ADVERTISEMENT

British Royal visits mental health hospital ahead of Invictus Games

Prince Harry met with staff and patients at a Toronto mental health facility also visited by Princess Diana.

The British royal was scheduled to officially open the games -- for disabled or wounded soldiers and veterans -- alongside US First Lady Melania Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Saturday night.

As on Friday, Prince Harry -- dressed in a blue blazer and beige pants -- spent time with athletes Saturday, following a tour of Toronto's Center for Addiction and Mental Health, where his mother Diana visited 26 years ago.

The prince, who was not joined by girlfriend Meghan Markle, met hospital staff and young patients before greeting fans and posing for pictures outside.

Hours before the opening ceremony, speculation mounted over whether the British royal would arrive at the event with Markle.

ADVERTISEMENT

Since the "Suits" actress, 36, told Vanity Fair the couple are "in love" last month, fans and the press have been eagerly awaiting an official appearance.

According to his schedule, Queen Elizabeth II's grandson plans to stay at Markle's Toronto home for the entire eight days of the Games.

After last year's Games in Orlando, Florida, the third edition of the Games in Toronto brings together more than 550 injured soldiers and veterans from 17 countries.

The first Invictus Games, based on the Paralympic Games, were held in September 2014 in London. They were launched by Prince Harry, who served with the British Army in Afghanistan.

This year's Games were reserved for Canada, which is marking the 150th anniversary of the founding of its confederation and the centenary of the Battle of Vimy during World War I.

ADVERTISEMENT

Performances from Canadian pop artists Sarah McLachlan and Alessia Cara and British soprano Laura Wright were set for Saturday's opening ceremony.

Meanwhile, American rocker Bruce Springsteen will headline the closing ceremony on September 30, joined by Bryan Adams and Quebecois artist Couer de Pirate.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Over 100 inmates in Kano seek mercy, review of death sentences

Over 100 inmates in Kano seek mercy, review of death sentences

FG shuts KFC outlet that 'humiliated' Gbenga Daniel's wheelchair-bound son

FG shuts KFC outlet that 'humiliated' Gbenga Daniel's wheelchair-bound son

Reps vow to retrieve sold Govt helicopters, summon aviation ministers

Reps vow to retrieve sold Govt helicopters, summon aviation ministers

Distress of abducted Kuriga school children led to successful rescue - DHQ

Distress of abducted Kuriga school children led to successful rescue - DHQ

Reps halt NASU's strike to resolve dispute between FG, universities

Reps halt NASU's strike to resolve dispute between FG, universities

Lagos VIS seizes 50 unroadworthy vehicles in enforcement operation

Lagos VIS seizes 50 unroadworthy vehicles in enforcement operation

Aiyedatiwa sends 12 commissioner nominees to Ondo Assembly for confirmation

Aiyedatiwa sends 12 commissioner nominees to Ondo Assembly for confirmation

Woman saves animal from the streets — then she finds out it is something else

Woman saves animal from the streets — then she finds out it is something else

Alake calls on Badaru to fish out illegal miners, violators of mining laws

Alake calls on Badaru to fish out illegal miners, violators of mining laws

Pulse Sports

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT