Prince Harry avoids mentioning King Charles in speech after 'sickening' comments
Prince Harry played it safe with his final speech as his three day trip Canada for the Invictus Games countdown has come to a close.
The Duke of Sussex gave an address at the final event of the Year To Celebrations, which saw him describe himself as "humbled and at home" amongst the Invictus community.
Following his bombshell interview earlier this week for Good Morning America, the Duke of Sussex opened up about his family life in Montecito, his father's cancer diagnosis, and the Invictus Games. However his comments addressing his father's illness and his 25-hour return trip to see the King following the news of his cancer diagnosis emerging did not go down well and have been heavily criticised, with his royal friends calling his comments "sickening".
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Prince Harry's comments earlier this week earned the Duke heavy criticism for speaking about his father's illness (2024 Getty Images)
Harry's interview with Good Morning America saw him talk openly about visiting his father King Charles after his cancer diagnosis was made public (UK Press via Getty Images)In light of the heavy backlash, it appeared Harry kept his choice of words firmly focused on the 2025 Invictus Games and the welcome he and wife Meghan Markle received whilst in Vancouver for their three day stay. Speaking at the finale event, he said: "When I am with the Invictus community surrounded by so many brave men and women who have served their countries with distinction, I feel humbled and at home.
"This year will mark ten years of the Invictus Games. The past decade has been a testament to the power of resilience and the unbreakable spirit you all exemplify. And boy have we had fun on the way! From this trip, I am happy to report the air is thick with excitement, and the best part is, we’re just getting started." He then added: "The Invictus Games are not just a competition; they’re a way of life, a celebration of the human spirit."
The emotional speech comes just 24 hours after the Duke made an emotional speech at a wheelchair curling demonstration. He said: "The last few days have been incredible. The smiles I have seen on the faces in the last few days, it proves why we do what we do and that was just for the competitors. Imagine what it will be like when friends and family get in a coach, get in a bus, and head up to Whistler. And get to spend hours or the whole day up in that beautiful mountain air.
Prince Harry made no mention of his father or the royal family in his closing speech at the Invictus Year To Go Dinner"Every single one of you inspire me, inspire us every single day. So please continue to be there to support each other. I know how much you love to serve — in many instances, you live to serve — so we will continue to give you the opportunity to serve and to inspire people up, down the country and around the world."
During his appearance on GMA, the Duke of Sussex opened up about his father's cancer diagnosis. In one interview answer he hinted at a possible reconciliation with his family in future as he explained, "I think any illness, any sickness brings families together."
In another answer, he spoke about his recent 24-hour return trip from California to the UK to see his father after the news of the monarch's cancer emerged, as he told GMA: "I love my family. The fact that I was able to get on a plane and go and see him and spend any time with him, I’m grateful for that."
However, Harry's tell-all answers have not had a warm reception from friends and sources close to the Palace who have slammed the interview as "sickening".
A royal source speaking to The Daily Beast said: "It seems Harry has taken it on himself to use the diagnosis to publicise his own agenda. If it wasn’t so sickening it would be funny. What really would have helped the family come together would have been if Harry had said he wouldn’t be taking questions about his father."
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