09 February 2024 , 06:04
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Prince Harry made a shocking appearance at the 2024 NFL Honors ceremony in Las Vegas as he presented an award just one day after visiting his cancer-stricken father King Charles III in the UK.
NFL fans were shocked to see the Duke of Sussex make a surprise guest appearance at the coveted award show as he took the stage to present the Walter Payton Man of the Year award to Pittsburgh Steelers football player Cameron Heyward. As the talented defensive tackle took the stage he was taken aback by Prince Harry's presence and jokingly said: "Man, Prince freaking Harry. Man, I'm in shock. That's Prince Harry."
Prince Harry's attendance at the award show came as a surprise to many as the Duke of Sussex just went on an unexpected trip to England to visit his father King Charles who was recently diagnosed with cancer. After spending only 45 minutes with his father after a 10 hour trip to London, he then jetted all the way back to America to be in attendance at the ceremony in Las Vegas.
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Prince Harry presents Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award (AP)The Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award is an annual award presented by the National Football League honoring a player's commitment to philanthropy and community impact in addition to his greatness on the field. In addition to the incredible honor and trophy, Cameron will also be awarded 250,000 dollars (£198,000) to donate to a charity of his choice.
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Cameron has been a player for the NFL for 13 incredible seasons and is the founder of The Heyward House. The athlete started the charitable foundation back in 2015 in an effort to combat child hunger, to support teachers and students, aid childhood literacy, and help fight cancer.
Prince Harry's presentation as the ceremony was the first time he has made a public appearance since the news of his father's cancer diagnosis broke. While still dealing with the heavy news, Prince Harry was still able to crack a smile as he joked that the United States " stole rugby from us and you made it your own. Instead of passing it backwards, just pass it forwards." And added: "Why not wear pads and a helmet?"
Prince Harry continued: " All kidding aside, a ll you guys do on and off the field is truly remarkable.You are role models for millions in the way you carry yourselves and the way you give back." He continued: "This final award - the highest honor - is all about serving your community. And there's one special man we'd like to pay tribute to now. A player who goes above and beyond and whose extraordinary commitment to helping others is a reflection of his own story."
Prince Harry shared a sweet speech honoring Cameron Heyward (AP)Prince Harry's attendance at the award show came after he took off for a speedy trip to the UK after asBuckingham Palace revealed on Monday the king was diagnosed with cancer. The update came following "subsequent diagnostic tests" after King Charles' surgery to treat an enlarged prostate in January.
Although Prince Harry's gesture to check in on his other seemed to be sweet gesture, it was reported that the Duke of Sussex's trip was said to have "caused some disquiet" as he took it upon himself to fly out to England to see his dad without an invitation on very short notice. According to Robert Jobson writing for MailOnline, the King was "unhappy about what amounted to a fait accompli served up by an emotional but well-meaning son."
King Charles was recently diagnosed with cancer (PA)
Prince Harry attended the awards after a 24-hour trip to see his father in the UK (Getty Images)It has been reported that King Charles will receive "a pioneering and less invasive treatment" as he embarks on his battle against cancer. King Charles is expected to return home to London for "highly specialised" hospital treatment that is "a pioneering and less invasive treatment" than usual.
The monarch is expected to undergo these treatments as an outpatient once a week and will be staying at his Clarence House home. Until then the monarch is set to return to Sandringham in Norfolk for the rest of the week to rest and recover.