Prince Harry attended an event at Birmingham's NEC marking the countdown to the Invictus Games, which are scheduled to be hosted in the city next year. The Duke of Sussex participated in a pickleball demonstration, a sport combining elements of tennis, table tennis, and badminton, during the showcase.
The Invictus Games, an international competition for injured military veterans, is a cause that Prince Harry has actively promoted. This appearance comes after a week of his UK visit that has seen several changes in plans and public attention diverted.
Initially, it was announced that Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, would join him for events in London and Birmingham. However, following a dispute over security arrangements, she withdrew from the London events. Later, it was confirmed she would not attend any public events in the UK during this visit.
Confusion also surrounded Prince Harry's accommodation, with initial reports of him staying at Buckingham Palace being denied by the Palace itself. Furthermore, the first engagement of his visit, promoting the Invictus Games, was overshadowed by the outcome of his lawsuit against Associated Newspapers, in which he lost his claims of unlawful information gathering.
A subsequent event in London was closed to the press. On Thursday, Prince Harry received a positive reception at a children's hospital in Birmingham. The event at the NEC on Friday aimed to refocus attention on the Invictus Games and the achievements of its participants.