Prince Harry breaks silence with Invictus Games announcement
The Duke of Sussex has a number of meetings in the UK so it's not clear when he will join his wife in Canada.
Wednesday 15 January 2020 21:19, UK
Prince Harry has broken his silence following his decision to step back as a senior member of the Royal Family by announcing plans for the 2022 Invictus Games.
The Duke of Sussex's future may not be set in stone yet, but his games for injured ex-servicemen will be going ahead in two years' time in Dusseldorf, Germany.
Prince Harry set up the Invictus Games as an "international adaptive multi-sport event" for wounded, injured and sick former armed services personnel and veterans and it has been held in several countries, with hundreds taking part.
In a video released on the Sussex Royal Instagram page, he said: "I hope everyone in Germany is ready for what will be an incredible week of sport.
"I have no doubt that the German public will get right behind these games and that every single competitor can expect a warm welcome and an amazing atmosphere."
He also confirmed 20 countries joining in for the 2020 games, which will be held in The Hague, Netherlands, with Belgium and the Republic of Korea competing.
He ended the video saying: "The story continues."
Prince Harry was thought to be heading back to Canada, where his wife Meghan is with their son, by the end of the week, but it's now been confirmed that he has more engagements next week.
On Thursday he will be at Buckingham Palace to host rugby league draws, and a source told the Press Association: "The duke has some meetings here early next week."
He found himself getting celebrity backing as actor Hugh Grant defended his move to step back as a senior royal, saying: "I'm rather on Harry's side, I have to say.
"The tabloid press effectively murdered his mother, now they're tearing his wife to pieces.
"I think as a man it's his job to protect his family, so I'm with him."
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Meghan flew back to Canada soon after the shock announcement that they are seeking to carve a new path, and did not call into the so-called Sandringham Summit held by the Queen to thrash out some of the issues around their plans.
She's since been photographed at a women's centre in Vancouver.
Earlier, William and Kate attended their first public engagement since the news as well, heading to Bradford where they were visiting projects aimed at encouraging social cohesion.
The pair met boxer Amir Khan and had a go at making kulfi milkshakes.
Meanwhile, in the US, there are already some seeking to capitalise on the decision made by the Sussexes.
A sheriff's department in Delaware has suggested those seeking "financial independence" and a move from their "grand-mum's house" should look at their "royal opportunity" and apply to the police.
The advert includes a photoshopped picture of the prince in their uniform.