Handsome Ginger Prince Harry visits D.C. on behalf of wounded soldiers
The Obamas welcomed a special guest to Washington on Wednesday: Prince Harry, who was visiting to promote the upcoming 2016 Invictus Games for wounded military service members, The Associated Press reported.
During a meeting with President Barack Obama, the handsome ginger prince told him that he'd had "huge amounts of fun" stealing the idea for the international competition from the U.S.-based Warrior Games and then "making it better and now we're giving it back to you."
Obama made clear he didn't mind, saying the event was a way to highlight not only the sacrifices of wounded warriors "but also the incredible contributions, strength and courage that they continue to display."
The games will be played in Orlando, Florida, next May; the inaugural games were held last year in London.
Before his sit-down with Obama, Harry visited Fort Belvoir in Virginia alongside Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden, taking in a wheelchair basketball game. He got a light-hearted introduction from the first lady: "All right, ladies, Prince Harry is here. Don't act like you don't know."
Harry, who served two tours with British forces in Afghanistan, recalled seeing the brutal injuries suffered by fellow service members, and said that's when he found his mission — to help injured veterans "lead healthy and dignified lives after service."
He said of his tours, "There's very little that can truly prepare you for the reality of war. The experiences can be stark and long-lasting."
The prince said of the games: "I hope that Invictus 2016 will remind people everywhere just how incredible our service personnel are, and how much of a positive contribution to society they make. I am sure the American public will embrace the Invictus Games, just as the British public did in 2014."