Prince Harry at the Warrior Games: Day One

Today I learned two very important things: Prince Harry walks really fast (like me) and bites his nails. Okay, maybe not that important. Day one of the Warrior Games in Colorado Springs is in the books, and what a day it was! First up, Prince Harry attended a brunch hosted by the United States Olympic Committee along and The Royal Foundation of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry. Approximately 150 donors and patrons were on hand “For a Noble Cause” brunch.

Inside, Harry patted babies on the head, made a brief speech and along with U.S. Navy Lt. Brad Snyder, a three-time Paralympic Games medalist, chatted with guests in celebration of the importance sport programming in the rehabilitation of persons with disabilities and injured service members returning from combat.

Thomas Kimmell Photography

Thomas Kimmell Photography

Thomas Kimmell Photography

Kelly Harrison

Kelly Harrison

Then it was time for the 2013 Warrior Games, presented by Deloitte, to officially commence with the opening ceremony. will compete in the fourth annual competition. With Prince Harry and 1,200 others in attendance, U.S. Navy Lt. Brad Snyder, who competed at the 2012 Warrior Games before winning three medals at the London 2012 Paralympic Games, served as torchbearer for the ceremony and lit the cauldron with the help of HRH and Olympic swimmer and Colorado native Missy Franklin.

Throughout the ceremony Captain Wales was praised for his dedication as both a warrior and a diplomat; it was apparent that in that moment there were no sides. No UK vs USA – just a group of warriors coming together to challenge themselves, friends and family there to support and one handsome redhead there to take it all in.

Kelly Harrison

Kelly Harrison

Kelly Harrison

“It is tough being at the Warrior Games as an ambassador and a mentor because in my heart, I’m an athlete and a competitor. But I am so proud to be here,” Lt. Snyder said. “Last year, I watched from the athlete section as Melissa Stockwell lit the cauldron as the honorary torchbearer, and I was so inspired. I am thankful for the opportunity this year to light the cauldron and pass the torch to these athletes, and help them find their place in a Movement that means so much to me.”

Kelly Harrison

More to come tomorrow as we (meaning the prince and me) head to the cycling competition. Tomorrow’s post will also include highlights from today’s sitting volleyball match. Too many activities for one day!

And don’t forget to stick with CELEBUZZ for more updates!

Let The First Annual Harry Games Begin!

Prince Harry arrived in the United States this afternoon to a swarm (I don’t even think that word does it justice) of Washington D.C.’s single females. Honestly, they all probably were not even single. Gentlemen of D.C. – where were you? If you were looking for a date for this weekend, you missed your shot at every girl in your city in one place. It was just like The Hunger Games.

Every lady staffer on Capitol Hill descended upon the floor of the Russell Senate Office Building in their nude L.K. Bennett knockoffs and dresses to get a glimpse of the world’s most eligible bachelor before security kindly asked them to exit.

Seriously, you MUST go check out @MaxFosterCNN‘s Vine of the madness, it’s my favorite part of today.

Who is working? Who is back there helping run this country? I feel really great about the state of affairs here.

Sunday Express Royal Editor Camilla Tominey described the insanity perfectly (and hilariously)..

Okay, let’s get to the important part – Harry. He looked amazing (duh) in a navy blue suit, after arriving an hour and a half late – and you guys complain about girls taking too long to get ready. Upon arrival, he met Senator John McCain to see an exhibit from the anti-landmine charity, HALO. Then, Senator McCain said what every girl on Capitol Hill (and all of us for that matter) have known for a while:

Because Harry wasn’t cool enough, he went off to help First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden pull off the surprise of the year – he joined the Mother’s Day tea reception (cue Brits and their tea jokes) at the White House. Harry + (American) kids = goodbye heart.

@SPerryPeopleMag

@SPerryPeopleMag

Thanks to Simon Perry for the lovely Twitter shots!

After partaking in tea and cookies with military families at the White House, Harry jetted off to stop number three since arriving, Ambassador Peter Wesmacott’s residence for a  reception. Is this seriously only day one?

Oh and then I was on Buzzfeed. Check it out – Ellie Hall is hysterical.

Hard Rock Helps You Eat and Drink Like Prince Harry

If you find yourself wanting to celebrate Prince Harry’s arrival in the U.S., look no further – Hard Rock has served the fun-loving prince and knows firsthand what he loves to chow down on.

The young royal has become a regular at Hard Rock Calling music festival, held annually in London by the iconic American brand Hard Rock, and Harry is sure not to miss the onsite pop-up Hard Rock Café for some burgers and mojitos.

Yup, burgers and mojitos – the royals really are just like us. Okay, maybe not so much.. but we can at least eat and drink like them.

So throw on your fascinators, hit play on The Killers album (Harry has been spotted rocking out stage-side at HRC) and tap into Hard Rock’s burger and mojito recipes. You never know, Harry and his royal entourage may need to refuel during the tour and pop by your house to celebrate National Burger Month!

Hard Rock’s Legendary Burger Grilling Tips

• Every component is important and needs to be FRESH (e.g. crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, etc.)
• Start with a high quality meat –  at Hard Rock Cafe we use Certified Angus Beef
• For the best bun, lightly butter it before toasting on the grill
• The grill should be in the 550 degree range to sear meat well
• You can flip the burger a few times, but no more than three
• Don’t press the burger to make it cook faster because you want the juices to seal in
• Don’t burger poke with a fork
• A great burger doesn’t need to be ‘overly-seasoned’ – simple salt and fresh ground pepper will do the trick to bring out the natural flavors

Mixed Berry Mojito

• 3 oz. Bacardi Dragon Berry Rum
• 4 oz. blended mixed berries
• 10 – 16 mint leaves (depending on size)
• 12 lime cubes
• Top with Club Soda
• Garnish with mint sprig

*Disclosure: Hard Rock is a client

Prince Harry in New Jersey: To Ocean County He Goes!

Well, it’s not what I was selfishly hoping for, but it was what I was expecting. The towns which Prince Harry will visit during his New Jersey tour stop next Tuesday have been announced – Mantoloking and Seaside Heights.

It’s been said that Harry wanted to see the “hardest hit town in New Jersey,” hence the Mantoloking stop – about 40 minutes south of me. (The Jersey Shore is a huge area.. like, massive). The town’s Mayor George Nebel said that the young royal and Governor Christie will visit about ten homes before getting in the car and heading to Seaside Heights for a press conference. Yes, that Seaside that has seen the drunk and disorderly conduct of Snooki, DJ Pauly D and the rest of their non-Jersey resident crew. No matter where you are from, chances are you have seen the now iconic photos of the historic Seaside roller-coaster submerged in the Atlantic Ocean.

Although I was pulling for my neck of the woods, it is a great thing that Prince Harry will be visiting Mantoloking – that town needs some some cheer in the form of a dashing Brit.

Let’s just hope he doesn’t try to imitate this guy – despite how awesome that actually was.

Prince Harry’s US Tour: There’s No Place Like Jersey

It’s almost that time – Prince Harry and a slew of royal reporters from across the pond will be arriving at the Jersey Shore in just under two weeks (cue jumping up and down and clapping). Although the prince and his posse will only be here for a short time, I feel it is my duty and as a royal watching, Jersey Shore native to prepare you all accordingly.

So, what can be expected when you all arrive in Jersey on May 14th?

If you fly into Newark airport, at first you might be all, um.. where am I? Why are we visiting this smoke infested state?

Don’t worry, they just chose to put the airport in the one teeny, tiny area that is used for industrial ugliness.

Then, you will look to your left, see something like this and quickly change your tune..

You will head down the Garden State Parkway..

You will arrive at the Sandy-ravaged shore and your heart will break a little..

But behind all that rubble, you will still be in awe of your surroundings and Harry will be all “I can’t wait to summer here with the in-laws after Kelly and I get married..”

And you will see that we are rebuilding, coming back stronger than ever..

Finally, Governor Christie will make an appearance and you will most likely get a colorful comment of sorts..

After all that time outside, breathing in the fresh ocean air, you might be getting a bit hungry..

Pork roll, egg and cheese on a hard roll – does not get more Jersey than this

Contrary to popular belief, you will not see any of this because surprise! These clowns are not even from New Jersey..

So put Bruce Springsteen on repeat, throw your preconceived notions to the wind and be prepared for a morning in a beautiful place. Oh, and you will also see this girl..

Get used to seeing her around, word on the beach is that Prince Harry will be falling in love with her and whisking her back to England.

Prince Harry’s US Tour: Where Do I Buy a Fascinator at the Jersey Shore?

Three weeks from today Prince Harry will be back home in the UK after a fabulous week in the United States, gushing to his army buddies about the lovely brunette from New Jersey that completely changed his typical fancy for blondes.

I announced a few weeks ago that not only would @HWalesWatch and I would be jetting off to Colorado to greet the dashing royal, but that I would be partnering with the incomparable Kelly Lynch to cover the tour for Socialite Life and Celebuzz. Now, the white pants dream is becoming a reality.

YES! I will now also be on-hand for the New Jersey (yay!), New York and Connecticut visits as well! More details to come as the time approaches, but I am over the moon to have the opportunity to see my favorite royal in my neighborhood.

I cannot wait to share this experience of a lifetime with you all… you better believe I’m going to have some fun with this one!

Now, off to go shopping..

One Month To Go: The Sentebale Royal Salute Polo Cup

The excitement surrounding Prince Harry’s tour is mounting with each day, so I would like to take this opportunity to highlight the charities he will be partnering with throughout his trip. Today marks one month to go until The Sentebale Royal Salute Polo Cup at the Greenwich Polo Club in Greenwich, Connecticut. May 15th will be the third partnership match between Sentebale and Royal Salute, the first to be held in Greenwich, serving as the capstone the young royal’s U.S. tour.

Sentebale was founded by Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho to assist the most vulnerable children effected by HIV/AIDs and extreme poverty. The two princes came together in February in Lesotho, paying an uplifting visit to the children – I know there are many tri-state area residents just as excited as those kids were to welcome Prince Harry here next month. And who can forget Harry’s participation in last year’s match in Brazil?

Prince Harry will lead the Sentebale Land Rover team and famed Argentine polo player Nacho Figueras will captain the St. Regis team, including Peter Brant, the owner of the Greenwich Polo Club.

Keep with Keep Calm and Harry On for further information on the match, in the meantime, be sure to check out Sentebale’s newly launched Facebook page.

“Unless we think big, unless we  are ambitious, nothing will change.”
Prince Harry

Mile High Royal Adventure

It has been the best week ever following the announcement of Prince Harry’s US tour – am I right?  Well, yesterday it got even better for me.

The one and only @HWalesWatch and I are teaming up for a “Mile High Royal Adventure!” That’s right, we’re headed to Colorado to cover our favorite royal’s great American adventure! No, this is not a joke – tickets were booked, hotel reservations were made and the excitement levels are at an all time high. If two major Harry fans were going to come together and finally meet up, is there a better occasion to do so?

Just look how excited he is!!

Harry’s full itinerary can be found on here the HWW site; we will be going to Colorado Springs for the events at the US Olympic Training Center (another bucket list item of mine), and Air Force Academy. I hear the altitude takes a toll on your breathing all the way up there, but as long as we’re sharing that air with Prince Harry everything will be alright. If not, I have the utmost confidence in his CPR abilities.

The excitement doesn’t stop there, I am so honored and thrilled to be reporting live from the front lines for Socialite Life! I cannot wait to work with the amazing Kelly Lynch and am so thankful to her for this incredible opportunity.

We will continue to share our plans as the trip of a lifetime nears, and of course, I will keep a pulse on the East Coast happenings – I promise to return him to my home state in one piece.