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. 

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