Last week, Prince Harry made a surprise appearance at the NFL Honors in Las Vegas, where he presented the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award to Pittsburgh Steelers player Cameron Heyward. However, despite his attendance at the event, Harry and his wife Meghan Markle had no plans to attend the Super Bowl on Sunday.
This news comes as Harry recently returned from a trip to the U.K. to visit his father, King Charles, who had been diagnosed with a form of cancer. The Duke of Sussex flew back to the U.S. just hours before his NFL Honors appearance. Harry and Meghan have also scheduled a joint trip to Canada in the coming days for the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025's One Year to Go celebrations.
Although the Super Bowl took place in Las Vegas, which is a short flight from their home in Montecito, California, the royal couple decided to focus on their upcoming engagements. They have two young children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, and their family time and commitments take priority.
Prince Harry's appearance at the NFL Honors was not his first involvement with the sport. He had also attended the Super Bowl in 2022 alongside his cousin Princess Eugenie. In his speech at the NFL Honors, Harry playfully highlighted the differences between rugby and American football, praising the players for their remarkable contributions and commitment to their communities.
Looking ahead, Harry and Meghan will be heading to Canada for the Invictus Games. Founded by Prince Harry in 2014, this adaptive sports tournament is dedicated to wounded, injured, and sick service personnel and veterans. Canada holds a special place in the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's hearts, as they made their official debut as a couple at the 2017 Invictus Games in Toronto, where Meghan lived while filming the TV show Suits.
This year's Invictus Games in Vancouver-Whistler will be particularly significant as it will incorporate winter adaptive sports alongside the core sports from previous events. The couple will join members of the International Invictus Community for the Winter Training Camp, allowing participants to experience winter sports ahead of the Games next year.
Both Harry and Meghan have been passionate advocates for community service, and the Invictus Games holds a special significance for them. The event not only showcases the determination and resilience of wounded warriors but also emphasizes the importance of inclusivity and support for those who have served in the military.
As the Duke and Duchess of Sussex continue to engage in philanthropic endeavors and support causes close to their hearts, their focus remains on making a positive impact and driving change in the world.
