Harry's NFL turn likely 'linked to Invictus plans' after quick Charles trip

09 February 2024 , 18:11

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Prince Harry was at the NFL Honors Ceremony (Image: Getty Images)

Prince Harry made a surprise appearance at a NFL event in Las Vegas just days after dashing home to be by his sick dad's side.

Earlier this week it was announced King Charles III has been diagnosed with cancer and the Duke of Sussex immediately headed back to the UK following the news. However, he spent little over a day back home before making the long trip back to the States.

While many thought his return would be to reunite with Meghan Markle and their two kids, it turns out he was set to make the speech at the NFL Honours Ceremony. According to a PR to the celebs, this would have been in the plans for months and not just an off-the-cuff decision.

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Prince Harry presented the Man of The Year Award (Getty Images)

Jane Owen told the Mirror she feels it must have been of "substantial" importance for him to dash back from England to take up his duty of presenting the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year to Cameron Heyward.

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The PR expert told us: "There’s obviously a substantial reason behind Harry’s appearance at the NFL Honours event. It would have to be a really important reason to take him away from his father’s side."

Jane added to precise planning that would have gone into such an event would have played an important part in his reasoning too, as he continues to build up his media presence. She added: "Also having produced events for over twenty years I know that appearances like his are months in the planning, they don’t happen on a whim no matter who you are."

The duke presented Cameron Heyward with the award (Getty Images)

She admitted she doesn't see Harry as being someone who has had a long-term affiliation with the sport and says there could be a "distinct link" between the Honours event and another of his projects. "My instinct as a publicist is that there’s a direct link between his appearance and his plans for the Invictus Games. I’m also almost positive we will see them at the Super Bowl, for the same reason."

Prince Harry's presentation at the ceremony on Thursday was his first public appearance since his dad's sad news broke. While he would have clearly been trying to deal with the heavy news, the duke was still able to crack a smile as he joked that the United States "stole rugby from us and you made it your own". He continued to joke: "Instead of passing it backwards, just pass it forwards." And added: "Why not wear pads and a helmet?"

Jamie Roberts