Prince Harry was welcomed by a sea of camera phone-wielding royal fans when he attended his first Invictus Games event before the tournament’s launch.
Harry looked relaxed when he arrived at a symposium in Toronto, Canada, where he met a number of past and present competitors who publicly discussed issues that have affected them during past games.
There is speculation the Prince will be joined at some point during his nine-day visit to Canada for the games, by his US actress girlfriend Meghan Markle, who lives and works in Toronto.
Suits star Markle, who has been dating the Queen’s grandson for just over a year, revealed her love for the Prince in an interview with Vanity Fair magazine, prompting speculation the announcement of a royal engagement was merely a formality.
The actress declared: “We’re two people who are really happy and in love. I hope what people will understand is that this is our time. This is for us.”
Meghan Markle, who lives in Toronto, and Prince Harry have been dating for just over a year (PA)
Harry, who founded Invictus and held the inaugural Games in 2014, will be in Toronto from September 22 to September 30.
The sporting event was established for injured servicemen and women and veterans to help with their recovery.
Before Saturday’s opening ceremony Harry will also hold a bilateral meeting with US first lady Melania Trump and separate talks with Canada’s prime minister Justin Trudeau.
The Prince’s first official engagement was a visit to a symposium, run by the veterans’ organisation True Patriot Love Foundation.
He took his seat among the audience to listen to a panel of past and present Invictus competitors and their families discuss the impact the games has had on their recovery and relationships.
Earlier it was announced by Kensington Palace that Harry is to make his first official visit to Denmark next month at the request of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
He will tour the Danish capital Copenhagen over two days, October 25 and 26.
Kensington Palace said: “The two-day programme will focus on the young people of Copenhagen.
“His Royal Highness is looking forward to spending time with entrepreneurs, young community leaders, and meeting individuals who are using sports for social development.
“Prince Harry’s first official visit to Denmark will include an audience with Her Majesty The Queen (Margrethe II of Denmark), and an opportunity to meet veterans, including some of the recently returned Danish Invictus Games Team.
“His Royal Highness will also attend a reception hosted by Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Denmark.”
The Prince’s proposed trip to Denmark is likely to be seen as another Brexit diplomacy visit by the Royal Family, who have made a series of European trips this year.