At the annual Department of Defense Warrior Games in San Diego on Monday, June 12, the Duke of Sussex demonstrated his unwavering support for injured service members.
At the event, where over 200 wounded, ill, and injured active duty and veteran military members gathered for a demonstration of extraordinary resiliency and determination, Prince Harry made a touching appearance. An official from the Warrior Games confirmed to HELLO! that Prince Harry was present at the Naval Air Station North Island to watch the competition and interact with the competitors and their families.
He was seen watching the seated volleyball match and encouraging the athletes; pictures shared the next day show Harry mingling with soldiers and their families and attending additional matches.
The Duke of Sussex’s visit to the final day of competition for the #WarriorGames2023 made it extra special. As the 2023 Warrior Games came to an end, Prince Harry spent time with athletes and their families and watched the sitting volleyball finals. The official Twitter account later shared images of the Prince laughing with service members.
They also published a second tweet that highlighted Prince Harry’s commitment to the cause and was accompanied by a picture of him interacting with participants. The caption said, “When Prince Harry wants to sit with Team Army member Master Sgt Michael Haley and his parents at sitting volleyball!”
Photo: Getty Images
The Warrior Games, which are currently in their 13th year, are a much-anticipated annual event that honors the tenacity of wounded, ill, and injured active duty and veteran U.S. military service members from all branches of the armed forces.
The remarkable abilities and tenacity of these athletes are on display as they compete in adaptive sporting events in a variety of sports, including wheelchair basketball, cycling, archery, wheelchair rugby, seated volleyball, track and field, swimming, and more.
The games give these people a stage on which to display their tenacity, athleticism, and unwavering dedication to overcoming challenges. Each participant’s journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and serves as motivation for many others going through similar struggles.
Harry, 38, resides in Montecito, about 200 miles north of the games venue, with his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and their children Prince Archie and Princess Lillibet.
Photo: Getty Images
But his participation in the Warrior Games demonstrates his continued commitment to aiding military personnel and to spreading awareness of the significance of mental health and general wellbeing within the armed forces.
The Duke of Sussex has long been an outspoken supporter of mental health, especially for veterans and active-duty service members.
Prince Harry, who is a veteran himself, has made it his goal to assist and empower as many veterans as he can. He started the Invictus Games in 2014 to give injured service members a place to compete in different sports.
In addition, he started the Walking with the Wounded project in 2015, which involved a group of British and American veterans traveling a thousand miles across the nation.
Raising awareness of the difficulties faced by wounded and ill service members and helping them find employment as they adjust to civilian life are two of Prince Harry’s top priorities.
Photo: Getty Images
He stressed the value of ongoing support for service members and their families in a speech at London’s Mandarin Oriental Hotel, particularly as they transition to new careers. I’m determined to do everything I can to assist others as I make this transition myself, he said.
People from all over the nation will have the opportunity to witness firsthand the tenacity and resolve of those who have served, particularly those who have been hurt or have unnoticed wounds.
