gathered for a display of extraordinary resilience and determination. A Warrior Games representative confirmed to HELLO! that Prince Harry was at the Naval Air Station North Island to watch the games and engage with the athletes and their families.
He was spotted watching the seated volleyball competition and cheering on the players; in pics posted the following day, Harry is seen chatting with soldiers and their families and taking in additional games.
"The final day of competition for #WarriorGames2023 was extra special with a visit from Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex. Prince Harry spent time with athletes and their families, and watched the Sitting Volleyball Finals as the 2023 Warrior Games came to a close," the official Twitter account later shared, alongside pictures of the Prince laughing with servicemen and women.
STORY: Prince William issues personal thanks amid 'difficult conditions'
They also posted a second tweet, accompanied by a photo of Prince Harry engaging with participants, highlighted his dedication to the cause. The caption read: “When Prince Harry wants to sit with Team Army member Master Sgt Michael Haley and his parents at sitting volleyball!”
Now in its 13th year, the Warrior Games is a highly anticipated annual event that celebrates the indomitable spirit of wounded, ill, and injured active duty and veteran U.S. military service members from all branches of the U.S. military.
These athletes compete in adaptive sporting competitions, showcasing their remarkable skills and determination in a wide range of disciplines, including wheelchair basketball, cycling, archery, wheelchair rugby, seated volleyball, track and field, swimming, and more.
The games provide a platform for these individuals to showcase their resilience, athleticism, and unwavering commitment to overcoming obstacles. Each participant's journey is a testament to the power of the human spirit and serves as a source of inspiration to countless others facing their own challenges.
READ: Prince Harry’s sweet gesture during flight home from London court appearance revealed
Harry, 38, resides with wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and their children Prince Archie and Princess Lillibet in Montecito, about 200 miles north of the games venue.
But attendance at the Warrior Games highlights his ongoing dedication to supporting military personnel and showcases his commitment to raising awareness about the importance of mental health and overall well-being within the armed forces.
Throughout the years, the Duke of Sussex has been a vocal advocate for mental health, particularly for veterans and active-duty service members.
As a veteran himself, Prince Harry has made it his mission to support and empower as many ex-military personnel as he can. In 2014, he established the Invictus Games, providing a platform for injured service members to compete in various sports.
Additionally, in 2015, he launched the Walking with the Wounded project, which involved a group of British and American veterans embarking on a thousand-mile trek around the country.
One of Prince Harry's key goals is to raise awareness about the challenges faced by injured and sick service personnel and assist them in finding employment as they transition into civilian life.
Speaking at London's Mandarin Oriental Hotel, he emphasized the importance of continued support for servicemen and women, particularly during the process of transitioning to a new career. "As I make this transition myself, I'm determined to do all I can to help others," he said.
“People up and down the country will get to see firsthand the determination and resolve of those who have served, and in particular those who have been injured or suffer hidden wounds.”
Make sure you never miss a royal story! Sign up to The Royal Explainer newsletter to receive your weekly dose of royal features and other exclusive content straight to your inbox.