During an appearance at Admiralty House in Sydney as part of his whirlwind two-day visit to Australia, Prince Harry spoke about Saturday night’s attack in London.
Before beginning his speech to launch the 500-day countdown to Sydney’s hosting of the October 2018 Invictus Games, Prince Harry paid tribute to those who lost their lives in London’s terror attack earlier in the week.
“I would also like to start by sending my thoughts to those affected by Saturday’s attack at London Bridge…Australians form an important and vibrant part of the fabric of life in London and we’re reminded of that in good times and bad and our hearts go out to the victims, their friends and families.”
In speaking about the spirit of the men and women who depart war with permanent injuries and mental health problems Prince Harry referenced the efforts made by ex-service personnel after the 22 May attack at Manchester Arena.
“When a bomb left a number of people with life-changing injuries in Manchester last month, wounded veterans, including Invictus team members, immediately offered themselves up to provide advice and support to the victims through their recovery process.
“Their commitment to serve is engrained in every member of the armed forces and is the embodiment of the Invictus spirit.”
Following the Admiralty House event Prince Harry made his way to Sydney Harbour to watch a boat race. While there he was reunited with war widow Daphne Dunne who famously stole a kiss from the young royal when he was in Sydney two years ago.
It’s clear the moment wasn’t forgotten as Ms Dunne told reporters: “He gave me a hug and said he was glad to see me…it was nearly two years since he saw me last…He realised who I was and gave me a hug and a kiss, and just general conversation.”
Though the rain was pouring down Prince Harry spent time reminiscing with Ms Dunne who added that: “He was just normal, a happy-go-lucky person… He was absolutely soaking wet. Harry would be absolutely frozen.”
Harry arrived in Australia from Singapore where his Sentebale ISPS Handa team triumphed in a charity polo match against Nacho Figueras’s St Regis team.
