Prince Harry laughs with injured servicemen and women as his speech blows away during Invictus Games team announcement

 
Ambassador: Prince Harry speaking at the event in Potters Field Park today (Picture: PA)
Standard Reporter13 August 2014

He may be a military man schooled in the art of discipline but Prince Harry showed he is more than happy to laugh at himself as his speech blew away at a photo call today.

The 29-year-old raised a laugh as he had to retrieve the piece of paper at the announcement of the 130-strong team for his inaugural Invictus Games - the biggest British military sports team ever assembled from wounded, injured or sick servicemen and women.

The team will take on hundreds of rivals from 13 other nations in a Paralympic-style competition in London next month.

Addressing reporters gathered near Tower Bridge, Harry joked that he would get "so much banter" from the servicemen and women behind him.

Good save: Prince Harry stops a speech from blowing away with his foot (Picture: PA)

He said: "Prosthetics, dogs, wheelchairs, high-performance cars, 4x4s, tattoos - we've got everything here. It could only be the Invictus Games."

As his speech blew away, prompting laughter from the audience, Harry joked: "No blowing from the left, thank you."

Smiles all round: Harry makes friends with a serviceman's dog (Picture: Getty)

He thanked the public and the media for their support of the games, which are also being backed by the Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

He said: "To all of you behind me, I would like to congratulate you on making the team.

"These men and women here have achieved so much already but being selected for this team is another significant milestone in their life beyond injury."

He said the games were not just for those taking part, but for the "wider family" and added that the team would not just be competing for themselves but for their "mates".

Inspired: Harry with the injured servicemen and women (Picture: PA)

The team, which has been trained and supported by Help for Heroes and the Ministry of Defence, is made up of 58 per cent veterans, with 42 per cent still serving members of the armed forces.

It was heralded today by Defence Secretary Michael Fallon as representing the "best of British spirit".

Standing tall: the Prince speaks to Captain Dave Henson (Picture: PA)

Invictus Games chairman Sir Keith Mills added: “My congratulations go to the remarkable men and women who have made the British Armed Forces team for the Invictus Games.

“They’ve done so through the same grit and determination that they’ve shown throughout their inspirational journeys of recovery."

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