Prince Harry Cites The ‘Stark And Long Lasting’ Effects of War During First Visit with Barack Obama

By Precy Dumlao
Prince Harry and U.S. President Barack Obama
Prince Harry meets with U.S. President Barack Obama.  Princeharryofwales.org

It was a historic moment: a British prince meeting a United States president for the first time in the Oval office. But contrary to the red carpet treatment and royal trappings that he is used to, Prince Harry met with President Barack Obama in a low-key setup, The Daily Mail reports.

The British prince was in town to launch the USA's first Invictus Games, to kick off in Orlando, Florida in 2016. "We are very glad to support the Invictus Games. Michelle and myself are interested in promoting it," the American president gushed.

Likewise speaking of the importance of the games, Kensington Palace mentioned that recognizing mental or "invisible" injuries were key for next year's games.

Prince Harry did not arrive at the White House with much fanfare but was pictured laughing and exchanging warm remarks with Obama and the First Lady. He had earlier spent the morning with Michelle Obama before his first official meeting with the US president.

US Magazine reports that Prince Harry had toured the USO Warrior and Family Center at the Fort Belvoir military base in Fairfax County, Virginia, with Michelle Obama.

Prince Harry, on the other hand, shared that they a lot of fun designing the Invictus Games based on "stealing the Warrior Games off yourselves and making it international, making it better, and now we're giving it back to you." The prince spoke of this opportunity to show support for the wounded service members of the military.

During the speech, 31-year-old Harry also spoke about his time in Afghanistan, which "changed the direction" of his life. "There is very little that can truly prepare you for the reality of war. The experiences can be stark and long lasting."

The Invictus Games is an international Paralympic-style multi-sport event, participated by active duty, armed service personnel and veterans who have been rendered disabled from injury in service. The Latin "Invictus" means "unconquered" or "undefeated." Games like wheelchair basketball, sitting volleyball and indoor rowing are among the featured sports.

The U.S. will host the 2016 Invictus Games at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida from the 8th to the 12th of May. 

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.

Top Stories