Prince Harry Launches Invictus Games in London

Gosh, Harry.. if you want to be like America so much, you should just move here!

Living out a dream of his since attending the Warrior Games in Colorado last May, Prince Harry announced today the launch of the Invictus Games in London, to take place September 10 – 14 of this year. Just over a month ago, Captain Wales’ goal seemed a bit closer to reality when he left his post as an active Apache Helicopter Pilot to take a desk job stationed at Horse Guards.

Prince Harry was very clearly in his element in Colorado last year, partaking in sitting volleyball and mingling with wounded veterans and their families. As if it were even possible, that weekend at the US Olympic Training Center made me love him even more.

Led by Harry through The Royal Foundation, the Invictus Games will welcome approximately 300 wounded servicemen to London to compete in athletic competitions including wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby, sitting volleyball, swimming and cycling.

Of “stealing” the idea from America, cheeky Harry joked that it was, “such a good idea by the Americans that it had to be stolen.” You’re welcome, Harry. Now.. what do we get in return?

Prince Harry Shines in Colorado

Captain Wales has officially landed in New Jersey for the final East Coast leg of is United States tour – I would know, he sat six rows in front of me on the flight in from Denver.

This weekend was nothing short of spectacular as the soldier prince shined in his element – among his military family at the Warrior Games. On Saturday, Prince Harry participated in an exhibition sitting volleyball match, jumping in to lend a hand to the UK team (who eventually won the exhibition), while Olympic gold medalist Misty May-Treanor assisted the U.S. team.

The announcer must have taken his funny pills that morning as he ripped into the young royal several times; calling him out on his inability to stay seated, “stop showing us your bum!” Speak for yourself, announcer man.

On Sunday, it was off to the US Air Force Academy for the cycling competitions, where His Royal Highness said a few words, started the first race (with no help of the failing air horn) and then presented medals later in the day. Again, these Colorado announcers are hopped up on funny pills as the day’s MC asked Harry if he wanted to borrow his cell so he could call his grandmother and wish her a happy mother’s day; Harry replied – she’s seven hours ahead! Harry then urged the American competitors: “if you see a Union Jack shirt coming up from behind, let him through.”

As we saw yesterday, a picture is worth a thousand words. So, here are some of my best from the athletic events..

PS – Don’t forget to keep up with Celebuzz for my tour reports!

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!