This Friday, February 5, Prince Harry made a surprise appearance on video. The Duke of Sussex wanted to celebrate the anniversary of an institution that is very close to his heart.
He wouldn’t have missed it for anything in the world. Although he has been living in the United States for several months, Prince Harry does not forget his country. On Friday 5 February, the Duke of Sussex made a surprise and remarkable appearance to celebrate the 150th anniversary of an institution that has a special place in his heart and in his life: the English Rugby Federation.
It was an opportunity for Meghan Markle’s husband to praise the importance of sport in these troubled times and as the XV of the Rose prepares to make its entry into the VI Nations tournament. “Rugby has brought joy to millions of people with teams full of great characters and special players,” Prince Harry began. In these times of isolation, the passion and enjoyment of the sport can bring great comfort to many.”
“As the proud patron of the Rugby Football Union, I join millions of fans around the world in celebrating 150 years of rugby in England,” he concluded, before the video highlights some of the highlights of the oval ball in the UK.
Although he is now retired from the Crown and has given up most of his royal titles, Prince Harry is still the patron of the Federation. “We look forward to the continued relationship between the Duke and the Rugby League,” said a statement issued shortly after the Megxit.
He has shown a real commitment to working with us, initially getting involved in our community and youth programmes and sharing his support for Rugby England”. From Los Angeles, he keeps a close eye on the sporting achievements of rugby players.
Prince Harry, soon back in England?
Just a few months ago, Archie’s dad confided in him about the passion he misses terribly on the other side of the Atlantic. “What I need will be several mini rugby balls, then I could get Archie to play the game, because at the moment it’s impossible to find any,” he regretted then. But I have a small space outside, which I’m very happy and lucky to have, so I need to get him to play in the Rugby League”.
As a reminder, Prince Harry has been the President of England Rugby and Deputy Patron of the Rugby Football Union since 2016, the year in which he succeeded Queen Elizabeth. And since then, Meghan Markle’s husband has honoured many commitments in line with his passion. And it is thanks to her that he is expected to return to England in a few months’ time. We can’t imagine him missing the Rugby World Cup at XV 2021, which will take place in the United Kingdom from 23 October to 27 November 2021.