Prince Harry ‘in tears’ during emotional moment after returning to UK

An emotional Duke of Sussex appeared to wipe his eyes during a high-profile event in his former hometown.

Prince Harry arrives at The Invictus Games Foundation 10th Anniversary Service at St Paul's Cathedral. Picture: Chris Jackson/Getty Images for Invictus Games Foundation

Prince Harry has been seen appearing to wipe away tears during an emotional moment at an Invictus Games service in London.

The Duke of Sussex, in the midst of a brief return to his home country in honour of the games’ 10th anniversary, was a guest of honour at a Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral on Wednesday.

He appeared to become overwhelmed during a testimony by the 2018 Team UK captain, Michelle Turner, along with her husband and daughter, as they described the profound impact the competition had had on their lives.

Harry was cheered on by the crowd outside as he entered the church. Picture: Chris Jackson/Getty Images for Invictus Games Foundation

As a choked-up Ms Turner wrapped up by thanking “Invictus for giving me my life back”, Harry stood up to lead the congregation in a standing ovation, before appearing to wipe away his own tears.

He later delivered a reading of a passage from Corinthians.

The duke is patron of the Games, which began in 2014 as a sporting competition for wounded, injured or sick ex-servicemen and women.

It followed his own decade of service in the military, which included two tours of Afghanistan.

Harry appeared to well up at one point during the service... Picture: Chris Jackson/Getty Images for Invictus Games Foundation

... But was all smiles outside. Picture: Chris Jackson/Getty Images for Invictus Games Foundation

Unsurprisingly, given the rift currently dividing Harry and the royal family, none were in attendance at Wednesday’s event.

However, two of his relatives did make a surprise appearance in support of the duke.

Earl Charles Spencer and Lady Jane Fellowes, the brother and sister of the late Princess Diana, were spotted entering St Paul’s and taking their seats in the second row ahead of the service, where they were soon after joined by their nephew.

After sitting directly in front of them, Harry immediately turned around and began smiling and chatting animatedly with his mother’s siblings.

Members of the public and press gathered ahead of the duke’s arrival. Picture: Justin Tallis/AFP

Dominic Reid OBE, CEO, Invictus Games Foundation and Prince Harry speak with Pikemen and Musketeers during The Invictus Games Foundation Conversation. Picture: Chris Jackson/Getty Images for The Invictus Games Foundation

Akshata Murty, the wife of UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, was also in attendance.

Ahead of the event, the prince confirmed via a spokesman that his request to see his father, King Charles, during his brief return to the UK had been denied.

Akshata Murty, wife of UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, at St Paul's Cathedral. Picture: Chris Jackson/Getty Images for Invictus Games Foundation

Charles Spencer, 9th Earl Spencer, was there to support his nephew. Picture: Chris Jackson/Getty Images for Invictus Games Foundation

“It unfortunately will not be possible due to His Majesty’s full program,” the spokesman said of a meeting between the King and Harry.

“The duke of course is understanding of his father’s diary of commitments and various other priorities and hopes to see him soon.”

Harry is expected to depart London on Thursday. He’ll also soon head to Nigeria with his wife, Meghan Markle, to embark on a tour in honour of the nation’s recent inclusion in the Invictus Games.

Originally published as Prince Harry ‘in tears’ during emotional moment after returning to UK