Harry's Pickleball Debut
Prince Harry Takes to the Court, Trying Pickleball at Invictus Games Demonstration
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Prince Harry tried his hand at pickleball during a demonstration at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham, England, ahead of the Invictus Games. The Duke of Sussex — referred to in some reports as the Duke of England — joined TV personalities on court to show off the fast-growing sport, according to The Bolton News.
The event brought together celebrities including Alison Hammond, known for hosting This Morning and The Great British Bake Off, and TV presenter Ade Adepitan, according to Wimbledon Guardian.
Harry Steps Onto the Pickleball Court in Birmingham
Pickleball is a paddle sport that mixes tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. Players use a solid paddle and a plastic ball with holes. It is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, popular with all ages. Harry took part in a live demonstration at the NEC, one of the UK's largest event venues, according to News and Star.
The Invictus Games is Harry's flagship project. It is a sporting competition for wounded, injured, and sick military personnel and veterans. The Birmingham demonstration was part of efforts to grow the Games and highlight new sports, according to Dorset Echo.
Celebrity Guests Add Star Power to the Event
Alison Hammond and Ade Adepitan joined Harry on court for the pickleball session. Hammond is one of the UK's most recognisable TV faces. Adepitan is a former Paralympic wheelchair basketball player turned presenter. Their presence helped draw attention to the event, according to St Helens Star.
The mix of sport and celebrity is a familiar formula for Invictus events. It helps put a spotlight on the Games and the veterans who compete in them. Harry has long used high-profile supporters to raise the profile of the competition, according to Herts Ad.
King Meeting Rumours Swirl Despite Security Concerns
Harry did not bring his US-based children, Archie and Lilibet, to the Birmingham event. Security concerns are said to be a key reason. Harry has been in a long dispute with the UK government over his loss of publicly funded police protection, according to Wimbledon Guardian.
Despite Harry's absence from key royal settings, rumours are circulating about a possible meeting between King Charles and his grandchildren, Archie and Lilibet. No meeting has been confirmed. The relationship between Harry and the wider Royal Family remains strained, according to The Bolton News.
Invictus Games Continues to Grow Its Global Footprint
The Invictus Games has grown from a single event in London in 2014 to a global series. Past Games have been held in cities including Sydney, Toronto, and The Hague. The competition now features over 500 competitors from more than 20 nations, according to Dorset Echo.
Adding new sports like pickleball helps keep the Games fresh and relevant. It also opens the door to more veterans taking part. Harry remains the driving force behind the event, using appearances like the Birmingham demonstration to keep momentum going, according to News and Star.
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