Prince Harry told reporters it is “great” to be back in Britain as he attends an event for a children’s charity, hours before he is joined by Meghan as the couple fly to Nigeria for a three-day tour.
Speaking yesterday during a visit to London for Scotty’s Little Soldiers, a charity for grieving military children, Harry was asked by Royal BBC correspondent Daniela Relph: ‘Nice to have you back. What’s it like here?’
The 39-year-old Duke of Sussex responded that it was “great” to be back, although he was unable to see his father, King Charles, reportedly due to scheduling conflicts.
It comes as Harry prepares to fly to Nigeria for a three-day trip at the invitation of the country’s chief of defense staff.
Meghan flew from California to the West African country, where she stayed with the couple’s two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
The 39-year-old Duke of Sussex was pictured chatting and playing games with relatives as he made a surprise visit to Scotty’s Little Soldiers in London.
Harry looked cheerful as he posed for selfies with people at the event
Harry and Meghan will arrive in Nigeria later today, at the invitation of the country’s chief of defense staff
During the surprise visit to Scotty’s Little Soldiers, a charity that supports children who have experienced the death of a military parent, Harry took part in games with the children and said it was an “honor” to meet affected families.
Speaking to the BBC, he was asked if it is nice to be back in Britain.
Harry said: ‘It’s great. Just as the lights went out, perfect timing. It’s great, it’s great.
‘What Scotty’s does with these children is absolutely incredible, and very necessary. And the more opportunities we have to host events like this, the more families and kids across the country will know that Scotty’s exists, and that’s really the most important thing.”
Mrs. Relph asked him, “How many Maltesers have you eaten off the floor?”
Harry replied, “Um, you guys probably know better than me, but at least three. I think things were starting to get a little weird by then.”
As he walked away, Mrs. Relph said, “And nice to be back in Britain?” And Harry said, ‘Yes, it’s great. Nice to see you.’
During his visit, around fifty children and young people between the ages of six and 22 attended the charity.
The Duke said: “It was an honor to meet so many of the wonderful families that Scotty’s Little Soldiers supports.
‘I have long believed in the mission of this charity, and I truly believe that the work they do to foster community and create space for young people to connect, grieve, but also have fun together is life-changing is.
“I am a strong supporter of their work and am very proud to be their first global ambassador.”
Prince Harry was spotted arriving at Heathrow on Friday morning ahead of his flight to Nigeria, where he will be joined by his wife Meghan
Harry was photographed enjoying games with the charity’s children and young adults during an unofficial visit
At one point the Duke was seen using a straw to transport Smarties as quickly as possible during a task
Video footage showed the prince having fun with children and young people who experienced the death of a service parent
The prince traveled to Britain to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games, which he founded to give wounded soldiers the opportunity to compete against others from around the world in sporting events.
While in Nigeria, Harry and Meghan will visit a school and meet wounded soldiers at a military hospital.
They will also visit the charity Nigeria: Unconquered, which partners with the Invictus Games, and attend training and a polo fundraiser.
The Duchess of Sussex will also co-host a Women in Leadership event with Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director-General of the World Trade Organization.
It is the couple’s first trip to Africa since 2019, when they visited South Africa, Malawi, Angola and Botswana in what would be their final tour as working members of the royal family. They will arrive in Nigeria later today.
During his whistling journey home, Harry did not meet the king or his brother Prince William. In a statement, a spokesperson for the Sussexes said this was due to his father’s ‘complete schedule’.
Yesterday, King Charles – who is currently undergoing treatment for cancer – met military personnel and their families at a training base for the Army’s Royal Engineers in Surrey.
Queen Camilla was busy organizing a reception at Buckingham Palace to mark the 90th birthday of Brooke, a charity dedicated to improving the lives of working horses, donkeys and mules.
The former senior royal was snapped listening to children and young adults talk about their experiences
The Duke laughs at one of the girls trying to get a piece of chocolate off her face
King Charles III during a visit to Gibraltar Barracks in Minley, Hampshire, on Thursday while his son Prince Harry remained in London
Queen Camilla was pictured speaking to Angela Rippon (right) as she hosted a reception to mark the 90th anniversary of animal charity Brooke
Harry’s brother Prince William was in Cornwall on Thursday, meeting locals and visiting land he hopes to turn into housing to help the homeless
The Prince of Wales, whose relationship with his brother appears increasingly strained, traveled to Cornwall, where he visited a piece of land he hopes will help tackle the homelessness crisis.
William, who took over the £1.2 billion Duchy of Cornwall estate when his father became king and made him Prince of Wales, is building his first ever housing project to tackle homelessness in Nansledan.
Both he and King Charles recently returned to official duties following a series of health issues for the royals – after both Charles and Kate, Princess of Wales, were diagnosed with cancer.
Harry’s spokesman said yesterday: ‘In response to many questions and ongoing speculation about whether or not The Duke will meet his father this week while in Britain, this will unfortunately not be possible due to His Honor’s full schedule. Majesty.
‘The Duke obviously understands his father’s diary with obligations and various other priorities and hopes to see him soon.’
