Prince Harry has been seen wiping away tears during an emotional moment at an Invictus Games service in London.
The Duke of Sussex is in the midst of a brief return to his home country of Britain in honour of the games’ 10th anniversary, and was a guest of honour at a service of thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral, in central London, on Wednesday.
He appeared to become overwhelmed during a testimony by the 2018 Team UK captain, Michelle Turner, along with her husband and daughter, as they described the profound impact the competition had had on their lives.
As a choked-up Ms Turner wrapped up by thanking “Invictus for giving me my life back”, Harry stood up to lead the congregation in a standing ovation, before appearing to wipe away his own tears.
The duke is patron of the games, which began in 2014 as a competition for wounded, injured or sick ex-servicemen and women, and gave a reading during the event.
He had launched the Invictus Games following his own decade of service in the military, which included two tours of Afghanistan.
Unsurprisingly, given the rift currently dividing Harry and the royal family, none were in attendance at Wednesday’s event.
However, two of his relatives did make a surprise appearance in support of the duke.
Earl Charles Spencer and Lady Jane Fellowes, the brother and sister of the late Princess Diana, were spotted entering St Paul’s and taking their seats in the second row ahead of the service, where they were soon after joined by their nephew.
After sitting directly in front of them, Harry immediately turned around and began smiling and chatting animatedly with his mother’s siblings.
Akshata Murty, the wife of UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, was also in attendance.
Ahead of the event, the prince confirmed via a spokesman that his request to see his father, King Charles, during his brief return to the UK had been denied.
“It unfortunately will not be possible due to His Majesty’s full program,” the spokesman said of a meeting between the King and Harry.
“The duke of course is understanding of his father’s diary of commitments and various other priorities and hopes to see him soon.”
Harry is expected to depart London on Thursday, where he will fly to Nigeria to meet his wife, Meghan Markle, to embark on a tour in honour of the nation’s recent inclusion in the Invictus Games.