2014: The Year of Harry

If Summer 2013 was The Summer of George, this year was definitely The Year of Harry. It was a big year for Prince Harry – his milestone 30th birthday, leaving active post in the army for a desk job, seeing his dream of the Invictus Games come to life and wooing the world with his overseas visits. Harry was on fire this year – and I’m not just talking about his red hair.

The end of the year always brings the pressure for a “best of” post, which is always a struggle when it comes to Prince Harry, we all know I could go on about this topic for a lifetime, but this year it is even more difficult than ever. Prince Harry really came into his own this year and proven (not that he really needed to, IMO), that he is an integral part of the royal family. In my eyes, he is without a doubt the most relatable member of the firm and that really shown through in 2014.

Even though I don’t think I could really pick the best moments of this year if someone threatened me that I couldn’t eat pizza for the rest of my life, I’m going to try. I’m going on feeling here… those small moments that resulted in an instantaneous smile.

Cuddling babies in Chile

Harry’s visit to South America this summer may not have garnered the most press coverage, but it was one of the best visits he has undertaken. A big part of that was his interaction with so many children. It was where my #HarryWithKids movement was born. The most adorable moment of all came when Clarence House released a photo of Harry cuddling a little girl who had just awoken from a nap. If that didn’t melt your heart, you must not have one. Emily Andrews, royal reporter for The Sun, was on the tour and explained it perfectly to KKHO a few months ago, saying “I think he’s just a real natural. That comes from innate personality. He bonds with them very quickly, even when he doesn’t share their language. He is a very relaxed guy which transmits to the kids and they immediately respond. He’s not afraid of making a fool of himself either, he’s not hung up about protocol or looking serious.”

Courtesy of Emily Andrews, The Sun, @byemilyandrews

 The Invictus Games

ICYMI: Prince Harry welcomed his first child this year. First name Invictus, middle name Games. After attending the 2013 Warrior Games in Colorado, Harry returned home determined to bring the Olympic-style event for wounded veterans to Britain. After leaving his active posting with the army earlier this year, in September, just in time for his thirtieth birthday, Harry blew the world away with the Invictus Games. We always knew that Captain Wales was passionate about the armed forces and veterans, but the Invictus Games shown an entirely new light on that. I don’t think we have ever seen Harry more in his element. Just recently, Prince Charles said that “I’m incredibly proud of what my youngest son achieved at the Invictus Games. I hope he hears that.“

via @sperrypeoplemag

Private Visit to Lesotho

Just this month, while his brother and sister-in-law drew crowds in New York City, Prince Harry made a private visit to Lesotho for his charity, Sentebale. So, what was different about this visit from all the rest we’ve seen Harry take over the years? Harry got behind the camera, alongside Chris Jackson of Getty Images, to show the world his Lesotho. #HarryWithKids has reached an entirely new level. If it were actually possible for a human heart to melt, I would be donezo.

Swinging at the Olympic Park

Get your mind out of the Hazza gutter! Harry got on an actual swing, at a playground, for the unveiling of a new play area at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. I know this wouldn’t make most people’s top list for the year, but I die laughing at the sight of this. Classic Harry. Kid at heart. Its not often you see a guy in a suit climbing on a jungle gym.

Like I said, asking me to narrow down the year in Harry is just too monumental of a task, but I think the above really point to the man that Harry is, the man that the world got to see a little better this year. I can’t wait to see what 2015 brings for this kick-ass royal. (Please, a photo with Prince George, pretty, pretty please).

#HarryWithKids – It is soo a thing

If you know are at all interested in the goings on of Prince Harry (which, if you’re not, you you’re probably on the wrong site), then you know exactly what that title means today. And you’re most likely suffering from some sort of heart malfunction at the moment.

But in the off chance you’re like, “Kelly, what in royal heavens are you talking about?” Let me fill you in. Today, with the massive help of Sentebale and Chris Jackson of Getty Images, Prince Harry melted our hearts into puddles. Last week, from December 5 – 10, Prince Harry made a private visit to Lesotho in Africa for his charity, Sentebale – and Chris and his camera were along for the ride. (Thank goodness). Plot twist! Not only did Chris capture the adorable moments of the trip, but Harry got behind the lens for a change and took some stunning imagery as well.

This trip to Lesotho focused on viewing the construction and development of Sentebale’s new Mamohato Children’s Centre. The facility will increase four-fold the number of vulnerable children Sentebale can support through healthcare and education. Using the existing Camp Mamohato initiative, the Centre will provide emotional and psychological support to children living with HIV. During the visit Prince Harry attended a number of workshops and activities that help children with HIV develop greater confidence, self-reliance and address the stigma surrounding them. You can view all of the photos here. WARNING: Please do not open the link if you have an existing heart condition. Scratch that, please just use caution if you have a heart at all. Or eyes. Just, beware k?

While this may be the best thing to ever happen in the world of Harry watchers, this is certainly not the first time we have been salivating over Sir Swoon’s moments with the kiddos. The baby in Chile this summer, pretty much every visit to Lesotho, the playground antics at the Olympic Park in London, baseball in Harlem..someone please stop me because I could go on until Christmas. Harry is a natural with kids, he always has been, but it seems lately we are seeing more and more of it through his royal work. Yes, the entire family has their moments with the little ones, William and Kate in particular, but there is something different about #HarryWithKids. Nothing against the others, but there is a spark, a look about Harry when he is with his youngest admirers that really takes a hold on you. He is his mother’s son. Although it is not always fair to compare William and Harry to their mother, sometimes it is called for – this is one of those situations. He has that sparkle in his eyes, in his smile; and that pull on all of us just as Princess Diana did. Harry has made no secret of the fact that he longs for children and a family, and I so hope he gets that wish when the time is right. In the meantime, I would settle for a photo of him with Prince George. Please, H?