Prince Harry's visit to Birmingham was interrupted by a car alarm blaring as he spoke with the public at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) on Thursday. The Duke of Sussex was marking the one-year countdown to the Invictus Games, which will be held in the city next year.
The disruption occurred while Harry was mid-conversation, but there was no interruption to the event and no security issue, according to organizers. The alarm did not derail the proceedings, and Harry continued with his engagements.
Prince Harry Tries Invictus Sports
Earlier, Harry—who attended the event without his wife, Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex—tried his hand at several sports set to feature in the Games. He played pickleball, participated in a laser run (where competitors alternate between shooting a laser pistol and running or pushing for wheelchair athletes), and played wheelchair basketball. The Invictus Games, founded by Harry in 2014, are an international sporting event for wounded military service personnel and veterans, using sport to support recovery.
Harry was also due to give a speech before the event concluded, alongside Birmingham MP Al Carns, a veteran himself.
Second Day in Birmingham
Thursday marked Harry's second day in Birmingham. On Wednesday, he visited the city's children's hospital in his role as patron of the WellChild charity, meeting nurses, young patients, and their families.
The Invictus Games are scheduled to be held at the NEC and Sandwell Aquatics Centre from July 10 to 17 next year. Speculation has raged all week about whether the Duchess and their two children would join Harry during his UK visit. She was not seen at any of his London engagements, although there were reports the family may fly in to allow King Charles III to have a rare meeting with his grandchildren.
